How did we discover Triple Point Expeditions and end up skiing with Tucker Patton @ TPX right before Easter 2026?
Well, it was heliskiing serendipity!
When traveling, it is pretty easy to identify other heli-skiers. We bumped into this skier at baggage claim in the Vancouver airport after concluding our trip to Bear Paw Heli In late March of 2025. In our brief conversation, this skier claimed his friend was headed to Triple Point...as we spoke! I said, "Hmmm...I'm familiar with nearly every operator in Alaska, are you talking about Third Edge?" This guy said, No "I'm talking about Triple Point Expeditions in Alaska!" Team member Dave Brady was on our trip, and we both had to really contemplate this new fact for a moment...
After years of research in this industry and hundreds of hours online trolling heliskiing operator's websites, we thought we had published a page on every legitimate active operator in Alaska! As the "Wikipedia of Heliskiing," we were certainly Willing to concede we didn't know it ALL...and we're more than happy to add a new page when we find an additional or new operator worthy of our inclusion! And we did with TPX!
Tucker Patton, founder of Triple Point Expeditions (TPX) has done a very graceful job in documenting his journey online. From his early beginnings as a world traveler, to surfer, to heli-skier, to surfing & fishing tour operator, to the first season (2017) of running a heli operation in AK, Tucker has an entertaining, and colorful back story! So robust and extensive are his experiences, particularly on the mountain, that when you're sitting down for lunch while skiing and ask him about this or that podcast he might reply, "I did that...?" He humble & funny in that way...
He's not forgetful, quite the opposite. He's extremely focused on what's most important at the moment, whether that be a safety element, operational function or tending to a guest's needs. There are a few different sides to Tucker. What stands out first and foremost is the discipline exercised in running his operation; he's militant, and will give you confidence, as it did for us. Occasionally, he does let himself relax a little...smile and laugh. And then there's the compassionate side...he cares...and he's a family man for sure.
This unique collection of character traits has served him well as he has successfully built one of the premier, boutique, small group heliskiing operations in Alaska.
After bumping into that one skier in the Vancouver airport and learning about Triple Point Expeditions, we consumed all of Tucker Patton's online content. As a result, our curiosity and anticipation was redlining on our "heli-STOKE meter!" With deep roots in California surfing and humble beginnings in the in North Tahoe snow community, our founder BRADY felt like he shared a lot of the same genetic makeup with Tucker. So he reached out to Tucker regarding a booking inquiry.
Expect many drops on ridgelines during your week! photo: Courtesy of TPX
PRO TIP: At Heli-skier, we have found that when booking your trip, interacting with the owner of a heliskiing operation creates a superior experience. It gives a much greater sense of confidence about your expectations being met or exceeded as you take the leap and wire your deposit.
Frankly, that's where the "rubber meets the road," so to speak. After all of your stoke and anticipation build, and you've done all your homework, thinking that you're making the right decision, you've got to send the money! This process does get easier over time, but this exercise is one of the main reasons that heli-skiers more often than not, ski with the same operation - less risk being disappointed. And let's face it, as heli-skiers, we know the final result...the execution of your trip...is always an unknown, until it's in the rearview mirror!
We were impressed with the level and character of communication that Tucker provided during the booking process. He was very genuine, compassionate and accommodative in his booking interactions. And as an operator who is only providing eight seats per week with a limited operating calendar, Tucker has to do a bit of a tap dance to accommodate booking inquiries and properly build 2 groups of four!
And it's that eight seats per week at a destination lodge, with the custom, personal attention and tight small group experience that captivated us at Bear Paw Heliskiing. We wanted to repeat that environment in Alaska with Triple Point Expeditions, so we booked for the last week in March 2026.
We're certainly glad that we did!
Read the rest of our full review of Triple Point Expeditions Heli Skiing!
Getting To Triple Point Expeditions, Near Palmer Alaska
Triple Point Expeditions has chosen a unique location (see map) in the Knit River Valley, just North East, across the Matanuska River from Palmer Alaska. Palmer us a little town with a population of 6,600 bout 43 miles northeast of Anchorage.
Why the Knit River Valley location? (versus other locations like the popular Valdez?) We'll discuss that later in this page...because the answers are frankly why we went there!
Let's get you there first:
From Anchorage, travel 45 minutes North on Hwy 1 to Palmer and cross the bridge!
- Flying private? Here are your options at ANC: Signature OR You can fly directly into Palmer to the Warren "Bud" Woods Palmer Municipal Airport.
- You would think the airline schedules into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport would be very frequent. We have discovered that they are not, so plan accordingly.
- You could rent a car in Anchorage and make the 50 minute Drive to the Lodge at TPX yourself. But that's not necessary, they will pick you up Saturday afternoon.
- Because Sunday is an "optional" ski day, Tucker suggests that you keep your exit plans and flights flexible. He says that is a common approach for the skiers at TPX.
TPX will pick you up in their van at the Anchorage airport. They're also happy to pick you up at any of the local Anchorage hotels. For us, it was pretty simple...
After three nights at the Alyeska Resort (and a Day Heli trip @ CPG), we took the Girdwood Shuttle back to the ANC airport, our driver parked behind the TPX shuttle, and we just switched shuttles! A breeze!
Your Accommodations - The Lodge at Triple Point Expeditions
Food, Dining & Amenities
As you might suspect at a high-end, heliskiing operation in Alaska which invites just eight guests a week, food is a priority! You won't be disappointed!
What's the Terrain like at Triple Point Expeditions?
Triple Point Expedition Packages
As Long as You're In The Anchorage Neighborhood...Ski Alyeska & Day Heli at CPG! 🙂
Location, Location, LOCATION! Should I Go to Palmer or Valdez?
What Other Cool Stuff Can I Expect? - Unique Takeaways from TPX!
Nothing but smiles & high fives at Alaska Backcountry Guides!
We have yet to ski with ABG, but after a thorough review of Alaska Backcountry Guides, we feel this operator is worth serious consideration.
Their website is informative and contains enough information to get to the next step. We do like the sixteen full staff bios of adventure loving team members! Included among the bios a sexy summer scene picture of Melina, their Massage Therapist and Wellness Coordinator, wearing black leather pants. "She can also be found in Park City, in the yoga studio, or enjoying wine with some girlfriends.”
Some things in heliskiing research just stound out, right!? lol We love adventure-seeking heli-skiers!
Take a hard look at this operator, and if you don't find enough to inquire, then keep looking though all our Alaska Heliskiing Operators Directory.
