Ready for a Vertical Challenge? Thredbo Resort in Australia Offers You the Chance to Win a Heli-Ski Trip of a Lifetime

Australia’s premier ski resort Thredbo just announced it will offer its Vertical Mountain Challenge (VMC) and a chance to win a heli-skiing trip of a lifetime. Working with CMH Heli-Ski, Travelplan Ski, and Air Canada, Thredbo is planning to organize this unique ski contest for the current season.

Entry is straightforward. Ski or ride more than 5,000 meters (16,404 ft.) in a single day. For each day you surpass the 5,000 vertical meter mark you are entered to win. It’s that easy! You may enter (ski!) as much as you can like! And remember, Ikon pass holders also have access to Thebdo Resort.

• Related: Lift Lines at Thredbo Resort, Australia, Have Been Light This Year. Could That Be Because They Aren’t on the Epic Pass?

Partnering in this event is CMH Heli-Ski, a leader in the field with more than 55 years of experience. Since founder Hans Gmoser first helicoptered a group of fellow skiers to the top of the mountain in 1965, CMH Heli-ski hasn’t stopped its passion or progress for the sport. They now focus on providing ultimate heli-ski experiences for their clients across 11 locations in the majestic Columbia Mountains of British Columbia.

With more than 3,000,000+ skiable acres (approximately 1/3 the size of Switzerland) and renowned ‘feather-light snow’, CMH’s terrain truly offers some of the world’s best skiing. CMH prioritizes the comfort of their guests with luxury accommodations and amenities and supports them by using only ACGMA and IFMGA certified guides, both knowledgeable and experienced in this exact terrain. VMC contest prize details include:

• Two return Air Canada economy flights to Kelowna Airport from the winner’s nearest capital city in Australia (flight-associated taxes are included). Airfare is valid for a departure from 1 February 23 to 27 February 23 (the last possible day to depart Australia to arrive on time at CMH Kootenay).
• Five nights of accommodation in 2x single rooms at the Kootenay CMH Lodge 28/02/2023 – 05/03/2023.
• Use of lodge facilities including saunas, hot tubs, and more.
• All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Shuttle transportation to and from Kelowna Airport or Revelstoke, only on the designated start and end days of the Kootenay trip.
• Services of ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), and/or IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Association) certified guides, and guides recognized by HeliCat Canada.
• Use of specially designed heli-skis and snowboards. Poles are also provided. Note: Boots are not provided.
• Training in and use of avalanche transceivers.
• Use of a CMH guest pack including radio, shovel, and probe.

With such an amazing idea, I can’t imagine why this couldn’t be done in the U.S. It’s a great promotion for those companies involved and seems like a win-win situation all around. Maybe there’s a way to persuade some of our home resort(s) to think about hosting a similar opportunity?

Because if all I have to do is ski 16,404 feet of vertical a day to enter… I just might have to give it a shot!