November
2007
Winter
Greetings from Chugach Powder Guides
We
always love this time of year as the anticipation slowly builds. The cold
weather is here, there's snow on the ground and the heli season is just
around the corner. We can hardly wait! As we head into the
new winter, it's hard to believe that we are already moving into our 12th
year in the Western
Chugach and our 2nd winter season in the Tordrillo
Mountains. No matter how much time we spend in these mountain ranges,
the spectacle of the immensity and beauty of these mountains still fills
us with the same sense of amazement and thrill of exploration that it did
more than a decade ago. Whatever your plans are this winter, we hope
that your snow is deep and light. Check out the latest news and information
from Chugach Powder Guides
below.
AStar B-3
helicopters in all CPG locations
We
are excited to announce a multi-year deal with Evergreen Helicopters for
Eurocopter AStar AS 350 B3 helicopters in all of our locations.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with these birds, this is the Ferrari
of workhorse helicopters. This is a substantial upgrade from the
B2 helicopters used as a standard in most of the industry. What does
this mean to you? It means greater power and lift at altitude, resulting
better flight efficiency and less waiting in between runs. These
birds are the quintessential mountain aircraft and we are ready to put
them to work for you. For those of you who have been skiing with
us for a long time, you'll be glad to know that we have Winston Chelf,
Ken Deyoe and Glenn Summa back as pilots!
Girdwood
It's
an understatement to say there is a lot going on in Girdwood these days.
Our Girdwood season will be eleven weeks this year, beginning on February
2nd. We'll be running three helicopters in Girdwood this year, with
one available for private heli-skiing. As always, our proximity to Alyeska
Resort and over 1,000 acres of snowcat
skiing for no-fly back-up, assure that if you are going to come all
the way to Alaska, you are going to ski.
Alyeska
has been chosen as the site for the 2008 US Freeskiing World Champioships.
From April 9th - 16th you can see some of the worlds best big mountain
talents throw down and see what they're made of.
Speaking
of Alyeska, You have probably heard by now that Alyeska Resort has changed
ownership. Well, we would like to be the first to give a big "thumbs
up" to all of the great changes that John Byrne III and his crew have
already made to the mountain and the Hotel Alyeska. We've been watching
all summer as they've been moving tons of material on the mountain to widen
areas that were previously trail bottlenecks and extend snow making to
the top of the mountain including the North Face. In addition, they've
added a ton of family friendly features including magic carpets for the
kids and a greatly improved ski school.
The
Hotel Alyeska has experienced a full blown makeover including new carpet,
luxurious pillow top mattresses, MP3 clock radios and high speed internet
access in all rooms. The FULL
SERVICE SPA has been buffed out, and the Pond Cafe has seen a complete
refurbishing as well as a new menu.
If
you think all of these improvements are good, wait until you see the resort
development MASTER
PLAN. We think you'll agree that the future of Alyeska is
looking bright.
It's
hard to miss all of the media attention that our operation at the Tordrillo
Mountain Lodge has been receiving. Maybe it's all of the
media, or just underground buzz. Whatever the cause, people have
figured out that this wilderness ski experience is one-of-a-kind.
At his time, only
four seats remain until our seven week 2008 schedule is completely
sold out. If you want to go to the Tordrillos this year, you had
better book now. Otherwise, it's time to go ahead and make your plans
for 2009 as those seats are starting to fill already. (2009
Rates and Schedule)
This
is a low volume, highly personalized ski and snowboard experience in the
fact that we never have more than 12 guests.
This gives you all of the flexibility and volume of skiing of a private
without having to come up with a private group yourself. With a gourmet
chef, masseuse, wireless internet and top shelf amenities, the lodge stay
itself is worth the trip, not to mention the opportunity to be a part of
history as we pioneer a whole new un-tapped range. Check
it out.
Legendary
Alaskan skier/Olympic Gold medalist and guide TOMMY
MOE will be guiding at the lodge from march 29, through the end
of the season.
