“Discover the Thrills of Heli-Skiing: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Alpine Adventures!”
Are you ready for an adrenaline-packed escape like no other? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to heli-skiing! Heli skiing is an extraordinary journey through breathtaking alpine landscapes, as you indulge in the ultimate heli-skiing experience. Strap in for thrilling descents, untouched powder, and exhilarating moments that will leave you craving more.
Why Choose Heli-Skiing?
Heli-skiing, also known as helicopter skiing, promises an unparalleled adventure for winter sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Unlike traditional skiing, heli-skiing whisks you away to pristine mountain terrains accessible only by helicopter. This exclusive access opens up a world of possibilities, ensuring untracked slopes and untouched snow, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience.
The Heli Skiing Experience
Our heli-skiing guide will walk you through every aspect of this extraordinary activity. From choosing the right heli-skiing package for your skill level to mastering essential techniques, we’ve got you covered. Learn from seasoned heli-skiing experts and discover insider tips to maximize your enjoyment and stay safe throughout your adventure.
Heli-Skiing Destinations
Looking for the ultimate heli-skiing destinations? Our guide highlights the world’s most sought-after locations for heli-skiing enthusiasts. Whether you’re dreaming of the vast wilderness of Alaska, the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies, or the picturesque slopes of the Swiss Alps, we’ve got all the essential information to help you plan your dream heli-skiing getaway.
Safety First
Safety is paramount in any extreme sport, and heli-skiing is no exception. Our guide emphasizes the importance of selecting reputable heli-skiing operators with certified guides. We’ll provide you with safety guidelines and preparation tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable heli-skiing experience.
Heli Skiing Gear and Equipment
Discover the must-have gear and equipment for your heli-skiing escapade. We’ll guide you through choosing the right skis, bindings, safety equipment, and clothing to ensure you’re well-prepared for the ultimate adventure.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping, once-in-a-lifetime experience, heli-skiing is your ticket to winter wonderland thrills. Our SEO-optimized guide is your go-to resource for all things heli-skiing, from destination inspiration to safety precautions. So, gear up, embrace the call of the mountains, and get ready for an unforgettable heli-skiing journey!
When Is Unlimited Vertical Heli-Skiing a Good Idea?
Unlimited Vertical Heli-Skiing is priced higher than base plus or pay as you go. When is it worth it?
The answer depends on the prices (unlimited price and base price + extra vertical price), conditions, skiing pace (including group size and number of groups), the weather and the season.
Later in the season the weather is better and the days are longer. Further to the East, helicopters fly more often.
You may be surprised at the break-even points!
The break-even for 7-day trips.
At the Extremes:
The lowest price base + operator is less expensive unless you ski over 200K vertical!
The highest base + becomes more expensive than unlimited vertical at 120K vertical.
The Average
The average base + becomes more expensive than unlimited vertical at 140K vertical.
Extra vertical rates range from $40 to $60 Can. per 1,000 vertical. So depending on the extra vertical rate, you may never hit the break even.
Here are the Unlimited Vertical Prices. 4, 5 & 7 Day Trips by Season
These Canadian Heli Skiing Operators offer unlimited vertical.
The great debate: heli skiing or heli-snowboarding – I do both, heli-boarding and heli-skiing, so I think I can be unbiased comparing and contrasting heliboarding and heliskiing. So here are my advantages and disadvantages, helicopter skiing or heli snowboarding? In order to help settle the debate (or perhaps ignite the fire, I’ll let you be the judge), here is a list of advantages and disadvantages to both heli-snowboarding and heli-skiing.
Advantages to Heli-Skiing over Heli-Snowboarding
In a word: powder. Yes, it is the same for helisnowboarding and heliskiing, but it is the reason both are awesome. Feel the rush of falling into deep powder, as you cut new tracks across the mountain. Skiers tend to sink, offering a unique experience that most helisnowboarders do not achieve. Heliskiing deep powder can me losing your vision on the ‘down stroke.’
