Alpine Trail Running
Remote landscapes
Guided alpine trail running at its peak
Astounding landscapes, no crowds and some of the best trails anywhere. CMH Bugaboos features the most enviable alpine trail running trips in the world. Offering flexibility for a variety of abilities, each 4-day trip is filled with adventure, accomplishment and exceptional post-run relaxation. With daily heli-accessed trail running excursions led by professional guides, you’ve never experienced a runner’s high quite like this.
Trip Dates:
- 4 day trip at Bugaboos July 13-16, 2026
- 4 day trip at Bugaboos July 31-August 3, 2026
Activity level:
All levels - beginner to advanced
Arrival Day
5:00 am
Depart via the CMH coach from Calgary, Banff or other pick-up locations and journey along the spectacular Yoho National Park on your way to the helipad.
9:30 am
Arrive at helipad for heli-transfer to the lodge
10:30-11 am
Upon arrival, you’ll get acquainted with the lodge
11:30 am
Lunch
1:00 pm
After a helicopter safety briefing, enjoy your first afternoon of trail running in the mountains. You can expect to run approximately 5-8 km in your first afternoon. There are two guides for the group allowing us to cater to any splits required for speed and ability.
4-5 pm
Return back to the lodge where you can enjoy après-adventure refreshments, a soak in the hot tub or a massage.
7:00 pm
Enjoy your first CMH gourmet family-style dinner – staff will join you for the meal each evening
Days 2 & 3
7:30 am
Wake up with a dynamic warm-up class
8:00 am
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to start your day right. Pack your lunch for the day and get ready for your day of adventure.
9:00 am
First group will fly into the mountains. On Day 2 you can expect to run up to 10 km with approximately 400-600 m ascent, Day 3 you may run up to 20 km with approximately 500-1000 m ascent.
4:00-6:00 pm
Return to the lodge, where you can enjoy après-adventure refreshments, a soak in the hot tub or a massage or explore the trails around the lodge.
7:00 pm
Swap stories of your incredible adventures in the mountains as you savour a family-style dinner with your guides and lodge staff
Departure Day
8:00 am
Enjoy a hearty lodge breakfast before departing the lodge with your final heli-transfer
11:00 am
Private coach transfer from helipad to Golden, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore and Calgary International Airport
2:00 pm
Estimated arrival time in Banff
3:30 pm
Anticipated arrival at Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend guests do not book flights until after 6pm MT.
*Please note: Hiking schedule and lunch times may vary
Questions?
If you have questions, our team is happy to assist.
Call us at 1-800-661-0252
Extend Your Stay
Arrive early or leave later by extending your CMH stay with additional adventures in Banff and surrounding area. Our CMH Vacation Planning team can help you with the details.
Accommodations
A double occupancy room in the hotel-style CMH Bugaboo Lodge for the duration of your stay, featuring a full range of inviting onsite amenities.
Food & Beverage
Three meals per day – a chef-prepared breakfast and dinner plus packed lunches, après-hiking snacks and non-premium non-alcoholic refreshments.
Heli-Assisted Guided Adventure
Professionally accredited guides will accompany you on your adventure, featuring heli flights up and down the mountains plus return flights to your lodge. Learn more about Heli-Hiking
Ground Transportation
Transportation on the CMH coach from the Calgary International Airport (YYC), Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise or Golden to the CMH Bugaboos helipad, and return to Golden, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore or the Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Equipment
Use of CMH equipment, including rain jackets, wind pants, day packs and hiking poles. Some of our guests opt to use their own equipment – the choice is yours.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Premium non-alcoholic beverages
- Massages
- Retail goods available for purchase
- Airfare to and from your city of origin
Questions?
If you have questions, our team is happy to assist.
Call us at 1-800-661-0252
Trip Information
If you’re thinking of a trip or have already booked and are looking for additional information, check out our Trip Information.
Bugaboo Lodge
A Classic CMH Icon
Welcome to your historical headquarters in the famed Bugaboos. Perched at 1,490m (4,888 ft), our 32-room log-hewn lodge at the base of Bugaboo Glacier is enshrined as the birthplace of the heli-skiing industry. With mind-blowing scenery that’s captivated mountaineers for over a century, history abounds here – and so do modern comforts.
Inspired cuisine, deluxe accommodations, full-service amenities and one of the best hot tub views on the planet make Bugaboo Lodge the perfect alpine escape. Soar into an incredible summer adventure at CMH Bugaboo Lodge.
Amenities
- Rooftop hot tub
- Stunning mountain views
- CMH Museum
- Gear & gift shop
- Games room
- Music room
- Steam room and dry sauna
- Massage
- Indoor climbing wall
- Swimming pond
- Chef-prepared meals & snacks
- Pastry chef
- Full-service bar with extensive wine cellar
- Wi-Fi
- Complimentary laundry facilities
Each room includes
- Hand & body wash
- Bathrobe
- Shampoo / conditioner
- Hair dryer
Journey to the Bugaboos
There are a number of ways to travel to our lodges: you can ride in one of the private CMH coaches (from designated pick-up/drop-off locations) or drive yourself to the helipad. We also offer additional transport options if you’re looking for something more specialized – call us for details.
Please note that a Parks Canada pass is required to park in Banff or drive to our helipads. If you’re self-driving and require a pass, you can avoid lineups at the park gate by buying a pass online.
Parking at the helipad is available at your own risk. CMH assumes no liability for vehicles parked at the helipad.
Self-Driving Directions (via Banff)
CMH Area Map
Calgary/Banff to Bugaboos helipad
2-3.5 hrs
Enjoy private coach transportation from Calgary, Banff and other select locations and takes you along the spectacularly scenic Trans-Canada Highway then winds along a corridor lined with Rocky Mountains and epic forests toward Golden, BC. From there, we'll travel southwest until arriving at the Bugaboos helipad.
Bugaboos helipad to CMH Bugaboos lodge
10 mins
It’s time to lift off on your first CMH heli flight. After watching a safety video, you’ll disembark your coach for your short, scenic flight up to the fabled Bugaboo Lodge.
What Trail Running Experience do I need?
You do not need specific trail running experience to take part in this program as our guides will provide coaching in mountain terrain. We do recommend that you at least run on roads or trails 3-4 times per week to participate in this program and are confident that you can run 5-6 km distances non-stop for 3 days in a row.
How far will I run each day?
We have designed the trail running program so that your distance increases each day. Typically on Day 1, you will run between 5-8 km with approximately 200-400 m ascent. Day 2, you will run up to 10 km with approximately 400-600 m ascent. On Day 3, you will run up to 20 km with approximately 500-1000 m ascent. These distances are subject to change depending on ability and experience.
What happens if I can’t keep up with the group?
There are two guides for the group allowing us to cater to any splits required for speed and ability. If you still find yourself struggling, we would recommend that you switch to the equally inspiring daily heli-hiking. You will still be able to explore the mountains with us!
Are running shoes acceptable or should I have specific trail running shoes?
Participants MUST have trail running shoes. We recommend mid or low ankle trail runners.
Will there be the opportunity to take photos?
Absolutely! We will make stops during the day where you will have the chance to take photos.
Your Trip Highlights
From your headquarters at CMH Bugaboos Lodge, you’ll fly out to conquer ridgelines, forest trails and mountaintops under ethereal skies.
While the scenery is breathtaking, your trip is sure to be in your comfort zone, with each day offering a new trail running adventure of up to 25km (15.5 mi), based on your preferences.
At the end of each day’s run, fuel up and recharge with casually gourmet dining, a rooftop hot tub, a relaxing massage and marvelous mountain hospitality.
Pricing and Dates
Reserve your trail running vacation today
Questions?
Call us at 1-800-661-0252Group travel options
Bring your group and mingle with other guests in the lodge. Let us help customize the group trail running trip of your dreams.
Call 1-800-661-0252 Send us an email