Silverton Mountain Guides

Silverton Mountain Guides heli skiing does not include accommodations with their packages, but they do have numerous suggestions on where to lodge during your stay. If skiing at the Northern Chugach location, the Hotel Alyeska is revered for its luxury accommodations with fine dining available. SMG is partnered with Knik River Lodge, which provides a more casual stay option.

The Seward region has a variety of high-end waterfront lodges, as well as local hotels, Airbnbs, and private lodging accommodations. If you’re struggling to source a place to stay, SMG’s concierge would be more than happy to assist and offer recommendations.

“If you can ski, you can heli ski.” This is the approach that Silverton Guides takes. No matter your skill level, if you’re a confident skier you will be able to thoroughly enjoy your trip. The guides at SMG generally try to spend a day or two warming up with lower intensity skiing, followed by one or two hard charging days, and then culminating with more relaxed runs. Despite the lack of skiing ability needed, it’s still recommended to be in peak shape. Skiers should be able to ski 3,000 vertical feet without stopping.

Silverton flies in multiple mountain ranges, including the Chugachs with millions of acres in terrain. It’s guaranteed you’ll find the terrain you’re looking for. With lots of low-light tree runs available, adverse weather conditions will rarely delay your flights.

SMG provides a few distinct packages that depend on location. Flights are conducted in a small A-Star helicopter that provides seating for up to four skiers. A maximum of three groups will share each helicopter, meaning you’ll rarely wait for your next turn. As mentioned, lodging and meals are not included in the packages, although lunch is provided. Packages include:

• 6-Day Northern Chugach: Includes 5 Hobbs hours with an average of 10-18 runs expected in a single day. Additional flight hours can be purchased.
• 5-Day Seward: Includes 5 Hobbs hours in the sub-alpine region of the Alaskan Fjords. Bad weather rarely affects trips in Seward.
• Daily Heliskiing: Single day packages are only available at the Seward location and include .6 hours of Hobbs time. Single runs are also available with a minimum purchase of two runs.

Down days are few and far between with Silverton Mountain Guides heli skiing, but if it does happen, resort skiing is available at Alyeska Resort. This operator does not provide cat skiing as an alternative, in a better effort to focus on flying.