Third Edge Heli
"Dad" Photo courtesy of Tory P. - Thx!
Third Edge Heli (TEH) is a local Alaskan operator through and through. Dedicated to providing the authentic “AK” experience to its customers, the team of decades-long experienced guides safely facilitate skiing in some of the most jaw-dropping landscape backgrounds in North America. Their terrain and skiing intensity are straight out of an extreme sports film, and they’re committed to providing visitors with that experience.
Take one look at Third Edge Heli’s webpage and you’ll determine for yourself that they care about one thing only: powder skiing. They prioritize small-scale, single-load heliskiing so that all of their customers can achieve their dream experience. While the focus may be on skiing, lodging and food are never afterthoughts. The service members and culinary team at this operator are just as dedicated to the customer experience as the guides up in the mountains.
Facts & FAQ
Founded by the late Greg Hams and current owner Jeff Hoke, TEH was born out of a love for skiing, pure and simple. Both men were and are lifelong guides, creating an energy in the business that’s tough to find with other heliskiing operators. They took their love of the Alaskan backcountry and poured it into a company, allowing them to share it with other like-minded people.
The team at Third Edge combines decades upon decades of guiding experience with employees that have a career repertoire of backcountry skiing. Guides come from across North America, including the Northwest, Utah, and of course Alaska itself. The company has consistently differentiated itself from other operators with its commitment to small-group, single-load heliskiing, allowing everyone to get as many runs in a week as they possibly can.
When compared to other Alaskan operators, TEH is much simpler to get to. Their main base of operations is located only 50 minutes away from Anchorage International Airport. Once you arrive at this airport, you can either take the 50-minute drive to the base or charter a helicopter flight. The helicopter flight is much shorter at only 10 minutes and gives you a sneak peek of what the awe-inducing mountains have in store for you.
TEH keeps it simple and personalized with their lodging. The Eagle Nest Lodge is located in Wasilla, Alaska, and is surrounded by gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. With 6 bedrooms available, an overbooked commercialized experience is not even in the realm of possibilities for TEH. This operator is 100% committed to keeping their packages boutique and guarantee that no adventure will ever be the same.
This lodge is remote but homey. Warm service and hospitality are around every corner, allowing guests to feel relaxed and social during their time there. Most of the lodge is communal style and resembles a modern home, allowing skiers to mingle with their group members and make lifelong friends to come back with. The various amenities available include:
- Massage services
- Nordic sauna and hot tub
- Gourmet chefs and servers
- Après ski options
Third Edge Heli praises itself on its single load heliskiing focus. Most operators choose to share a helicopter with multiple groups, causing long wait times in between sessions. With some operators, three individual groups can all be using the same heli. TEH operates on the idea that you came to ski, not wait to ski. While single-load heliskiing is commonly found in exclusive, private packages, TEH includes it with its standard offering.
Additionally, each A-Star helicopter only flies with three skiers, always accompanied by two certified guides. This guide to skier ratio is basically unheard of in the industry, and it ensures that you will be skiing exactly where you want to with every ascent. Third Edge chooses guides based on personality just as much as guiding qualifications, as they want to ensure that you feel like you’re skiing with your own close friends. Still, all guides are certified by associations like AMGA, so you’re always in good hands.
TEH does not directly advertise its packages or rates, instead requiring skiers to inquire. However, all packages involve 7-days of skiing. The operators believe that this package length is the best way to score the best days, the best powder, and the best lines.
Another significant reason why Third Edge Heli is so unique is that its home base is centrally located in the middle of five large mountain ranges – all of which they have access to. Many heliskiing operators only work in one or two ranges, limiting their potential. If the weather is bad one day or a storm has rolled in, these operators are often forced to suspend operations for the day. Not at TEH. If one range isn’t looking too great or the weather patterns aren’t perfect, guides will select a completely different range to enjoy. Despite not having access to cat skiing, this allows you to never miss out on a day of skiing.
Each of their five mountain ranges has a distinct sub-climate and terrain features. These ranges are:
- Alaska Range
- Talkeetnas
- Tordrillos
- Chugach
- Kenai
No matter what range you fly in, expect above-average snowpack and jagged, alpine features. Alaska is glacier country, so you won’t find as many densely packed glades. Chutes, couloirs, spines, and cornices are what rule here.
Book a Trip with Third Edge Heli Today!
There are other many other heli skiing operators in Alaska, but Third Edge Heli is the ideal operator for a skier that values a genuine backcountry experience that provides access to extreme terrain. With five mountain ranges to choose from and a small, skier-focused experience to write home about, Third Edge has easily made a name for itself in the greater heliskiing community. While lodging and amenities are a valuable addition that TEH provides, the real emphasis is on skiing. If you came to AK to score some of the most memorable moments of your life, Third Edge will make it happen. In fact, when Greg Hams set out to create the company, he wanted to provide one of the top five experiences of someone’s life. This is exactly what the company embodies to this day.
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
5/9/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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