Blog - Behind the scenes stories of a professional photojournalist and video producer specializing in the wine, food, spirits, & adventure travel industries
18 months ago Fred Noble was diagnosed with ALS. Though he’s lost the ability to move his legs, he was determined to celebrate his 75th birthday much as he has for the past 38 years – heli-skiing with Canadian Mountain Holidays. Last week he made the first ever descent on a sit-ski at the Bugaboos. Stay posted for his story about this sit-ski adventure soon, here’s a teaser from the documentary film we’re helping him create.
View towards Bugaboos Spire, glacier to the right of tooth-shaped rock was Fred's first descent on a sit ski
Snow continued to dump mid week for epic powder skiing/ boarding, but unfortunately was warm and heavy day of Fred's sit ski adventure
David & Gary secure Fred to sit ski and start go pro cams to capture the adventure
So, here’s how the first descent on a sit ski heliskiing at CMH unfolded . . .
Kudos to guides Peter and Andrew for enabling Fred's first descent, albeit the unexpected results
Fred did manage a few additional fun sit ski runs, photo copyright Bob Holmes
Fred's 75th Birthday celebration in Bugaboos style!
Fred always manages to be the center of the party, last evening of a Bugaboos trip is always wild!
Fred will be adding his own personal story about the descent soon, check out his blog for more stories of inspiration
I’ve dreamt of the complete freedom and incomparable adrenalin rush of helicopter skiing & snowboarding for the past twenty years. My expectations were high, yet these visions were exceeded by my Canadian Mountain Holidays experience in the most surprising ways.
Bugaboos Lodge overlooking Bugaboo Range and Spires, British Columbia, Canada
I learned to ski at the age of 9 from my grandfather, Andy Hennig, who was an Austrian Ski instructor at Sun Valley, Idaho until the age of 77. He was a legend in his own right teaching the Hemingway family and countless celebrities while working with Warren Miller in the early days of the adventure ski films. This lifestyle made an unforgettable impression, and in my mid 20’s I took a job at a snowboard company, hired photographers for marketing campaigns, and watched endless ski and snowboard films to fuel the fire.
Clear days offer unlimited access to tracks high alpine glaciers
Fast forward 15 years and my dream had nearly slipped away. I used the same excuses of lacking time, money, and fitness that most of us justify in delaying such adventures. Additionally last summer I lost my snowboarding partner of 15 years, Dale Johnson, who died in a tragic accident before he had the chance to heli snowboard – #1 on his bucket list. As life teaches us through unexpected circumstances, I found my dream reignited through the inspiration of Fred Noble.
Bell Long ranger helicopter transported our group of 12 to ski/board an average of 20,000 vertical feet a day
Fred has heli-skied over 7 million vertical feet with CMH as their North American Agent, choosing to use his commissions in trade for heli-ski time during the past 38 years. This trip was his most challenging yet – 18 months ago Fred was diagnosed with ALS and he has lost all mobility in his legs. He was determined to celebrate his 75th birthday at the Bugaboos with the first descent on a sit ski, and I was there to help capture the event for a documentary film on his life (see next blog entry for this story). The experience was bittersweet, his unquenchable spirit contagious, and by watching Fred overcome obstacles of this magnitude I realized my excuses were miniscule in comparison.
First light on Bugaboo Spires
In reality all of my concerns vanished the minute the helicopter dropped us off besides the magnificent bugaboo spires. CMH invented heli-skiing at the Bugaboos over 45 years ago and they’ve perfected the experience. The first day our group of 10 women, one man, and two guides had countless fresh tracks on a perfect bluebird day offering unlimited access to the high alpine glaciers.
Fresh tracks on a perfect bluebird day
I was surprised how effortless, fun, and relatively easy the first few runs were vs resort skiing or snowboarding. There’s really no comparison – we had endless clean lines to ride, the perfect constant pitch, virgin 6-12 inches of packed powder, and expert guides to lead the way and follow behind to ensure our safety. I’m accustomed to the mantra, “there’s no friends on powder days”, when everyone races down the first few lifts before the masses shred up the runs or discover the secret powder stash. At CMH, the only inexhaustible resource was our legs though we were replenished each helicopter ride with energy drinks and freshly baked treats.
