We know quite a few people who can’t move more than 10 feet with a pair of skis strapped to their feet. We’re always astounded when it comes time to watch professional skiers and snowboarders brave the black diamond trails at some of the world’s popular ski resorts.

But what happens when you start to get bored with your favorite pastime? You can either waste your time searching for the next best ski jump or you can take your favorite sport to a whole new extreme. Introducing Heli-Skiing – the next big extreme sport hosted by our friends in Alaska.

What is Heli-Skiing?

For those who aren’t aware, heli-skiing is not your average ski experience. As a matter of fact, if you arrive at the start of your journey expecting to see a ski lift you’re in for a frightening surprise.

Your ski lift is a helicopter and you’ll be carried from your starting point to the top of the Chugach Mountains where you’ll have no choice but to find your way back to the bottom. The mountains near Valdez aren’t your average mountain – they’re made up of steep ridges and fantastic chutes that dare even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders to accept their challenges.

There are several different heli-skiing outfitters in Alaska aside from the ones in Valdez. You’ll also find providers in Girdwood and Cordova, but we encourage you to research all three before planning your trip. You’re going to spend a significant amount of money for this ski experience, one that is often booked well over a year in advance. Treat this trip as you would any other major event in your life – maybe even more carefully than you would plan your wedding!

Points North Heli-Adventures, Inc.

The Points North Heli-Adventures group uses the southeast side of the Chugach Mountains as a base point and provides visitors with over 1,500 square miles of snowy terrain. It costs well over $900 per day to ski here and the average person is able to fit between 8 and 12 helicopter runs into the day.

Valdez Heli-Ski Guides

The Valdez group has a couple of different options for visitors depending on whether you’re looking to ski for a day or stay in the area for an entire week. Much like Points North, the daily pass is over $900. Those looking to stay a bit longer can book a seven-night package at the Valdez Harbor Inn. The package includes your room, breakfast, lunch, and at least 30 skiable helicopter runs. The package for an entire week is a little over $7,000.

Chugach Powder Guides

The Chugach Powder Guides are able to offer visitors over 100,000 feet of vertical ski slopes per trip. The average trip with this group lasts seven days and is reserved for the more experienced skier. Accommodations include a stay at the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, all of your meals, and even transportation to and from the airport in Anchorage.

Things to Consider Before Booking Your Heli-Skiing Trip

Consider the type of skier you are before choosing your trip dates. The heli-skiing season runs from early February to late April. Skiing in February means you’ll have more snow, but less daylight. Later in the season the snow may come up to your shins instead of your hips, but your environment will be a little warmer and brighter as well.

Be prepared to follow a safety guide as you ski down the Chugach Mountain paths. Weather patterns in this area can change quickly and skiers often follow a guide one at a time to avoid the risk of avalanches. Check with your tour group to find out if you’re required to pay for helicopter time in advance or only when it’s used. If you pay for time and flights are cancelled due to weather you’ll have a difficult time getting reimbursement.

Heli-skiing adventures offer a fun and exciting change of scenery for the adrenaline junkie and extreme sports enthusiast. The rest of us will watch from the bottom of the slopes!

Image credits: 1, 2