THE
STATE OF THE LODGE ADDRESS
Get
the latest news on changes and improvements to the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
from CPG Head Guide, Mike Overcast in is annual State
of the Lodge Address.
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CPG
LOCATION MAP
Seward
Privates
Our
exploration in the Seward area continues. You might recall seeing
this amazing terrain the Warren Miller film, "Higher Ground" (You
can see the clip here). The incredible fjords of the North Gulf
Coast offer skiing with water vistas 270 degrees around. We are offering
Seward adventures as private bookings this year based from a great lodge
with all food included. Get
the details here.
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1 Euro =
1.44 American Dollars
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It's a perfect time
for Europeans to travel to Alaska. As of the date of this letter,
the Euro is carrying over 44% in advantage over the US Dollar. That's
an even better exchange rate than the Canadian Dollar. Add that to
the fact that once you reach Anchorage, your journey is over. No
multi-hour bus trips or secondary flights. It's just a quick shuttle
to Girdwood and you are ready for powder!
To check the current exchange rate, click
here.
American Dollars to 1
EUR
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Clark
Fyans skis the Messner Couloir on Denali.
Photo:
Adam Clark
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First
Descents on Denali...
A
BIG CONGRATULATIONS to CPG lead guide Clark
Fyans, Chris Davenport, Nick Devore, Kristen Kremer and photographer
Adam Clark for making history on Denali. A first anything
on Denali is a big deal, but these guys went up and conquered in a manner
that made all of the other climbing crews and the Park Service stop in
their tracks and watch. After skiing the infamous Messner Couloir
and the Orient Express, the group tagged four first descents in the Black
Rock Couloirs on the seldom visited North Summit. The runs were subsequently
named Stronghold (named after their tent), Thunderbird, Boomerang and Ghost.
Way to go guys (and girl)! We're proud of you! |
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W E L
C O M E
CPG would like to
welcome DAVID MARCHI as a new addition to our heli-ski
guide crew. Dave has been a ski mountaineering guide for
the past 7 years. Internationally he has guided in Nepal, Indonesia,
and India and is a lead guide on Denali. In 2005, he was part of
an international team implementing avalanche and safety protocols for a
new ski development in Kashmir, India. Welcome aboard David!
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Join instructors
Jeremy
Nobis,
Clark
Fyans and Greg
Harms as they lead you to discover the next level of your abilities
in the CPG Steep Skiing and Snow boarding Camp. This camps uses a
progressive approach to delivering the big Alaska steeps that the Chugach
Range has become famous for. Learn how to select a line, manage your
slough, and evaluate hazards from respected big mountain professionals.
DETAILS
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CPG
in the Media
You're
going to be seeing a lot of CPG in the media this year. It seems like we
didn't have a single week in the 2007 season when we weren't hosting some
kind of print of film or magazine project. We love these types of
efforts because they allow us to capture imagery of our mountain experiences
that lasts long beyond the moment. Keep an eye out for the following
magazine articles and film segments this season.
PRINT
Forbes
Life - Kings and Corn (here's a link
to the Online version)
Powder
Magazine: "BIG COUNTRY" - If you haven't seen it yet, check
out the November, 2007 issue. Porter Fox comes to grips with the
enormity of the Tordrillo Mountains and the Alaska Range.
SNOW:
For
their inaugural issue, SNOW
joins Laird Hamilton in the Tordrillo Mountains and in Girdwood.
Keep an eye out for it in your local resort.
 
FILM
Teton
Gravity Research
Warren
Miller
It's
always great to have Warren Miller out with us. This year cinematographer
Chris Patterson joined us in the Tordrillo Mountains with Chris Davenport,
Cody Townsend and photographer, Will Wissman. The crew flew and filmed
12 out of 14 days. Make
sure you see PLAYGROUND when it rolls through your home town. and Check
out a trailer...
