Alaska Heliskiing
As the very first heli skiing company to offer public guided tours in the state, Alaska Heliskiing has a long history of excellence. Family-owned and operated, the company began guiding in 1995 after nearly a decade of private flying for friends and media outlets. Here's a telling video (with some serious AK pillow descents) of Seandog Brownell and Bruce Giggs who are the co-founders. Seandog now serves as the sole head of the company. You "made it" bro!
Prioritizing affordable, casual heli skiing, this Haines-based company makes the sport accessible to all. Always expanding and increasing its amenities, heli skiing with this operator is bound to be as relaxing as it is adrenalizing.
Facts & FAQ
The journey to Haines, Alaska is all part of the fun. Located North of Juneau, across the bay, traveling to Haines requires a combination of transportation methods. It’s recommended to first fly into Juneau from Seattle, and then take a connecting ferry across the water to Haines.
While connecting regional flights from Juneau to Haines are available, they run about $130 per person and are regularly delayed and canceled due to adverse weather – especially during the winter. Alaska Heliskiing recommends taking the ferry as it’s only $50 per person and is rarely delayed. Unlike other operators, transportation from the airport and dock is not provided.
You shouldn’t expect luxury and decadence with this operator, but what you can expect is an authentic, backcountry experience that embodies the essence of heli skiing in Alaska. The lodge is remote, with no cell service and minimal Wi-Fi, but it is the perfect crash pad to fuel your journey.
Lodging is an optional purchase, but if you decide to do so you will find yourself relaxing at the Powdah Mountain Ski Lodge – shared by this operator and Kroschel’s Wildlife Center. Food can also be provided. At the lodge, you won’t find spas, massages, or high-end fitness centers, but there is a private jib park and a bunny hill that is groomed daily.
Currently, a 4,500-square-foot A-frame is being built from lumber sourced on-site. The property is a bit of a homestead, with chickens, bees, and gardens located around the lodge.
The guides here want one thing for their guests – to conquer the biggest lines possible. Alaska skiing is not for the faint of heart, but the excellent team of guides will make sure that safety is the number one priority. Terrain difficulty levels will be matched to the group’s ability.
Alaska Heliskiing only operates in February, March, and April. While a short season, this ensures that there is always ample snowfall and that nearly every piece of terrain will be skiable, conditions pending.
With the best rates out of all Alaskan heli skiing companies, this sort of adventure has never been more budget-friendly. There are three distinct packages that skiers can choose from:
- Daily Heli Skiing: Includes five guaranteed heli skiing runs per day. Accommodations are an additional expense with an additional 9.5% tax.
- Weekly Heli Skiing: Advertised as the best value, 30 runs are included with this package. Food and lodging run an additional charge with a 9.5% tax.
- Private Heli Skiing: Includes 12 hours of guaranteed flight time plus an additional cost for food and lodging.
With each package, you’ll be flying in a smaller A-Star helicopter. Group size for daily and weekly heliskiing is small, at only 4-5 people per chopper. Cat skiing is not available as a down-day activity, but guided backcountry touring is available upon request. If traveling as a full group or media outlet, Hobbs hours can be purchased instead of a set number of runs.
Book Your Alaska Heli Ski Trip Today!
While this operator is a great choice, our Alaska Heliskiing Directory can offer an enormous amount of information about the thirteen separate companies willing to help you ski the steeps in this state! Take a look around and get comfortable with your booking decision!
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
06/01/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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