Alaska ski plane trip
A multifaceted Alaska ski experience
Alaska Ski Plane trip overview
This trip is designed for those who are looking to experience skiing / riding in Alaska and learn more about traveling in bigger mountain ranges. This trip is a great way to dip your boots into an expedition ski trip without having to spend 22+ days camping on a glacier.
Our itinerary is divided into two sections. First, we will ski tour the iconic Thompson Pass with an assist from a helicopter for 1-2 days. The helicopter will bump us out into the range early in the morning to gain most of our elevation for the day. Then we will ski through the terrain to Thompson pass.
Secondly, we aim to teach you the fundamentals of glacier skiing from a floatplane on a remote glacier for several days. Here we ski to and from camp in our own basin. You will learn glacier camping, glacier travel, and proper life-styling. Bring your sunscreen!
We will also be bringing a photographer on this trip to document your time in AK. He has several expeditions under his belt and will be a huge asset for both safety and good company!
Reserve Your Spot
Getting There
You will need to make your own flight reservations to Anchorage, AK on Wednesday, April 6th and return Saturday, April 15th. Book airline reservations sooner vs later to secure the best rates to get to our starting point. Everything else on this trip such as lodging, helicopter assists, ski plane flight, basecamp food, etc. will be included so you can focus on skiing.
Trip Itinerary
Chris and I will pick you all up from the Anchorage International airport and then motor over to Valdez on the evening of the 6th depending on flight arrivals. A basic Itinerary for the trip is listed below and is subject to change due to weather and logistics. Depending on the forecast we may add an extra day to base camp or a day less on Thompson pass. It’s imperative to be flexible in AK and goes hand in hand with having a great time up North. After this trip, you will make it back to work the following week with tired legs and minds at ease from an epic trip skiing on glaciers.
Day 0 | Arrive in Anchorage - Drive to Valdez in the Evening
Day 1 | Gear check - Warm up ski tour off of Thompson pass
Day 2 - 3 | Heli assisted Ski touring off of Thompson Pass
Day 4 | Rest Day - Ski plane prep day - Gear check
Day 5 | Fly into glacier base camp by ski plane - Set up camp - ski tour
(Wrangels St. Elias Nat’l Park)
Day 6 - 7 | Ski touring surrounding mountains
Day 8 | Pack camp - Fly out back to Valdez - Drive to Anchorage
Day 9 - 4/15 | Anchorage flights back to Lower 48
what to bring
Traveling with your gear can be tricky for some folks so here are a few tips:
When traveling to Alaska it’s best to carry your boots in your hand on the plane. Then pack your helmet goggles, gloves, and outerwear in a carry-on bag. Check a ski bag (packing skis / splitboard, avalanche equipment, backpack, sleeping bag, helmet) and check a duffel bag (clothes, layers, etc). If you can fit in one ski bag and a carry-on then you’re a pro!
Click on this GEAR LIST link to see what we recommend bringing with you.
What is Included in the cost?
– 7 days with an IFMGA certified & trained guide
– Federal land usage surcharge (USFS/BLM)
– Food, transportation, and logistics while in AK
– Tents
– Guide gratuity
– Snow travel equipment (splitboard or AT skis)
– Avy & personal camping equipment
– Personal clothing/gear
* If you need to rent equipment locally visit our partners at Cripple Creek Backcountry and pick up your gear at our shop in Silverton.
Course Gallery
(Click for full size image)
Waiver
Anyone participating in our programs must fill out a waiver beforehand. If you are under 18, please have your parent/guardian complete.
cancellation
Please familiarize yourself with our Booking & Cancellation Policies.
preparation
Skiers/riders should be in good physical condition, and confident/comfortable on their method of snow travel (backcountry touring skis or splitboard).