W
W W . C H U G A C H P O W D E R G U I D E S . C O M
 November
2008
Winter
Greetings from Chugach Powder Guides
It
must be about that time. The snow is quietly accumulating here in Alaska
and the excitement of our crew is palpable. We can't wait to get
back into the mountains again and re-connect with the immensity that can
only be found in Alaska. It's been a huge year for us and we wanted to
take the time to share what's going on and give you the details you need
for the upcoming heli ski season.
As
you'll read below, we've formed a new company called EpicQuest.This
promises to be a very exciting endeavor and we are thrilled to have the
opportunity to share it with you. In the coming months you will be seeing
a few changes with Chugach Powder Guides as the new companies begin to
take shape into one. The first of these changes are that this will be last
CPG newsletter that you will be receiving. Going forward you will receive
an EpicQuest newsletter that combines news, information and offerings for
all of EpicQuest including Chugach Powder Guides. In addition to offering
information on new adventures the EpicQuest newsletter will continue to
keep guests updated on future changes and additions to the EpicQuest offerings.
Please stay tuned as we're going to be inviting you to join us.
We
hope to see you this year, but whether you make it to Alaska or not, we
wish you light and dry face shots all season long.
Check
out the latest news and information from Chugach
Powder Guides below.
Become a fan of Chugach Powder Guides on Facebook!
CPG
MERGES WITH SUN VALLEY HELI SKI GUIDES AND FORMS EPICQUEST
Those of you who
have shared adventures with us over the years know that we enjoy unique,
one of a kind experiences as a way of life and have learned to deliver
the best that Alaska has to offer in an unforgettable manner. We figured
that it's time to expand that line of thinking to the very best that the
planet has to offer. Now, the adventure continues with the unveiling of
a new company called EpicQuest,
the result of our recent merger with Sun
Valley Heli Ski Guides and a convergence of talents including the
CPG crew you know and love, Dirk Collins, formerly of Teton Gravity Research
and a host of professional athletes in many disciplines.The first change
you'll notice is the fact that your
credit is now transferable between Chugach Powder Guides and Sun
Valley Heli Ski, allowing you more opportunities to get up in the air and
deep in the powder. We've also put together a number of combo
packages designed at helping you get your "heli legs" under you
in Sun Valley before you come to AK.
We created EpicQuest
because we've dedicated our lives to the pursuit of that incredible
run, that incredible spot, and that perfect day and a passion to share
these experiences with a few people lucky enough to join us. We view life
as an adventure, and that's why we heli-ski but the adventure
doesn't stop at the end of the run or at the end of the day.
When the ski-season
is over, we look for the perfect wave, the awe-inspiring river, the challenge
of nature, and a continued rush of adrenaline. We've created
a company specifically to provide these "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities. EpicQuest will bring together unique destinations, world-class
athletes, and extraordinary experiences all around the world in locations
as timeless as Europe
and as exotic as Bhutan. We are growing from being two iconic heli-skiing
companies to a new luxury-adventure travel company. We are launching new
adventures in water sports, fishing,
cycling,
and safari, and taking our clients on some of the most thrilling experiences
in the world.
Stay tuned and
be ready to join in as we reveal a host of new adventures and experiences
delivered with the quality, expertise, amenity and attention to delivering
the best time of your life that you've come to expect from us.
DOWNLOAD
A FULL EPICQUEST BROCHURE
Heli-skiing
based at Alyeska
There
is definitely a lot going on in Girdwood these days. Our Girdwood season
will be eleven weeks this year, beginning on January 31. As always,
our proximity to Alyeska Resort
and over 1,500 acres of snowcat
skiing for no-fly back-up and destination packages assure that if you
are going to come all the way to Alaska, you are going to ski. It's amazing
that after 12 years of flying in over 750,000 acres in the western Chugach
we are still finding first descents right out the back door.
EVENTS
AT ALYESKA IN 2009
-
U.S. Alpine National Championships
March 23-31
-
Telepalooza 2009 World Telemark
Freeskiing Competition April 1 to 5
-
Freeskiing World Championships
April 6 to12
The Hotel
Alyeska is now more comfortable than ever with a multi-million dollar makeover
of all guest rooms (including high speed internet in all rooms). The
Hotel Alyeska is now more comfortable than ever! Don't forget to hit
the FULL
SERVICE SPA while you are there!
