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CHUGAGH ALASKA SKI TOURING

Guided Backcountry Skiing Trips To Chugagh Mountains In Alaska

Ski Touring Northern Chugach glaciers
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Skiing in the coastal, Chugach Mountains of Alaska is as good as skiing gets. The mountains are big, the snow is normally deep, stable, and cold, and the, well,  terrain speaks for itself.

 

On average, annual snowfall is in the ballpark of 650” near the coast, with some years receiving much more than that! The  paradoxical challenge to backcountry skiing here is that we need the snow to stop falling to be able to physically see and safely ski! Most ski terrain is well above tree-line and visibility is next to impossible without the contrast of direct sunlight. Some days are simply better than others for being out skiing, but across the range there are often are variations in the weather. Wild and stormy weather is what makes the skiing in the Chugach so unique and compelling when it clears, though. After all, 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. Those who pay their dues are often rewarded with the best days of their lives.

 

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 ski-touring focused skinning in each day from roadways, it can also be greatly advantageous to take advantage of a helicopter for a first drop off at altitude to start the day. It certainly isn't requisite for all objectives but with the huge scale of the mountains at play here, getting the initial up out of the way can be a huge help, particularly when skiing back to back days.

 

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 5-6 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 short notice 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plane drop
Climbing out of the Hoodoo Glacier
Be part of the mountains
Proud way to start your day
Find your line
IMG_5182
Mountain Views
Couloirs a plenty
Ascending Happy Top
Happy Top mountain
Efficient booting
Skinning up
Belaying an ice bulge
Starting the day
Find your line
Wide open
Keeping it loose
Scouting the line
Lapping a glory run
Skiing by Aurora light
Approaching the line by air
Skiing the lowers
Making their way
Climbing high
Northeast face of the Dimond
Great turn in the late afternoon light
Wolverine tracks
Skied right from the top
Evening light on the Dimaond
Protecting a tricky start
Spines a plenty
Fast and smooth ski turns
A group unloading
Powder and blue sky
steep and deep
Powder skiing of miles
Untracked couloir below
Big Chugach terrain
Effortless powder
Entering the glory of Alaska
A small landing zone in the Chugach
Chugach glacier magic
Another powder turn
Aptly named Humble Pie
Skiing by the sea
Chugach, yes Chugach
Fly to the sea
The spines of Wizard Rings
Ready for steep ski terrain?
Mountains before mountains
A wind down lap
turns apon ski turns
This man is a happy one
Unmatched skiing
Wide open chugach
like it steep?
A little help from our ski mo friend
Slough management is key!
Earning the Chugach while touring
Split-board heaven
North of Valdez
RFS is what it stands for
Ski Touring Safari
Custom Trip
Chugach Map Backcountry Skiing

Season: Feb 21 - April 21

Trip Length: 8 Days

Bookings Size: 2 minimum, 8 maximum

Ratio: 4:1 max

Fitness: Good to Very Good

Ability: High Advanced to Expert level skier

Price per Group:

$6,950 1-3 people

$12,950 4-6 people

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 (Heli Drop)

Day 4: Rest Day - Poor Weather -

Day 5: Day Touring Thompson Pass (Heli Drop)

Day 6: Day Touring Thompson Pass 

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 Access Drops ~$800-$1800 per group/drop

-Food/Meals

-Change Fees

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

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