Claude’s introduction to Assiniboine and how we are happy that he turned around in a snowstorm

Back in the winter of 1983 I went skiing in Sunshine Village near Banff. I saw a big mountain to the south. It was magnificent and I felt the need to get closer to it. After a couple of weeks of shopping and research I came back with brand new telemark gear and a big hope of reaching Mount Assiniboine. Unfortunately a big snow storm moved in, the mountain disappeared, and I got lost in a white out. I made my way back to Sunshine Village determined to make my way back to this beautiful mountain at some point. I was nineteen and new to the mountains. I might be still in the Valley of Rocks to this day if I persisted on continuing.

Ever since that first attempt, I have successfully returned to Assiniboine many times. I came alone in summer, and then with my wife Annick and our children. Annick has cooked at the Lodge for years and I came on working vacations to be with my family while she cooked. We got to know another family, the Renner’s, on these working vacations. Assiniboine became a place for us to get together as a family, relax, hike, fish, discover the wonderful peaks, meadows and meet the great guests.

I‘ve been working for the last eighteen years at the CMH Gothics Heli Ski Lodge as a guide and manager. I’m looking forward to spending the next twenty years at Assiniboine Lodge, hiking, skiing, and getting to know all of you.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

by Claude Duchesne