The storm came in suddenly from the south rolling like a freight train over the Bugaboo Mountains of Eastern British Columbia peeling off claps of thunder and spitting strikes of lightning that forked along the ridgeline.

It seemed amazing. The day had dawned clear with only wisps of clouds against a blue August sky. We’d hiked all day in high-mountain meadows dotted with vibrant wildflowers and lunched at a glacier lake well above timberline. We’d seen soaring eagles, marmots, a snow-white mountain goat and one awe-inspiring grizzly bear. But now with the storm barreling down on us it was clearly time to make a hasty departure.

That’s when our guide, Jean-Francois, radioed for chopper support. A few minutes later as we hunkered down in a clearing there was the unmistakable “thwap, thwap, thwap” of our Vietnam War-era Bell 212 helicopter as it swooped in to pick us up. I kept thinking of “Apocalypse Now.”

Then, as hail started to fall and the leading edge of the storm crashed upon us, we lifted off and buffeted our way back to the comforts of the Bobbie Burns lodge where our heli-hiking adventure had begun six hours before.

For years I had known about helicopter skiing as a prime Canadian winter sports activity. But when I discovered that Canadian Mountain Holidays (the company that pioneered heli-skiing) offered summer heli-hiking trips, it was a wilderness offering I couldn’t refuse.

My eagerness was heightened when I received the company’s illustrated brochure showing hikers exploring remote azure lakes surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. And it showed how they had been air-lifted into these remote high country locations by helicopter.

It described how heli-hiking caters to avid hikers that crave a rigorous mountaineering experience by day, but wish to enjoy the creature comforts of a rustic ski lodge (set deep in the woods) where a steaming hot tub and a superbly prepared dinner awaits them at day’s end!

Looking back on my adventure of last summer, I can say, unequivocally, that heli-hiking offers a wilderness experience that is unlike any other.

This season, from July 6 through Sept. 7, Canadian Mountain Holidays is offering three and six-night heli-hiking adventures to two of its lodges— Bobbie Burns and Bugaboos. Three-day adventures are $2,490 (for adults), $2,190 (for youths 15-17), $1,870 (for children 5-14, although younger children are allowed). Six-day trips (which includes visits to both lodges) are: $4,690, $4,130 and $3,520.

CMH is also offering a special incentive for those that reserve by June 15. It features a $225 per person gift certificate (for 3-day trips) and $450 (for six) which can be applied toward the cost of bar service, massages or purchases in the hiking shop. In addition, the booking rate for children will be reduced by 50%.

Clearly heli-hiking adventures are expensive. The question then becomes of dollars spent versus the experience gained. In this regard, heli-hiking offers an awful lot of bang for your buck— comparable to rafting trip the Colorado River or hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti in Kenya.

The adventure begins with your first lift off, which is preceded by detailed instruction on proper helicopter protocol, including NEVER GO NEAR THE TAIL ROTOR! You’re taught how to huddle safely in a group for pick up, and how to board efficiently. Then it’s time for your first adrenaline rush as the helicopter lifts off and you find yourself soaring over dense pine forests, rushing rivers, mountain lakes and massive glaciers.

Most hikes are so desolate that there are no trails. But fear not, each group is accompanied by an expert guides that is well acquainted with the terrain and in radio contact with the helicopters. Depending on the weather, a day’s flight may include one or more hiking locations.

Groups are assigned based on physical condition: from causal hikers to strenuous mountaineers. And if the weather in the high country prohibits flying, there are extensive trails for hiking in the forest that abound with wildflowers, mushrooms and dense ferns.

In addition, in the woodlands surrounding its Bobbie Burns Lodge CMH has installed a series of thrill-ride zip-lines across the rapids of Malloy Creek. After being safely harnessed in you take a leap of faith that sends you flying from bank to bank.

For those that have paid their dues carrying a 50 lb pack and sleeping on the ground, or for anyone that craves a top-flight wilderness experience, it’s hard to match the thrill of heli-hiking in the mountains of Canada. Talk about a way to lift your spirits!

If You Go.

For information: Canadian Mountain Holidays, 217 Bear Street, Box 1660, Banff, Alberta. (800) 661-0252, www.cmhhike.com.

Rates (July 6-Sept. 7, 2009): 3-night trips: $2490 (adults), $2,190 (youths 15-17), $1,870 (children 5-14); 6-night trips (to Bobbie Burns and Bugaboo Lodges): $4,690, $2,190 and $3,520.

Packages are also available that include lodging in Banff and transfers from the airport in Calgary. You can drive your car to the helipad. But most visitors chose to stay in Banff where transportation is provided as part of your package.