But it can happen on every other turn when heli-snowboarding….
Stepping into your bindings is much easier than sitting down to strap on a snowboard, and having to stand back up. No benches in the backcountry for heliboarders. Skis are arguably easier to handle and maneuver in voluminous amounts of powder. Stopping and starting is easier than snowboarding, and a pair of poles is a big advantage. I know, helisnowboarders, you can carry poles, too. Picking a safe place to stop out of any obvious avalanche danger, is most important. Heli-snowboarders must be able to get started again on your own, which is a bigger challenge.
Advantages of Heli-Snowboarding / Heliboarding / Heli-Boarding vs. Helicopter Skiing
Powder (yes, again). The smooth, untracked snow surface offers the sensation of surfing that most heliskiers do not achieve.
Speed. Let’s face it, helisnowboarding is faster, especially on big wide-open terrain.
If anything, the biggest challenge for heli-snowboarding may be finding a way to stop. Speaking of stopping, be sure that you are up for the task of stopping when helisnowboarding. Heli snowboarding can be the ultimate thrill for expert snowboarders. When helisnowboarding you never cross your skies, catch an edge or lose a ski, issues to be handled when heliskiing. Those are huge advantages over heliskiing. Helisnowboarding in variable conditions can be easier than heliskiing. As the group descends, the snow can change consistency. A snowboard handles light and heavy snow better than skis.
Advantages to Both Helisnowboarding and Heli Skiing
Heli skiing and helisnowboarding both offer a chance to become one with the mountain. You don’t have to stand in lift lines or ride chairlifts or snow machines….or hike! Fresh powder doesn’t disappear by 9:30 – 10:00 AM when heli-skiing or heli-boarding, like it does at resorts. The speed of the helicopter allows for many more runs and much more vertical than resort or backcountry skiing. Accredited guides reduce the risks associated with backcountry or off piste skiing and riding.
And riding a chopper, moving in 3-day is very cool!
One more thing, apologies to Tom Petty, but neither are good to meet girls…..
Heli-Skiing vs. Heli-Snowboarding: A Comprehensive Comparison
Are you torn between the thrill of heli-skiing and the excitement of heli-snowboarding? Let’s explore the key differences between these two adrenaline-packed winter activities.
Heli-Skiing: Carving Peaks with Precision
Heli-skiing is the classic choice for powder enthusiasts seeking the ultimate downhill experience. Imagine being whisked away by a helicopter to untouched mountain peaks, surrounded by vast expanses of pristine snow. Skiers can carve precise lines down the slopes, navigating challenging terrain with the precision and control that skiing offers. It’s an adventure perfectly tailored for those who relish the artistry of downhill skiing and the freedom to explore diverse landscapes.
Heli-Snowboarding: Riding the Powder Wave
On the flip side, heli-snowboarding offers a unique twist to the traditional downhill experience. Strap on your snowboard and get ready to ride the powder wave! Heli-snowboarding combines the exhilarating descent of heli-skiing with the style and flow of snowboarding. Picture yourself gliding down untouched slopes, making wide turns and jumps, all while enjoying the freedom of movement that a snowboard provides.
Key Distinctions: Heli-Skiing vs. Heli-Snowboarding
Equipment: In heli-skiing, skiers use specialized ski equipment with two separate skis for each foot. On the other hand, heli-snowboarders ride a single snowboard, secured with bindings, allowing for a unique riding style.
Technique: Heli-skiing emphasizes precise turns and control, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the technical aspects of skiing. Heli-snowboarding, on the contrary, focuses on fluid movements, jumps, and carving, showcasing the more freestyle-oriented aspects of snowboarding.
Experience: Both activities offer an unparalleled experience of riding down untouched powder in breathtaking mountain landscapes. The choice between heli-skiing and heli-snowboarding ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired style of adventure.