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THE
GEAR WE USE
The gear
in the ski industry just keeps getting better and better. In fact,
the progression of skis, fabrics, optics and back country technology have
totally changed the game for almost everyone. Below are a few of
the picks that we'll be snapping up for our guides this year. To
see more of the gear we use, see our GEAR
PAGE
The
Salomon Rocker
Here
are the basics that really turn us on about this ski:
Rocker
dimensions:
-
Length: 192 cm (one size)
-
Side cut: 147/127/137
Design/performance
notes:
-
Rockered tip for early planing
-
Non-rockered tail, with a little
side cut and camber for versatility and stability.
-
Incredible floatation, power,
stability at speed, versatility, and solid landings (no wheelie effect
compared with other reverse-cambered skis).
The SMITH Variant Brim Helmet
 
The New Variant
Brim showcases Smith's helmet technology in its finest form. A full performance
helmet veiled under our new Hybrid construction and equipped with a slim,
sleek brim. Technical performance with tons of style.
CHECK
IT OUT
The SMITH Prodigy Turbo Fan
The Turbo Fans are key for keeping
things clear while repeatedly going from the cold outdoors to the warmth
of a helicopter or snowcat and back again. Check
'em out...
The HESTRA Heli-Ski Glove
These guys are taking the glove
world by storm. We started using Hestra Guide Gloves and Hestra Heli-Ski
gloves for our guides last year and have been very impressed. They
have proven to be warm, flexible and super comfortable. With extra
reinforcement at the pinch points and quick drying liner, this is the first
glove we've had that stands up to the beating we dish out.
Check
'em out. |
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Summer Programs
| INTRODUCING
RAINBOWS & CORN
Kings
and Corn is sold out for 2008, so after years of client requests,
we've finally put together an early summer Rainbow Trout and Heli-skiing
package. The first week of June has fantastic corn skiing, but is
typically just a bit early for King Salmon fishing. However, the
Rainbow Trout fishing is world class! So break out your fly rod and
join us for this one week only adventure!
photo: Tom Evans
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RAINBOWS
AND CORN DETAILS
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1 trip only
Dates for Package
#RC1
June 2 - June 8,
2008
-
Arrive Anchorage Monday,
June 2
-
Depart for Rainbows
and Corn Tuesday morning, June 3
-
Return to Anchorage
Sunday, June 8
2008 Rainbows &
Corn Package Price:
$7,900 per person
(US$)
Please contact
us directly to discuss availability. |
Summer
Multi-Sport Adventures at the TML
The Tordrillo Mountain
Lodge will be offering daily
excursions for heli-fishing and full multi-sport itineraries all summer
long. The surrounding rivers are just getting started during
Kings and Corn. July brings the fat rainbows in as well as an enormous
run of Reds (58,000 this year passed right by our dock) August is great
fishing as well. Silvers fill the system by early August, with opportunities
throughout the Tal, from the lodge to the mouth. We have a helicopter available
for excursions all season long. For those of you who may not be interested
in the fishing, we have numerous other activities available that
are a blast for the whole family. Also offered will be guided white water
and scenic runs in inflatable kayaks and rafts, glacier hikes and exploration,
heli hikes in the alpine, wildlife viewing, and flight seeing into Denali
or the Kitchatna spires. Packages run from a couple of days to a full week.
Photo:
Tom Evans
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Kings
and Corn
Although
we are running five sessions of Kings and Corn this summer, we are currently
SOLD
OUT for the 2008 season. Reservations
for 2009 are already starting to fill, so we suggest getting ahead of the
game if you want to try this world famous corn snow heli-skiing and king
salmon fishing adventure. Download
the 2009 rates and schedule pdf file here.
