CHUGAGH STEEPS
Guided Backcountry Skiing Trips to Alaska
Skiing in the coastal mountains of Alaska is as good as skiing gets. The mountains are big, the snowpack is deep, snow stability is usually good, snow quality is out of this world, and the terrain has an undeniable reputation. It snows a lot here, average in the ballpark of 650," with some years far exceeding that number. The only drawback of backcountry skiing in Alaska is that as skiers we need it to stop snowing so that we can physically see- most skiing is above tree-line while on glaciers where visibility is next to impossible without contrast provided by direct sunlight. This wild weather is what makes the skiing here like what it is though. If the weather was clear and sunny all the time it would just be another mountain range! On any ski trip to Alaska patience is key and those that pay their dues are often rewarded with the best days of their lives.
We offer both ski touring and heli-ski options in Alaska. Whether accessing terrain by foot or by air, the skiing is mind blowing. Both means of access are worthy in their own right. If you plan to test yourself strictly as a skier, heli-skiing is a hard option to beat, though for a true wilderness experience, ski touring is untouchable.
Ski Touring Safari
On this ski based road-trip we access a variety of terrain and ski touring venues across southern central Alaska to explore the best of what the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains have to offer. We will travel by car, ski during the day and be staying at local accommodations as we move about. We will aim to ski the best snow and terrain the area offers us based on current conditions and learn some skills associated with steep skiing and glacier travel along the way.
While this is a ski touring focused trip some objectives start with skiing from road-heads (as normal) while others we will take advantage of heli lifts or snowmobile drops for access due to the large scale of the mountains.
Due to the variable nature of the weather in the area we approach any trip itinerary here with flexibility, but roughly speaking we can expect about 8 days of skiing combined with travel and rest/weather days. The longer duration of the trip adds some insurance for good skiing in the mountains. For those interested opportunities for heli-skiing may also be possible at (additional cost) if conditions and the weather align as well as an overnight ski touring outing.
We have found that trips which are ski touring centric, such as this, are the best way to hedge bets against the weather when skiing in Alaska. While heli skiing is great in itself, if the weather is poor there are often few alternate options. If one's focus is to ski tour however, we can still ski or shift base if the weather is really bad to avoid getting skunked.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Day 2: Drive to Palmer (1hr), Day Touring Hatcher Pass
Day 3: Day Touring Hatcher Pass
Day 4: Drive to Valdez (6hrs) Rest Day
Day 5: Day Touring Thompson Pass - Glacier Training
Day 6: Day Touring Thompson Pass
Day 7: Day Touring Thompson Pass (Sled Drop)
Day 8: Day Touring Thompson Pass (Heli Drop)
Day 9: Rest Day - Poor Weather
Day 10: Day Touring Thompson Pass (Heli Drop)
Day 11: Ferry to Whittier (6hrs) Rest Day
Day 12: Day Touring Turnagain Pass, Drive to Anchorage
Trip Includes:
Accommodation
Transportation During Trip
Ski Guiding
Heli Drop (2 days)
Snowmobile Drop (1 Day)
Trip Does Not Include:
Ski Equipment
Getting to and from the trip
Food on the trip
Additional Heli Drops or Heli Skiing
Custom Trip
Our Alaska ski trips are completely customizable, so you can spend the most time on the activities you and you group want to do. Want a heli-skiing specific trip? A remote Base Camp based trip in the hills? Get ready for the ultimate backcountry skiing excursion, and contact us today to get started!
Season: February - May
Trip Length: TBD
Minimum Booking: TBD
Price: TBD
Season: March 1 - April 30
Trip Length: 12 Days
Bookings Size: 2 minimum, 8 maximum
Ratio: 4:1 max
Fitness: Good to Very Good
Ability: High Advanced to Expert level skier
Price: $5950pp