Whether you’re searching for the thrill of heli-snowboarding, helisnowboarding, or heli snowboarding, our expert guides and pristine locations ensure an unforgettable winter experience. Book your adventure now and discover the perfect blend of excitement and freedom, whether you’re carving peaks with precision or riding the powder wave on a snowboard. Your ultimate winter adventure awaits!
Heliskis are important for heliskiing. But what Heli Skis to popular operators ski?
HELISKI.com asked some of our popular heliski operators what heli skis they use, how they choose heli skis, and what assortment of helicopter skis they have in their quiver. Below are the heli skiing operators discussions of heli skis.
In terms of powder skis, we offer a combination of Rossignol Super 7 and Soul 7, and new for this season, K2 Mindbender 108ti and 116c, all in various lengths.
We’re right I. The middle of guides training and everyone is pretty busy. I can help quickly though.
We always choose a variety of skis. Most companies have gone away from the completely up-side-down skis (reverse camber) and opted for what I call bent tip and tail skis (early rise). We’ve always felt our skis require camber for the average skier in our deep snow conditions so we seek out skis that still have a reasonable camber and minimal early rise.
I know that goes against all the Marketing from the ski companies that want to sell you skis, but after nearly 4 decades of Heli Skiing I’ve seen a lot of marketing selling gimmicks…😎 (some of you will remember sending skis in for warranty when you bent the tip cause it skied like shit…)
With our deep powder we also look for the Fatest skis we can find. You need/want the widest skis possible up here.
We chose the Blizzard Spur and the K2 Mindbender as a good selection for our guests. I really like the Spur personally.
Why? Because it works and guests have fun. Great quality, we can keep the skis in our line up for 3 seasons no problem.
Tim Wilkinson, heliski industry veteran and also from Skeena Heliskiing offered this on their Kastle heli skis?:
Funny the timing of this Tom.
I’m about to share an IG Reel that includes an interview with Sascha Schmid, a Swiss freeskier (ex world cup, Freeride World Tour, tons of movies etc) who skis and works with Kästle, and heliskis with us every winter. In the interview we ask him about Kästle and Skeena, and here’s what he said:
“Skeena Heliskiing: You work very closely with Kästle as an athlete and on product development. Why do you think Kästle skis are a good fit for Skeena?
Sascha Schmid: Because we are producing high-quality skis and that’s what Skeena has in terms of a high-quality heliski experience. That’s the main point, we have really good, high quality products for passionate skiers. Kästle is not the biggest company, that means we do not change every year the direction of marketing and the whole ski range.“
For heli skis, I like rocker in both tip and tail, and ski width 110 plus. I prefer very close to center mount on the ski, and a decent amount of rocker in the tail – a must have feature for my powder skis. More side cut for added floatation and added width is expected.
Short and fat is where it’s at! The days of 210 straight skis are long behind us. It’s a well-known story around Blue River that Mike Wiegele sat down in a bar with his good friend Rupert, from Atomic skis, and drew up the design of the first powder ski on a napkin. His concept and inspiration were taken from the snowboards of the day, later evolving into the Atomic Powder Plus, and the Atomic Powder Cruise. This still remains true to this day; a fat ski provides more floatation bringing the skier out of the snow making it easier for them to pivot the ski! Our most popular ski and what we refer to as a day saver, is the K2 Pon2oon. The Pon2oon is offered in 10cm increments from 159cm through to 189cm. This ski has been a part of K2’s fleet for years and MWHS guides have been working alongside the K2 R&D team in hopes of building the next best thing in years to come. A new addition to our fleet this season is the K2 Dispatch, 120 mm underfoot and this ski’s light weight construction will surely be a guest favorite this season!
Our long history with Atomic should not be understated, and in fact the majority of our fleet is made up of the Atomic Backland 117mm and 107mm waist.
Our Backlands are complete with custom Mike Wiegele top sheets to highlight the long-lasting relationship with the brand.
The other ski that has been in our fleet for years has been the Atomic Bent Chetler. This ski has seen many alterations since its conception some 12 -15 years ago but has been a staple ski at MWHS ever since.
