Guided Ski Mountaineering in Southcentral Alaska 

Climb and Ski Peaks! 

Anchorage is surrounded by glaciers. In March, April, May and even June these glaciers become a ski paradise with long days and snow that is often stable and allows steep skiing.

The access point is from the the small town of Girdwood, an hour drive from Anchorage. Day-touring the glaciers around Girdwood is possible, but reaching the larger, higher peaks is a 5,000-foot climb that requires a day of climbing or a heli-drop onto the Whiteout/Eklutna/Eagle Glacier areas. Once on the glacier we will tent camp. For those who are super-fit with much experience we can day-tour from Girdwood. Please give me a call or email and we'll discuss the options. 

See posts from the Western Chugach Steeps, Girdwood Glacier Skiing, and Korohusk Chutes with Brad. 

Heli Drop Option

After skiing around the world I've learned the best skiing is a 45-minute drive and 10-minute helicopter ride from my home in Anchorage. The Western Chugach Mountains above Girdwood offer countless steep peaks and lower angle glacier runs. Helicopters allow us to bump 5,000 feet straight up to these mountains leaving more energy for skiing. I suggest using the helicopter to access the mountains, then we ski back out to Girdwood rather than flying out. Skiing back to Girdwood rather than flying is more fun and avoids the common problem of being weather-bound and waiting for a helicopter (see The Air Taxi Caveat, below). Wether using a one-way flight, or flying both ways, we'll pack light to have the option of skiing out. Due to land restrictions, we'll land on the Swallow Glacier and access peaks around the Eagle, Swallow and Whiteout Glaciers from there. The Swallow is a dramatic venue with many options and a short distance to the more populated Eagle Glacier.

Return to Skiing Overview. 

Skill Level

  • Intermediate to advanced alpine skiing skills.
  • Endurance consecutive days in the mountains.
  • Previous winter camping experience for camping tours.

Dates

March through June, mid-March to mid May is best for long days and stable snow in southcentral Alaska. 

Cost

  • 1 customer: $400 per day
  • 2 customers: $275 per person per day
  • 3+ customers: $200 per person per day
  • Additional expenses: car rental, optional heli drop (~$350 per person), hostel ($25/night) or B&B (~$55/night) if staying in Girdwood. 
  • To schedule the trip I require a 50% deposit and trip application. 
  • Heli rates, total for one-way heli lift: 1:1 $450, 2:1 $900, 3:1 $900, 4:1 $900 - $1,200

Includes

  • Guide services (4:1 max ratio, 2nd guide added over 4 customers)
  • Cooking gear for camping (stove, pots, fuel, cook tent)
  • Navigation, first aid and repair kits
  • Emergency communication

Does Not Include

  • Travel to Anchorage 
  • Travel within Alaska. If you don't have a personal car, then I suggest renting a car for your trip.
  • Food or drink
  • Personal gear. See Alaska Backcountry and Ski Mountaineering Gear List. 
  • Available for rent: beacon, shovel, probe, backpack, tent, crampons, ice axe, harness
Helicopters allow fast and easy access to untouched skiing in the Western Chugach Mountains. 
 
The best ski mountaineering on the planet. These mountains are covered with glaciers, but the glaciers are relatively benign with smaller crevasses that present few difficulties and keep options open. 
 
Ripping powder on a north face high in the Western Chugach in mid-May. 
 
Pole-whacking to psych-up before dropping in above Turnagain Arm. 
 
Todd Smith making a 4am ascent of Whiteout Peak to ski the 45-degree west face.
 
Chilling at high camp after skiing 5,000 vertical feet of powder and corn.