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HELI-SKI
PACKAGE INFORMATION
GIRDWOOD
HELI-SKI PACKAGES
Heli-ski
week packages #1 & #2 include:
•
Deluxe lodging at The Hotel Alyeska
•
Round-trip transportation from Anchorage International Airport
•
Option to purchase guaranteed seat on snowcat for no-fly days
•
Use of Tracker© avalanche transceiver
Airfare,
meals, and alcohol not included
2008
HELI-SKI WEEK PACKAGE #1 (GIRDWOOD)
•
Arrive Saturday, ski Sunday - Saturday, depart Sunday
•
8 night accommodations at The Hotel Alyeska
•
100,000 vertical ft of helicopter skiing (80,000 vertical ft guaranteed)
| Trip# |
Dates |
Single |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
Double |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
| 101 |
2/2
- 2/10 |
$5800 |
 |
|
$5200 |
|
|
| 102 |
2/9
- 2/17 |
$6255 |
|
|
$5670 |
|
|
| 103 |
2/16
- 2/24 |
$6255 |
|
|
$5670 |
|
|
| 104 |
2/23
- 3/2 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
|
| 105 |
3/1
- 3/9 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
|
| 106 |
3/8
- 3/16 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
|
| 107 |
3/15
- 3/23 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
|
| 108 |
3/22
- 3/30 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
|
| 109 |
3/29
- 4/6 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
|
| 110 |
4/5
- 4/13 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
|
| 111 |
4/12
- 4/20 |
$6950 |
|
|
$6300 |
|
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2008
HELI-SKI WEEK PACKAGE #2 (GIRDWOOD)
•
Arrive Sunday, ski Monday - Friday, depart Saturday
•
6 night accommodations at The Hotel Alyeska
•
60,000 vertical ft of helicopter skiing (50,000 vertical ft guaranteed)
| Trip# |
Dates |
Single |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
Double |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
| 201 |
2/3
- 2/9 |
$3975 |
|
|
$3550 |
|
|
| 202 |
2/10
- 2/16 |
$4455 |
|
|
$3980 |
|
|
| 203 |
2/17-
2/23 |
$4455 |
|
|
$3980 |
|
|
| 204 |
2/24
- 3/1 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
|
|
| 205 |
3/2
- 3/8 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
|
|
| 206 |
3/9
- 3/15 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
|
|
| 207 |
3/16
- 3/22 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
|
|
| 208 |
3/23
- 3/29 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
|
|
| 209 |
3/30
- 4/5 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
|
|
| 210 |
4/6
- 4/12 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
|
|
| 211 |
4/13
- 4/19 |
$4950 |
|
|
$4425 |
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2008
TORDRILLO MOUNTAIN LODGE
HELI-SKI
PACKAGES
| 2008
Tordrillo Winter dates of Operation |
|
•
Week T100: Sat., Mar. 8 - Sun., Mar. 16 (Sold
Out)
•
Week T101: Sat., Mar. 8 - Sun., Mar. 16 (Sold
Out)
•
Week T102: Sat., Mar. 15 - Sun., Mar. 23 (Sold
Out)
•
Week T103: Sat., Mar. 22 - Sun., Mar. 30 (Sold
Out)
•
Week T104: Sat., Mar. 29 - Sun., Apr. 6 (Sold
Out)
•
Week T105: Sat., Apr. 5 - Sun., Apr. 13 (Sold
Out)
•
Week T106: Sat., Apr. 12 - Sun., Apr. 20 (4
seats left) |
DOWNLOAD
RESERVATION
FORM
(5
MB)
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2008
Tordrillo Package Price: $8,900 per person (US$)
Arrive
in Anchorage Saturday, leave for Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Sunday morning,
Ski Sunday through Saturday, depart Sunday morning.
Our
7-day package includes:
•
Premier accommodations at the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
•
Weekly 5-hour heli minimum per group of four (additional charges for more
hours)
•
Round-trip transportation from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
•
Overnight Accommodation at the Millennium Anchorage Hotel in Anchorage
prior to departure for the lodge.
•
Use of outdoor recreational equipment on down days
•
Use of a Tracker avalanche transceiver
•
Ski plane transport to and from the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
•
All meals
Not
included:
•
Lodging in Anchorage following departure from the lodge.
•
Alcoholic beverages (A bar is available at the lodge)
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