I’ve attached our full list of skis but in the text above I’ve highlighted our favorites.
For our heli skis, we have brought in a new line-up of Salomon, Armada, and Blizzards. All three of these brands represent the best of the best when it comes to performance skis and it is important to us that we offer a wide variety of lengths, widths, and stiffness options for our clients.
At 112 underfoot, the Salomon QST Blank is made for Bella Coola. It is an extremely light and playful powder ski, yet still incredibly stable at speed. It also guarantees the required floatation to get the most out of the deep conditions Bella Coola routinely offers.
The Armada ARV and JJ line-up has been a core offering for Bella Coola for many years and is a crowd favourite amongst our guides. With a poplar-ash core, these skis are incredibly responsive and offer tremendous pop in playful terrain. They offer tremendous floatation without compromising stability from tip to tail.
For our snowboards, we have partnered exclusively with Burton Snowboards. Their length of tenure in the industry and unsurpassed commitment to quality made it a no-brainer for us. We have opted for a traditional twin in the Flight Attendant and a more surf-oriented directional powder board in the Fish 3D for our 2023 offering.
The Flight Attendant gives those riders who are more familiar with a traditional camber board the opportunity to experiment with a tight turning board that performs as well on hardpack as it does in powder. Riding in Bella Coola presents riders with a full bouquet of line selection choices as well as the opportunity to explore massive amounts of terrain. We wanted to choose a board that can handle it all. From deep powder slashes to moraines and wind lips, to mixed conditions in transition zones in the high alpine. This board does it all.
The Fish 3D is just fun! It builds on years of product design prototypes and the integration of the 3D nose makes it unbelievably responsive and playful in the deepest conditions. This board is an all-time favorite for many of our team members and our guests are quickly learning why. This increased width allows guests to ride a shorter board than they are used to which also increased maneuverability and playfulness right out of the helicopter.
Heli Skis and Heli Snowboards at Silvertip Heli Skiing
Silvertip Heli Skiing did not comment, but sent us a list of the Heli skis they like.
Heli Skis
K2 Pon2oon 132 Shane McConkey arguably single-handedly changed the direction of the sport of skiing and ski design with his devil-may-care attitude and out-of-the-box thinking about what a ski can do. His legend lives on in the K2 Pon2oon, a full-on power powder ski that is designed to do one thing—rip deep snow on THE pow day of the year.
Available in 189, 179, 169, and 159cm
K2 Mindbender 116 The Mindbender is a powder ski built for those epic days everyone dreams of. A generous 116mm waist floats through powder and powers through chop. Featuring Spectral Braid technology, and Power Rocker profile, this surprisingly lightweight ski lets you take on the burliest of lines and the reality of getting to the stash and back again. A favorite amongst team riders like Max Hitzig and Taylor Pratt.
Available in 193, 186, 179, 172, 165cm
Dynastar M-FREE 108 This progressive freeride ski is an ode to freedom and a very lightweight toy for forays between the trees or fast-paced descents in the middle of beautiful virgin slopes. Its Hybrid Core technology combines Poplar, a natural and high-performance material offering an excellent balance of rigidity and responsiveness, with P.U. for suppleness and ideal dampening.
Available in 189, 180cm
Salomon QST 118
QST 118 is the widest ski in the range, with full twin rocker to help you float in the deepest powder. You can also charge with confidence with the C/FX layer, a unique reinforcement that delivers all the power of metal at a fraction of the weight.
Available in 192, 185, 181, 178, 174 and 171cm.
Salomon Rocker 122 A playful deep powder ski. The super-wide platform, TWIN Rocker profile and very lightweight tip and tail construction let you surf in deep powder.
Even the sidecut helps reduce tip and tail hang up especially in mixed snow.
Available in 192, 184, 180 and 172cm.
Salomon Rocker 108 Twin Rocker – Long, low rocker shape at the tip and tail enables more playful, easy pivoting in powder and excellent flotation. Retains long contact zone on edge with camber in the middle of the ski for stability in all-mountain skiing.