Operations
at the Tordrillo
Mountain Lodge are going strong. Now in our third winter of operation
in this heli ski paradise, we can't wait to continue our pioneering efforts.
The deeper we drill into this massive terrain, the more we understand that
the supply of first descents is endless. Because of the high return rate
and the exposure this program has been getting all of our weeks are
getting close to 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 2010 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.
As
partners in the lodge, you never know when you'll see Legendary Alaskan
skier/Olympic Gold medallist and guide TOMMY
MOE or big mountain pioneer JEREMY
NOBIS on hand to guide you.
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 his annual State
of the Lodge Address.
Heli runs that take two hours to descend will charge every fiber of your being. And at the end of the day, you will wonder why you’ve never done it like this before as you lunch in a 100-year-old mountain hut that serves up traditional rustic cuisine, authentic European culture, and a hint of luxury in every detail we’ve thought to include in these life-changing adventure vacations. Check it out...
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EpicQuest Locations
Alyeska
- Tordrillo Mountains - North Gulf Coast
Sun
Valley - Verbier - Kenya - Bhutan - Hawaii
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New
Snowcat, over 500 acres of new cat skiing terrain and new Destination Snowcat
/ Heli / Alyeska Combo packages
CPG
is proud to announce the acquisition of a new snowcat and expansion of
our snowcat skiing terrain. In our continual effort to improve the quality
of our snowcat skiing experience, CPG has acquired a second Bombardier
snowcat with a deluxe passenger cabin, captains chairs and a premium sound
system.
To
take advantage of the additional snowcat capacity, the CPG crew spent the
summer cutting a new cat road to open up another 500+ acres of ski terrain.
The new road will enable us to get our snowcats all the way to the top
of A-1 Glacier and beyond.
After
many years of requests, CPG has added destination
snowcat and snowcat combo packages to the menu, allowing traveling
guests to take advantage of the cat skiing adventures as much more than
just a helicopter backup option. |
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.
CPG
/ SUN VALLEY COMBO PACKAGES
TRANSFERABLE
CREDIT BETWEEN CPG AND SUN VALLEY
Sun Valley
Heli Ski Destination
Heli-ski
Packages
SMOKEY
MOUNTAIN LODGE
KENTWOOD
LODGE
KNOB
HILL INN
THUNDER
SPRING
1 Euro =
1.3 American Dollars
1 British Pound
= 1.6 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 31% in advantage over the US 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. |
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CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW!
ANDREW
CADER SETS A HELICOPTER SKIING
WORLD
RECORD
This summer not only
did Andrew Cader break the heliskiing world record, but he completely redefined
it. Andrew skied 101 different runs to the tune of 161,000 vertical
feet in the Tordrillo
Mountains in 24 hours. Way to go!
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Tordrillo
Slide Show
CHECK
OUT NEARLY 200 STUNNING IMAGES FROM THE 2008 SEASON IN THE TORDRILLO MOUNTAINS
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THURSDAY
DINNERS AT THE SEVEN GLACIERS RESTAURANT CONTINUE
It is our great pleasure
to continue our famous Thursday night feasts at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant
at the top of Alyeska. We all agree that this is a great way to get to
know our guests and spend time with you off the slopes. Not to mention
the decadent cuisine prepared by Tanner, the Seven Glaciers chef. So, those
of you who are coming this year, bring your appetites, because as always,
the feast is on us.
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EPIC ATHLETE EXPERIENCES
GET STEEP WITH NOBIS
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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 platform 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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THE KIM REICHELM PROGRESSION CAMP
It's time to step up your game and Kim is here to help. Join US Extreme
champion and US Ski Team member Kim Reichelm for a unique steep skiing
progression model co-ed camp with components in the resort, the snowcat
and the helicopter. MORE
INFO
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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
BEACONS
The Pulse Barryvox from Mammut
We recently switched our
entire fleet of beacons to the Pulse Barryvox from Mammut. We really
like this beacon because of it's rich features, ease of use, accuracy and
dependability.
