Girdwood Helicopter Backcountry Ski Tours: Elevate Your Alaskan Winter Adventure

Read the full experience

In the heart of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains lies Girdwood, a mountain town famed for winter sports and wild, untamed powder. This 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter with Sundog Ski Guides launching Girdwood’s first Helicopter Assisted Backcountry Ski Touring service. This experience offers a rare blend of aerial thrill, expansive wilderness, and expert-led guides, tailored for those hungry to push their winter adventure beyond the slopes of Alyeska Resort. Your day begins with an early meet-up at 1553 Alyeska Highway in Girdwood, just south of Anchorage. After gearing up and a thorough safety briefing—including beacon checks and avalanche preparedness—you head to the local Girdwood Airport and board a helicopter charter operated by Alpine Air Alaska. From the moment the blades start spinning, the breathtaking aerial views of towering snow-draped peaks and ridges of the Chugach range set the tone for a day of unique adventure. Touching down amidst the jagged alpine terrain, the true backcountry experience begins. Here, the untouched slopes invite you to carve fresh tracks under blue Alaska skies. This tour combines the exhilaration of helicopter drop-offs with the freedom of endless ski touring laps. Guided by seasoned professionals intimately familiar with the terrain, the route is designed to test your skills while prioritizing safety. The Chugach Mountains around Girdwood are distinguished by their steep granite faces and deep snowpacks, making them a premier destination for advanced skiers. Skiers will encounter diverse terrain featuring craggy ridges, forested runs, and expansive bowls blanketed in some of the lightest, driest snow in the country. The area’s combination of coastal weather and varied elevation creates dynamic conditions demanding respect and skill. Sundog Ski Guides' partnership with Alpine Air Alaska ensures seamless logistics and expert local knowledge, setting this experience apart from typical backcountry tours. With group sizes limited to 2-8 for personalized attention, participants benefit from comprehensive support—from ski safety to navigating complex egress routes back to the valley. This tour requires a strong skiing background; guests must demonstrate proficiency through prior outings or resort experience. Beyond the skiing, this helicopter tour unveils Girdwood’s ethos as a gateway to wild Alaskan landscapes yet approachable for those eager for high-level adventure. Whether a local or visitor, participants gain a fresh perspective on this mountain community and its stunning surroundings. If Alaska’s backcountry skiing sits atop your wish list, Girdwood Helicopter Drop-Off Backcountry Tours delivers a one-of-a-kind, adrenaline-packed day filled with pristine powder and panoramic mountain vistas. This is not just skiing; it’s an avenue to Alaska’s winter wilderness with a unique high-flying edge.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

challenging.

Duration

5 to 8 hours.

Fitness level

Participants should be in excellent physical condition with advanced skiing abilities to safely navigate backcountry terrain and endure long days.

Frequently asked questions

What level of skiing ability do I need?

Advanced backcountry skiing skills are required. You must be confident in varied snow and steep terrain and be prepared for complex egress routes.

Is lunch provided on the tour?

No, participants should bring their own lunch and water for the full day on the mountain.

Are avalanche safety devices provided?

No, guests must bring their own avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel, all in good working order and with recent software updates for beacons.

What is the maximum group size?

Groups are limited to between 2 and 8 people to ensure personalized attention and safety.

What are the helicopter weight restrictions?

Guests over 250 lbs may incur additional charges due to helicopter load capacities.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please confirm directly with Sundog Ski Guides as cancellation policies may vary; this information isn’t provided here.

Local insights

Wildlife

Mountain goats often spotted on high ridges.
Snowshoe hares blending into the winter landscape.

History

Girdwood began as a mining town in the late 1800s and evolved as a ski destination with Alyeska Resort opening in 1960.

Conservation

Sundog Ski Guides emphasizes responsible travel and minimizes environmental impact by following Leave No Trace principles and using local helicopter charters to reduce footprint.

About Girdwood Backcountry Guides

Girdwood Backcountry Guides is an Anchorage, Alaska–based guide service that runs backcountry skiing experiences in Turnagain Pass and helicopter-assisted drop-off tours into the Chugach Mountains. The company offers a Half-Day Tour designed to take skiers into untouched alpine terrain in Turnagain Pass, and Girdwood Helicopter Drop-Off Backcountry Tours that include a scenic helicopter flight followed by ski runs and touring laps in the Chugach range. The Half-Day Tour is described as suitable for all skill levels, with expert guides leading participants through scenic, less-crowded slopes and alpine vistas away from resort terrain. The Girdwood Helicopter Drop-Off option provides a flight into remote mountain zones for extended laps and expansive views. Both trip descriptions emphasize access to raw backcountry landscapes and focused guided time on snow. Girdwood Backcountry Guides operates from Anchorage, Alaska, and advertises unique access to Turnagain Pass and helicopter-assisted terrain in the Chugach Mountains. Trip summaries highlight expert guides, untouched landscapes, and the opportunity for memorable runs and touring laps. For visitors seeking guided backcountry skiing experiences originating near Anchorage, these offerings present distinct on-snow options: a convenient half-day for varied ability levels and a helicopter-supported day in the high alpine.

Base locationAnchorage, Alaska

Tours offered2+

Specialtywinter-sports

StewardshipLeave No Trace

Adventure tips

Arrive Prepared with Proper Touring GearBring and know how to use avalanche safety equipment, including beacon, probe, and shovel, as this tour ventures into high-risk alpine terrain.

Be Physically Ready for a Full DayThis is a demanding adventure; ensure you have strong skiing skills and endurance for up to 8 hours of skiing and touring.

Check Weather and Snow ConditionsAlaska weather is variable; be prepared for cold temperatures and changing conditions impacting helicopter flights and skiing.

Arrive Early for Gear Checks and Safety BriefingPlan to arrive by 8:30 AM at the meetup location to complete equipment review and receive a thorough safety briefing before flying out.

Recommended gear

Avalanche Beacon: Essential for locating and being located during avalanche emergencies.
Probe and Shovel: Crucial for avalanche rescue and snow safety in the backcountry.
Touring Skis or Splitboard with Tech Bindings: Lightweight gear designed for uphill travel and downhill performance.
Insulated Backpack (30-35L): Large enough to carry safety gear, water, and extra layers safely in alpine conditions.