Available in 174 cm.
Salomon QST Stella 108 Go beyond the trails with QST STELLA 106. The Spaceframe has an inverted 3D Woodcore for power and floatation in varied snow conditions. And the C/FX reinforcement provides a smooth ride with minimal weight.
Available in 158 and 167 cm.
Heli Snowboards
Salomon Takaharu Nakai Designed and built from start to finish by snowboard icons Wolfgang Nyvelt and Takaharu Nakai. This board brings a unique tapered directional profile featuring Powder Camber profile and tons of rocker on the nose making this masterpiece extremely nimble and smooth.
Available in 161cm
Salomon Wolle Nyvelt Fish
The HPS Wolle Nyvelt Fish is a celebration of Wolle’s profound expertise in shaping powder snowboards. Focused on craftsmanship using the finest materials, the tapered directional HPS Fish features Powder Camber and a precise torsional flex for a playful board with superior control, float, and maneuverability. Wolle’s crystal magnifying device.
Available in 161cm
Salomon Snowboard First Call
The First Call introduces a shaped powder board focused on the freestyle rider. Take it from wind lips to cat tracks, park to pow; the First Call offers a unique look at freestyle riding while bringing all the technical goods to the table.
Available in 151, 157 and 162 cm.
Salomon Snowboard Super 8
The Super 8 Snowboard is designed with Backseat Camber that puts the power and control under your back foot, whether you’re ripping pow or laying down turns on groomers. Featuring Rocket Science—a wider design for loose and wild maneuverability, this board has power, speed, control, and belongs in every quiver.
Available in 160 and 163cm.
Salomon Snowboard Pillow Talk This tapered twin is tailored specifically for women featuring a wider design for maneuverability and floatation in deep snow. Powder focused shape providing 10-12mm of taper keeping you on top of fresh snow.
Available in 151 cm.
Salomon Snowboard SickStick A Directional Twin with taper and Rock Out Camber for pop and float in any condition.
Available in 157, 161cm
You read it correctly! First-time guests can now book 2024 heli skiing trips with Last Frontier for half price. But you must have heliskied before.
I have skied with Last Frontier three times and loved it! Small groups, massive terrain and two lodges to choose from. Check out my reviews on both locations, and my interviews. I’m happy to help you choose, too.
Half Price 2024 Heli Skiing from Last Frontier Heli Skiing
WHO QUALIFIES?
1) This must be your first booking with Last Frontier Heliskiing2) You must have heli skied elsewhere prior to October 20223) You must bring a piece of clothing or memorabilia from your previous trip 🙂Why is Last Frontier Heliskiing doing this?Breaking Inertia. A force exists making first time heli skiers think they have found true nirvana. It gravitates heliskiers back to the same place every year. This is an ever so gentle reminder that other options exist.Last Frontier Heliskiing has been at it for almost 3 decades. This is the (probably once in a lifetime) opportunity to see the difference and judge for yourself at such a huge saving.How does this impact me, as an existing Last Frontier customer?While criteria number one might sound like it excludes you, it does not. If you have skied with us previously, rally a group of friends that have heli skied elsewhere. How you arrange to split the discount amongst the group is up to you.What if I haven’t heliskied before?Well, share this offer with someone who has heliskied before and how you split the discount is up to you.
Is this subject to availability?
Yes. It’s strictly first come first served. They have a limited and varying number of seats allocated per tour (for which the formula is top secret). Check availability here.
When does this offer expire?
On December 24, 2022, or when all seats are booked.
Give me a call at 866-HELISKI +1 866-435-4754 or email TJ@heliski.com
Call Last Frontier directly and tell them TJ sent you +1 (888) 655 5566.
Enjoy!
tj
We are humbled and proud to announce HELISKI.com earned Heliskiing Advisor of the Year – Canada 2020, in the Travel and Tourism Awards by Lux Travel Magazine.
Tom Jackson, Chief Powder Officer remarked, “It’s great to be recognized for leading the industry over twenty years. Thousands of heliskiers and heliboarders have taken advantage of our free, expert, objective advice to find the best heli-skiing trip to fit their needs.” Just today I received the following from a client –
“Thanks to you all seven Norwegians had an amazing trip to Canada in January!!! …. was far beyond our expectations. The people, lodge, food, skiing and overall operation was really fantastic.
We all felt welcome and taken care of during our stay, with focus on good skiing all the time. It was important for us to share the experience, so the large helicopter for 10 was important. We all want to go back.
Thanks again!
Bernhard”
Check out some other testimonials at the bottom of the home page under What Our Clients Say.
HELISKI.com takes pride in finding the best heliskiing trip for any group. Over forty operators and countless options make it a challenge. What’s the best? It depends on the group size, the preferred terrain and snow conditions, the lodge, travel and price. Some prefer unlimited vertical, others like to buy a minimum and pay-as-you-go. Some like the agility and speed of small group heliskiing; while others want to ski as a big group.
Conditions and options vary during the season as well. January is famous for copious snow fall and lots of tree skiing. February gets a little warmer and stability increases. March and April is known for wall to wall sunshine and high alpine terrain, including glaciers and bowls. The days get much longer late in the season, too. Check out this post for more on the best time to go heliskiing.
Northern Escape Heli Skiing Terrace BC, Canada Contact: John Forrest, General Manager, john@neheliskiing.com
Northern Escape Heli Skiing Announces $4.2 million investment in
New Remote Mountain Lodge
Northern Escape Heli Skiing, in its 16th year of operations, is please to announce the construction of its new remote lodge opening for the upcoming 2020 season. Construction began in the spring of 2018 and the completion date is scheduled for fall of 2019.
Northern Escape Heli Skiing offers a variety of exclusive packages to choose from, including the Classic, Elite and Private, with guest accommodation currently at both Yellow Cedar Lodge and Pioneer Lodge. The company has seen steady growth due in part to their immense terrain, huge alpine and incredible tree-skiing, as well as their renowned deep, reliable snowpack. Guests also very much appreciate their easy access, saving travel time and expense, as well as their industry leading snowcat backup, which will keep everyone skiing/riding in all but the most extreme weather.
With their $4.2 million investment, the new lodge will become home to the Elite Package, replacing Pioneer Lodge currently in use. The Elite package is a Semi Private package that can be booked individually or by groups. It offers the exclusivity of only two groups of 5 guests, each accompanied by a certified guide in a Bell 407 helicopter. With a maximum of 10 guests at the lodge, it is the perfect opportunity for groups or families to book the full lodge, providing a highly sought-after Private Lodge and Helicopter experience exclusively for their group.
The Northern Escape Lodge is situated on a remote 50-acre waterfront wilderness estate nestled deep in the Skeena mountains. The new lodge will offer 10 single rooms for its guests along with accommodations for an additional 12 staff. There are 3 helipads and a Helishack to service the helicopters as well as a Catshack and maintenance area for their fleet of snowcats.
With its towering windows overlooking Treston Lake, the lodge offers spectacular views into the surrounding snow-covered peaks and nearby skiing/riding terrain. The remoteness of the lodge is only enhanced by the fly in/out access with their guests departing and returning directly to/from the Terrace Airport via a 15-minute helicopter flight. While completely off-grid, the new lodge still provides all the amenities you would expect from a first-class wilderness resort including high speed internet for those who want to stay connected.
The new Lodge will also offer all weather access to the company’s Catskiing Backup area with the snowcats being able to depart directly from the lodge if the helicopters are unable to fly, thus ensuring their guests will be able to ski and ride every day of their vacation with Northern Escape. The Catskiing Backup is comprised of over 50 km’s of snow roads in an area of 29 square km’s and offers access to all weather tree skiing when its snowing too hard or the weather is too poor to fly a helicopter safely.
Northern Escape Heli Skiing has developed a reputation for deep powder, incredible terrain and friendly customer service. With the investment in their new lodge their guests will also be assured of a great lodging experience.
While the winter season is the primary focus at this time, with access for its guests by helicopter only, summer plans are under way as well. With the lodge’s location at the head of the Kalum River, guided fishing opportunities for both land based and heli assisted abound. Other activities being considered include Eco Tourism and Indigenous Tourism.
Summer access would include the option to fly in, with helicopters departing the Terrace Airport directly to the lodge in a 15 min flight along the lush Kalum valley. Road access along the Westside Kalum FSR is also proposed with plans to grade the FSR road more often making it a quick drive into Terrace and the various river boat launches.
“We’re looking for existing companies to work with in providing these summer activities. Fishing would be an ideal compliment to our winter activities. We don’t want to create more competition, we want to support the existing operators with the opportunity for high end accommodations and service for their clientele” say’s John Forrest, President. “I think it’s a great opportunity for local businesses to expand” adds John.
IDL Projects was awarded the contract as General Contractor. Construction of the lodge will be completed for Opening December 5th, 2019. For more information please contact Northern Escape Heli Skiing or check out their website at www.neheliskiing.com.
I had the good fortune to visit Silvertip Heliskiing in March 2019 with a couple of ski buddies. I’m happy to report that it is First Class!
Silvertip sets the tone with the helicopter flight into the lodge from Williams Lake, BC ( a short flight from Vancouver.) The former hunting and fishing lodge was upgraded by CMH when it was one of their operations. Now Silver Tip reaps the benefits. One of the guides, Rupert is a 20 year CMH veteran. Seen here with my buddies Steve and Harry, famous for shreddin’ the gnar.
Silvertip Heliskiing Lodge Pickup on the Lake
The heliskiing terrain is awesome. It includes great tree skiing, beautiful alpine runs and a memorable burnt forest with great visibility for high speed turns….. And the variety of terrain in close proximity to the lodges is especially great.
Most notably, Silvertip skis in just two groups and offers unlimited vertical. No waiting on the machine, and no shock at checkout – except for my bar tab…
The hospitality is first class! Everyone from the chef to the housekeeping staff is eager to please, and attentive but casual and friendly. We happened to be there for Saint Patrick’s Day, which included crazy outfits, decorations and glacier ice for our cocktails from an ice cave we visited.
The food is great and the wine and scotch selections are respectable.
How do you differentiate Alaska Snowboard Guides from the other Alaska heli-skiing / heliboarding operators?
We founded Alaska Snowboard Guides on the idea we could operate on a better model. One that has our clients best interest in mind. That is why our packages offer the longest time to complete the amount of heliboarding / heli-skiing we sell of any operator in Valdez. You can always buy more heliboarding at a discounted rate after you complete your package.
We operate through out the range from 3 separate bases, which allows us to use the entire range with unmatched efficiency.
We treat our public ship like a private. That means we use the whole range not just a small circuit near our base like most operations.
We use a fuel truck in addition to our 3 bases for maximize efficiency. That allows us to take our public groups to terrain previously only skied by private helicopter groups. It also allows us to travel to the best weather. Beyond the “blue hole”…
We provided Free Demo gear for our inclusive packages.
We were the First operator in Valdez to provide airbags to All of our clients at no charge during their week.
We are the only operator to offer a Helicopter-Only package to keep prices affordable for anyone. If you don’t want to pay for high-end lodging and food – DON’T. We want to keep Valdez accessible.
We have been Pro Athletes, Clients, Guides and now Owners. Unlike any other operator we know what its like to spend our own money to go Heli-Skiing. “Here’s my money – please make my dreams come true.” This gives us a perspective that only a client can understand.
We are the only operator that truly caters to snowboarders – Why would you ride with anyone else? That said we offer amazing ski guides too. Honestly we don’t care what you ride….