Check
one out
The HESTRA Heli-Ski GloveThese guys are taking the glove
world by storm. We started using Hestra Guide Gloves and Hestra Heli-Ski
gloves for our guides two years ago 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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THE
GEAR WE USE
The
Salomon Czar
The Salomon Czar
We still really love the
ROCKER, but, this ski is quite possibly the easiest ski we've ever
seen in deep variable snow. It has a wood core, a 620 mm rocker in the
tip an it still has camber in the tail. What does this mean to you? It
means you get great floatation in the powder due to the rockered tips without
having to lean back, but it's still stable in the rear so you can get after
it when you want to. It's soft enough to really relax and have fun i the
off piste environment but still enough to take to the resort and lean on
it.
Ski
Performance:
Intermediate-Advanced
Tip
Dimensions: 128mm (174cm)
Waist
Dimensions: 108mm (174cm)
Tail
Dimensions: 118mm (174cm)
Turning
Radius: 38.3/40.0/44.7
Sizes:
166, 174, 182
SHADES
Kaenon quite
simply has the highest quality we've ever encountered in a polarized lens.
With the amount of time we spend on the snow and on the water, high quality
eye protection is essential. We've found these glasses to be durable, stylish
and most importantly, excellent protection. Glare elimination of polarized
lenses allows us to navigate glaciers and see fish.
Model: Guage |
Model: Hardcor |
Model: Segment
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Summer Programs
| INTRODUCING
RAINBOWS & CORN
Before Kings
and Corn in 2008, we decided to respond to customer requests for
an early rainbow fishing and skiing experience. The results
are in we are happy to say that we had tons of sweet, sweet corn and bountiful
rainbows! It looks like this one is a keeper, so we will be adding it as
a regular offering. Grab your fly rods and skis .... It doesn't get much
better.
photo: Tom Evans
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RAINBOWS
AND CORN DETAILS
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1 trip only
Dates for Package
#RC1
June 3 - June 9,
2009
-
Arrive Anchorage Wednesday,
June 3
-
Depart for Rainbows
and Corn Thursday morning, June 4
-
Return to Anchorage
Tuesday, June 9
2009 Rainbows &
Corn Package Price:
$8,200 per person
(US$)
Please contact
us directly to discuss availability. |
Summer
Multi-Sport Adventures at the TML Paddling on Judd Lake at Midnight
Photo: Chris Owens
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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2009
Kings and Corn Celebrations
7 DAY SUMMER
SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
After
ten years of memorable skiing under the midnight sun and Andrew
Cader setting a 24 hour heliskiing world record combined with mutiple
guest requests for longer sessions, we decided to offer a 7 day Summer
Solstice celebration specifically to take advantage of the longest days
of the year. This package isn't for the faint of heart or the short of
stamina. Think you've got what it takes? Check
it out.
Download
the 2009 rates and schedule pdf file here.
4th OF JULY LONG
WEEKEND CELEBRATION
What better way
to celebrate our independence than by immersing yourself in the magnitude
of the Tordrillo Mountains and nailing big Kings? Our 4th of July celebrations
are always a serious blast. Don't
miss it.
Dates:
Wed. July 1 -
Mon. July 6.
EUROPEAN
BIKE ADVENTURES
Road and mountain
biking in the Alps are adventures that blow away their counterparts in
North America. The same massive ski resorts we visit in the winter offer
incredible summer lift access to 500-year old trails, adrenaline-pumping
downhill tracks, and bike parks that dwarf anything you've ever seen. Check
it out...
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HELI-SKI
PACKAGE INFORMATION
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 a Mammut
Pulse Barryvox avalanche transceiver
•
Airfare, meals, and alcohol not included
2009
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)
Unlimited Vertical offer for weeks
101 and 102!
| Trip# |
Dates |
Single |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
Double |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
| 101 |
1/31
- 2/8 |
$6075 |
 |
|
$5520 |
|
|
| 102 |
2/7
- 2/15 |
$6525 |
|
|
$5930 |
|
|
| 103 |
2/14
- 2/22 |
$6525 |
|
|
$5930 |
|
|
| 104 |
2/21
- 3/1 |
$7500 |
|
|
$6825 |
|
|
| 105 |
2/28
- 3/8 |
$7500 |
|
|
$6825 |
|
|
| 106 |
3/7
- 3/15 |
$7500 |
|
|
$6825 |
|
|
| 107 |
3/14
- 3/22 |
$7500 |
|
|
$6825 |
|
|
| 108 |
3/21
- 3/29 |
$7500 |
|
|
$6825 |
|
|
| 109 |
3/28
- 4/7 |
$7500 |
|
|
$6825 |
|
|
| 110 |
4/6-
4/12 |
$7500 |
|
|
$6825 |
|
|
| 111 |
4/11
- 4/19 |
$6750 |
|
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$6145 |
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2009
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)
Unlimited Vertical offer for weeks
201 and 202!
| Trip# |
Dates |
Single |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
Double |
Full
Pmt. |
50%
Dep. |
| 201 |
2/1
- 2/7 |
$4480 |
|
|
$4050 |
|
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| 202 |
2/8
- 2/14 |
$4820 |
|
|
$4350 |
|
|
| 203 |
2/15-
2/21 |
$4820 |
|
|
$4350 |
|
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| 204 |
2/22
- 2/28 |
$5540 |
|
|
$4950 |
|
|
| 205 |
3/1
- 3/7 |
$5540 |
|
|
$4950 |
|
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| 206 |
3/8
- 3/14 |
$5540 |
|
|
$4950 |
|
|
| 207 |
3/15
- 3/21 |
$5540 |
|
|
$4950 |
|
|
| 208 |
3/22
- 3/28 |
$5540 |
|
|
$4950 |
|
|
| 209 |
3/29
- 4/4 |
$5540 |
|
|
$4950 |
|
|
| 210 |
4/5
- 4/11 |
$5540 |
|
|
$4950 |
|
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| 211 |
4/12
- 4/18 |
$4990 |
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$4500 |
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2009
TORDRILLO MOUNTAIN LODGE
HELI-SKI
PACKAGES
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 Use of a Mammut
Pulse Barryvox 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)
2009
Tordrillo Package Price: $9100 per person (US$)
| 2009
Tordrillo Winter dates of Operation |
•
Week T1: Sat., Feb. 21 - Sun., Mar.1 (SOLD
OUT)
•
Week T100: Sat., Feb 28 - Sun., Mar. 8
•
Week T101: Sat., Mar. 7 - Sun., Mar. 15
•
Week T102: Sat. Mar. 14 - Sun. Mar. 22
•
Week T103: Sat. Mar. 21 - Sun. Mar. 29
•
Week T104: Sat., Mar. 28 - Sun., Apr. 5
•
Week T105: Sat., Apr. 4 - Sun., Apr. 12
•
Week T106: Sat., Apr. 11 - Sun., Apr. 19 |
2009
Rainbows and Corn
1 trip
only
Dates
for Package #RC1
June
3 - June 9, 2009
Arrive
in Anchorage Wed., June 3.
Depart
for Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Thurs., June 4
Ski
and fish June 4 - June 8 (5 days)
Return
to Anchorage Tuesday, June 9 |
2009
Rainbows & Corn Package Price:
$8,200
per person (US$)
Please
contact
us directly to discuss availability.
2009
Kings and Corn
Dates
for Package #KC1:
June
8 - June 14, 2009
Arrive
in Anchorage Mon., June 8.
Depart
for Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Tues., June 9
Ski
and fish June 9 - June 13 (5 days)
Return
to Anchorage Sun., June 14 |
Dates
for Package #KC2:
(SOLD
OUT)
June
13 - June 19, 2009
Arrive
in Anchorage Sat., June 13.
Depart
for Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Sun., June 14
Ski
and fish June 14 - June 18 (5 days)
Return
to Anchorage Fri., June 19 |
Dates
for Package #KC3:
(SPECIAL
7 DAY SOLSTICE CELEBRATION SESSION)
$9875
June 18-
June 26, 2009
Arrive
in Anchorage Thurs., June 18.
Depart
for Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Fri., June 19
Ski
and fish June 19 - June 25 (7 days)
Return
to Anchorage Fri., June 26 |
Dates
for Package #KC4:
June
25 - July 1, 2009
Arrive
in Anchorage Thurs., June 25.
Depart
for Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Fri., June 26
Ski
and fish June 26 - June 30 (5 days)
Return
to Anchorage Wed., July 1 |
| Dates
for Package #KC5:
(SPECIAL
JULY 4 LONG WEEKEND CELEBRATION)
June 30
- July 6, 2009
Arrive
in Anchorage Tues., June 30.
Depart
for Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Wed., July 1
Ski
and fish July 1 - July 5 (5 days)
Return
to Anchorage Mon., July 6 |
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2009
Kings & Corn Package Price:
$8,200
per person (US$)
Please
contact
us directly to discuss availability.
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