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, the snow stability is usually good, the snow quality is out of this world, and the terrain has an well earned reputation for great skiing. The average annual snowfall is in the ballpark of 650”. Some years receive even more. The only paradoxical challenge to backcountry skiing in Alaska is that skiers need the snow to stop falling so that they can physically see. Most skiing is above the tree-line or on glaciers where visibility is next to impossible without the contrast provided by direct sunlight. This wild weather is what makes the skiing here so compelling. After all, if the weather were clear and sunny all the time, it would just be another mountain range! On any ski trip to Alaska, patience is key. Those who 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. We explore the best of what the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains have to offer. We will travel by car, ski during the day and stay at local accommodations as we explore Alaska. Based on snow conditions and weather, we aim to ski the best snow and terrain that the area offers. Along the way, we will also learn some skills associated with steep skiing and glacier travel.

While these trips are focused on ski-touring, some days might start with skiing from road heads (as typical) while other days might take advantage of either heli lifts or snowmobile drops. The huge scale of Alaska’s mountains allow for all types of access.

Due to the variable weather in the area, we approach any itinerary to Alaska with flexibility. Our typical trip would be about 8 days with ~5 days of skiing combined with some travel and rest/weather days. The longer duration of the trip adds some insurance for good skiing in the mountains. For those interested in heli-sking opportunities, it is possible (additional cost) if snow conditions, weather, and overnight availability align.

We have found that trips that concentrate on ski-touring are the best way to hedge bets against the weather when skiing in Alaska. While heli-skiing is wonderful, it is also extremely weather dependent. If the weather is poor, there are often few alternatives. If one's focus is on ski-touring, we can still ski or shift base if the weather is really bad to avoid getting skunked.

Sample Itinerary:

Travel: Arrive in Anchorage, Drive to Palmer (1hr)

Day 1: Day Touring Hatcher Pass, Avy Rescue Training

Day 2: (Drive 4 hrs) Glacier Training Thompson Pass

Day 3: Day Touring Thompson Pass

Day 4: Rest Day - Poor Weather -

Day 5: Day Touring Thompson Pass (Heli Drop)

Day 6: Day Touring Thompson Pass (Plane Drop)

Day 7: (Drive 3hrs) Day Touring Northern Chugach (Heli Drop)

Day 8: Day Touring Hatcher Pass

Travel: Fly out of Anchorage

Trip Includes:

Ski Guiding

Logistics

Trip Does Not Include:

Ski Equipment

Airfare to and from ANC

Accommodation ~$100 per room/night

Car (4WD) Rental ~$800 per vehicle/week

Heli/Plane Access Drops ~$1600/$1100 per group/drop

Food/Meals

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