Guided Backcountry Skiing in Southcentral Alaska
Join Joe for the world’s best skiing in the mountains around Anchorage. The ski zones near Anchorage cover four huge mountain ranges: the Kenai Mountains, Talkeetna Mountains, Chugach Mountains, and the Alaska Range. From this vast wilderness we find everything from open powder faces, chutes, glaciers, and tree skiing. Whether you want a single day of touring or you're from Outside and want a full week of adventure, Joe will show you the region like no one else.
What is Alaska Skiing Like?
Where we ski is flexible. Joe looks for the best conditions and terrain for you. That means we'll make a plan each day based on the weather, the avalanche conditions, and your interests. We'll start with easier terrain for snowpack and group assessment. We can stay on easy terrain or, if conditions and group allow, we can step out into steeper terrain.
Joe cannot control the weather or snowpack. Alaska is the land of extremes, an attribute known as The Alaska Factor. Everything is bigger—the mountains, powder, storms, avalanches, adventure, and euphoria. For this reason, Alaska trips require a high degree of flexibility. Joe will do his best to find the optimal snow and weather for skiing. This may require shifting to a different ski zone than originally planned, such as from summit tours to tree runs, or from the Kenai Mountains to the Talkeetna Mountains. We may even fly out of the powder-coated mountains under blue skies, if Joe feels the avalanche danger is too high. Going with the flow will improve your trip. Plans will change. If you are not flexible, you may be better suited for a trip elsewhere.
Logistics
The Alaska Factor
Read about backcountry skiing around Anchorage in Joe's guidebook The Alaska Factor.
Car
Joe does not provide transport. To reduce your cost, it's best to use your personal or rental car. If possible, Joe will ride with you to the trailhead.
Where to Stay
If visiting from Outside, Girdwood, an hour from Anchorage, has all the amenities of a laid-back ski town. While we mostly ski the mountains around Girdwood, sometimes conditions are better in the Talkeetna Mountains, an hour north of Anchorage. See Southcentral Alaska Logistics.
Base in Girdwood
Just an hour’s drive from the Anchorage airport, Girdwood is an ideal place to base for your week of backcountry skiing. The small town has comfortable B&B options, plus the luxurious Alyeska Hotel. Joe will meet you each morning in Girdwood for skiing. Within an hour’s drive from there is Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Western Chugach Mountains, and the Chugach Front Range. Two hours from Girdwood is Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains.
Weather Options
If the weather is marginal, we have ski options from Girdwood. We can explore treeline linkups at Summit Lake and Turnagain Pass in the Kenai Mountains. Another option is to ski in the lee of the storm in the Chugach Front Range or Talkeetna Mountains. Joe knows how to find the best skiing in all weather for all abilities.
Other Fun Stuff in Girdwood
Heli skiing with Chugach Powder Guides. Not with Joe.
Cat touring from the Alyeska Hotel with Chugach Powder Guides. Not with Joe.
Area skiing at Alyeska Ski Resort. Not with Joe
A) Hatcher Pass, B) Anchorage, C) Chugach Front Range, D) Girdwood, E) Turnagain Pass, F) Summit Lake.
Skill Level
Intermediate to advanced alpine skiing skills.
Fitness for a full day in the mountains.
Recent avalanche rescue practice. Rec Level 1 avalanche training is recommended.
Dates
October through June. March and April have the best combination of long days and a more stable snow in Southcentral Alaska. In midwinter we have seven hours of daylight—enough for a big day in the backcountry. By mid-March we have 12+ hours of daylight.
Cost
1 client: $700 per day
2 clients: $400 per person per day
3 clients: $300 per person per day
4+ clients: $250 per person per day, a second guide may be added over four clients.
In partnership with Alaska Guide Collective.
Includes
AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock. Up to eight clients. A second guide may be added.
Navigation, first aid, and repair kits
Emergency communication and shelter
Tents and cooking gear if camping
Does Not Include
Transport. Using a rental car or your personal car is the best option.
Lodging, food and drink. See Southcentral Alaska Logistics.
Personal gear. See Backcountry Ski Gear List.
Rescue and trip insurance. See Booking for details.
Photos of Backcountry Skiing in Southcentral Alaska.
“Just wanted to say thanks for making our trip to Alaska extra great!! We had a blast and both of us agreed that it was our favorite trip yet.”
“My two days with you in February were the highlight of my winter. Thanks again. ”
“It was an awesome intro to AK. You are a terrific guide. The boys had a great time and possibly a game changer for Rob—the skinning for sure!”
“Thanks again for guiding us, that was one of my best ski experiences ever. ”
“It was such a great privilege to have you has our guide. You made us ski the best of Alaska’s backcountry with your great knowledge of the field and the Alaskan climate, always with good words, eagerness to teach, authentic discussions and great humor.”
“Best trip I’ve ever had in the backcountry without a doubt.”