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Let’s do the numbers. Why do you say your heliboarding pricing is the best value?
We offer 4 Personal Hobbs Flight hours per Week long package. The Classic is $6,495 US, and is the least expensive package for this amount of Flight time. It also allows our heli skiers / heliboarders 7 days to complete their package. When they do they are welcome to buy more skiing. Why buy runs or hours you may not get to use in the event of weather?
Lets say you choose our inclusive package… You can ski Heli Ski with us for 2 weeks for about the price of one week at our competitor’s lodges.
So the Classic Package is heli-only and Inclusive has lodging, breakfast, transportation, and demo gear, right?
The Classic is designed for people who would like to Rent an RV or have other lodging arrangements in Valdez. Many of our clients love RV’s. The adventure and flexibility are unmatched. The Inclusive has Heli Lunches, too. We can add custom menu catered meals for groups of 4 or larger. Prices depend on menu selections.
Why does Alaska Snowboard Guides only offer 7-day heliboarding packages?
Due to the nature of weather in Alaska we believe that this offers the best opportunity for clients to complete their package. We prefer for our heliboarding clients to go home happy and satisfied, not upset that they were sold too much skiing for ant given week. Sitting inside for 3 days in a row is not what you come to Alaska for but the reality is that is can happen. We feel that selling 3 and even 5 day packages can be a recipe for disappointment.
We know what the weather is really like in Alaska. Some operators claim 90% Fly rates but in our experience Flying a low quality run in Flat light is not what people come to Alaska to experience. If someone wants to book a shorter package we can create a custom package but we want to talk to them at length and discuss the reality of weather so they understand the risk. Over time this forthright approach will benefit both ASG and its clients.
What do you offer for ski and heli snowboard demos?
We offer Lib Tech Powder skis. For those who are not familiar with them their patented Magna Traction technology provides amazing control on all snow surfaces. Our Ski Guides love them and they have quickly become the favorite for most of our clients including many former ski racers. Simply put – They are Incredible.
Which board(s) do you like for heliboarding deep snow?
All of the guides ride the Lib Tech “Birdman.” That said as a rule of thumb we tell people to bring a board that is at least 10Cm longer than their normal resort board. We offer a wide range of suitable demo boards from LIBTECH and GNU
Tell us about your Custom Heliboarding Packages?
We are willing to create custom packages of any length for our public helicopter or private helicopter. We offer Helicopter Boat trips. Heli assisted ski touring, Snowmobile assisted skiing and touring. Remote Base camp trips. Fully catered Heli Glamping. Inclusive packages with custom catered private dining. Remote exploration heli-skiing and snowboard from any location in Alaska. Anything you can dream up we can do it!
What is your mix of heliboarders and heliskiers?
It’s 50/50 on most weeks. Our Guide ratio is about the same, half boarders, half skiers.
Is the Blue Hole on the leeward side of Thompson Pass real?
The light grey hole? Well they do “window shop” in grey light across the street from their base quite often. The run is less than desirable, that said its not just their terrain we are permitted to operate there too. We tend to go further north than that for better light and more terrain diversity. Remember our fuel truck?
What are the dates of your heliboarding season?
March – April
Where do your heli snowboarding / heli skiing guests stay?
The Chugach Suites. The Finest lodging available in Valdez
These 500 square foot suites that feature:
– Bed rooms and Bath rooms separated from main living area – Full kitchens
– Living area
– Couch/Coffee table
– Washer dryer
– Work Station
How many lifts do you run?
It depends on group Fitness but when it blue we shoot for 8 or more.
Got trees?
No one in Valdez has Heli skiable / heli snowboard-able trees.
How does a strong El Nino affect Valdez heliskiing/heliboarding?
This El Nino is unlike any before, due to the warm water mass that is so far North. That said, we are expecting another great season per our long term forecasters.
How long have you been operating / guiding?
We have been operating for 5 years. Our Lead Guides Experience in Heliboarding varies from 5 to nearly 20 seasons.