Limitless fresh tracks in the high alpine
On the second afternoon when many guests opted for a rest I had the chance to join a group of guides, staff, and several skiers with over a million vertical feet at CMH. At first I was intimidated, but soon found that my level of riding rose to the occasion. Cannon Barrel run was in perfect condition to rip with unrestrained speed: In a few minutes our group traveled over 2,800 vertical feet, stopping only once for a brief rest. I can still hear the hoots and hollers of my fellow skiers, telemarkers, and riders – we made three epic runs that are seared in my mind as my most unforgettable riding experience.
Epic day & great group
My fellow skiers were fun and relaxed, and our camaraderie was always high. Though we had both expert and virgin heli-skiers, we were a very compatible and tight knit group. I enjoyed not having to fight for my turn to go first and the shouts of encouragement as everyone continued to gain confidence and improve. As a tomboy, I’ve been accustomed to fighting alpha males for position in adventure sports. I had honestly never considered the fact that I could have more fun joining a group of women who would push my limits – but in a joyful, non-competitive way.
Camaraderie kept our group energized
Mid week a series of storms dumped 1-2 feet of fresh snow each day. These conditions were ideal for extensive tree runs with the lightest deepest powder I’ve ever encountered. One morning I rode with the chef, another snowboarder, enjoying the long easy lines through the trees. Each of us paired up with a buddy and made our own unique call to each other as we traveled; I can still hear the yodel of Seth, our Austrian guide, echoing through the forest..
Springtime conditions offer best of both worlds, mid week storm brought 3 feet of fresh powder
Snow, snow, and more snow!
Everything at CMH is world class, and after a long day on the mountain nothing beats a soak in the hot tub. This was my daily ritual, and on the days when my body gave out I indulged in a 45-minute deep tissue massage expertly applied to the areas most in need of recovery.
Perfect way to unwind after a long day in the mountains
It’s tradition on the last evening of the week to dress up in costume, share stories and skits from the most entertaining parts of the trip, and join a dance party after dinner. For details you’ll have to wait until I post the video, or for a teaser go to my blog post on Fred’s 75th birthday. My only regret from my experience was not conditioning better in advance – next time I’ll be prepared for the endless activity!
Tequila shots, Bugaboos style
This trip broke nearly every stereotype and concern I had of heli-skiing. Groups ranged in age from 30 to 75 years old, from expert to first time heli-skiers of varying fitness levels and expertise. Over half our group were women, and though I was the lone snowboarder for most runs the guides were experienced to lead boarders to alternative routes to avoid flats or let the group break the trail when traverses were unavoidable. The one thing we all shared was an unquenchable thirst for skiing or snowboarding; sharing the week with like-minded, passionate adventurers is an incredible experience I’m now addicted to relive as often as possible.
Bittersweet departure . . . leaving another several feet of fresh snow
One last view leaving overlooking Bugaboos, already dreaming of the next visit . . .
Looking for an adrenalin rush? Check out our video of CMH’s newest summer adventure, dramatic scenery where the Bobbie Burns guides have developed a new Conrad Glacier Experience for 2012 with bridges, ziplines and waterfalls.
CMH used the our video to launch ‘The Wildest New Adventure in North America”.
Brett Lawrence setting the course for the new Conrad Glacier experience, Bobbie Burns lodge
Brett Lawrence zip lining across glacial river, working with Bruce Howatt to create the newest Conrad Glacier Experience
The CMH blog written by Topher Donahue also interviews Bruce Howatt, the manager of CMH Bobbie Burns – here’s an excerpt from his post: “You’re right. It isn’t a via ferrata nor is it anywhere close to a traditional hike. The trip is hiking, navigating wild canyons using bridges and rungs, ascending colourful rock slabs right next to waterfalls, zipline crossings, traversing rock walls next to a glacier and, coming soon, more climbing, waterfalls and hopefully some crevasse crossings. All this is mixed into some of the most scenic, mind-blowing, wild mountain hiking you can imagine. Blue glaciers, dark orange rock and bright green ponds are everywhere.”
An exhilarating excursion to the summit of Mt. Nimbus along North America\’s longest and most extensive via ferrata route. Deep in the Purcell mountains, the Bobbie Burns mountain guides designed and created a Via Ferrata (Italian for \”Iron Way\”)
We also enjoyed more ‘traditional’ heli-hiking excursions from the Bobbie Burns and Bugaboos base lodges, though the experiences were far from any other hiking experience I’ve encountered in the world.
Heli - Hiking the spectacular Anthea’s - A half-day, resoundingly alpine hike along a goat trail up to a high ridge, with great views of the Conrad Glacier, looking down at towering ice needles and into looming crevasses, Bobbie Burns Lodge.
Access to spectacular varied scenery was endless with the helicopter dropping us off where the best weather and conditions prevailed. I spent a month ‘roughing it’ hiking to Everest Base camp, and while the Himalayan views certainly rivaled Canada I’ve never expeienced adventures based from refined, remote mountain lodges with a highly-trained pastry & head chef cooking with health, flavour, and presentation in mind, using the finest fresh Western Canadian ingredients!
Heli - Hiking the spectacular Ridge Rooftop, a rocky, above-timberline hike. and one of the best places to get a 360 degree view of the southern Columbias , Bugaboo Spires, and the Canadian Rockies, Bugaboos Lodge.
Enjoying my view from the top of Ridge Rooftop hike, Bugaboos Lodge
View of Bugaboos spires from Bugaboos Lodge
Here’s a few last vantage points, I’ve created 360 degree virtual reality tours of two locations, click here to view (you’ll need a fast internet connection to view the detailed hd panos)
For 30+ years CMH has been guiding guests on extraordinary lodge-based journeys in BC’s Canadian Rockies. Here’s a link to their website and blog with more details about these adventures:
Each year there’s a few days of perfect fall conditions where the vineyards are in their peak conditions. On November 15 & 16th I was fortunate to photograph California wine country on crystal clear, 85 degree days. There’s no better way to experience the terroir of the wine country than flying in a helicopter without doors – the views were spectacular from the Golden Gate Bridge to Carneros, Sonoma, and Napa Valley – I love my job!! Here’s a few highlights:
View to Pacific Ocean from Evening Land's vineyards, Sonoma, California
Russian River winds through Sonoma vineyards on a brilliant fall day.
Aerial view of Spring Mountain Vineyards overlooking Napa Valley, California
Revana winery & vineyards, Napa, California
Raymond Vineyards, Napa, California
Ideal aerial set up: R44 helicopter with the doors removed, clear 85 degree day in mid November
However ideal the conditions are for aerial photography, experience from years of flying has taught me the most important considerations for capturing the best angle and drama of the subject. Learning to work with pilots who are adept at maneuvering the helicopter at low altitudes, holding steady for panoramic stitch photos, and getting to the right angle of the sun to backlight vineyards and cut out surrounding distractions can take determination and time to optimize. When all the elements do come together, there’s no better way to capture a sense of place from this unique vantage point.
Timing is everything: The transition between summer and fall this season, like harvest, has been quick and dramatic. With rain forecast for the next 10 days, I was able to find one morning with sunlight, fog, and optimum fall colors in the vineyards. There’s no better way to cover a lot of ground quickly than an aerial helicopter shoot. Here’s a few highlights:
Brilliant golden vineyard contrast with surrounding hillside in this panoramic photo over WillaKenzie Estate, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Fog began rolling in over the hill quickly, this view looking north over Willakenzie Estate about 6 minutes after the first panoramic photo.
Warm hues of a foggy fall morning showcase new tasting room at WillaKenzie Estate.
Colene Clemens recently completed construction for their tasting room near WillaKenzie Estate. Fog skirts around the winery & tasting room, perched above estate vineyards.
A 180 degrees view of Colene Clemens Winery as the fog continues to roll in.
Landmark barn at Colene Clemens peaks through gap in fog.
Placing harvest bins in preparation of pick later that morning at Alexana Vineyards, Dundee Hills, Oregon.
I love aerial photography, it is my favorite way to capture unique landscapes with a sense of place and drama. I’ve been fortunate to fly with the same pilot for the past 7 years, fine-tuning my expertise on shoots throughout Oregon, Washington, and California. I’m often able to piggy-back several properties on the same shoot, and these photographs get more mileage than any other type of photography in books, magazine features and covers, and general marketing material. It’s a surprisingly reasonable expense – please contact me if you are interested in a custom quote.
Here’s links to a few websites of wineries that have utilized aerial photography uniquely:
