:: background
During the season of 2005, CPG set out with a few dedicated guests to explore a new area. Since then, we've found some of the best runs of our lives in rgged, Norway style terrain, with true Alaskan enormity and classic coastal snowpack.  The new area near Seward (60 miles south of Girdwood) is located on the North Gulf Coast of  Alaska.  The proximity to the ocean water provides this area with copious amounts of snow and astounding views of the islands and fjords that we ski above.  The terrain we discovered motivated us to pursue this project.  We not only found gorgeous glacial valleys with great vertical, the steep skiing terrain really knocked our heads off.  Spires, chutes and steep mountain faces presented themselves on all aspects, every corner we turned.  Our exploration took us as far as 20 miles east of Seward.  Having only scratched the surface, the bulk of this area still remains to be discovered. This area was showcased in the Warren Miller movie, Higher Ground.  We are now offering  private trips in the area for the 2008 season. 

:: location
Chugach Adventure Guides newest adventure discovery is the heli terrain 20 miles east of Seward, Alaska, a small fishing town just 60 miles south of Girdwood on the North Gulf Coast.  Ocean currents produce giant snowfalls, and everywhere you look there are bird’s-eye views of the islands and fjords dotting Resurrection Bay. Gorgeous glacial valleys with great vertical, and steep skiing terrain offer some of the best runs in the state;
spires, chutes and steep mountain faces are around every corner.  And we’re going back for more. 

Until you can ski this best-kept secret, watch footage of our exploratory trip in the  Warren Miller movie, Higher Ground. 

:: dates of operation
Our season starts in late January or early February and ends in mid-April. Each month offers its own unique characteristics.  Daylight starts at 9.5 hours in late January and rapidly gains to 14 hours by the end of April.

Seward based adventures are available as private bookings with deluxe lodging and food included. Please contact us for current rates and schedules.

:: weather and conditions
The North Gulf Coast benefits from the influence of the Gulf of Alaska. Like Girdwood, the weather here results
in acres and acres of glaciers and consistent snowfall. Storms roll off the Gulf, heavy with precipitation and  accumulate on the surrounding peaks as they push into the Kenai Peninsula. Cooler temperatures on the tail end of storms, leave blankets of fresh powder for enthusiasts to enjoy.

:: terrain
Glacier-incised mountains with gentle bowls and steep mountain faces dominate this region. Expect outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way down 2,000 to 3,000-foot vertical runs above bays and glacial lakes. Conditions permitting, we focus on the many couloirs and faces that are center stage as the helicopter travels further into the range. CAG and guests have years of first-descent trips to catalog in this area. This southern area can also be linked zone-by-zone to our Girdwood base for the ultimate North-to-South Chugach tour.

:: Seward and accommodations
Seward is a small, seaside town of 4,000 residents. Tour boats, commercial fishing vessels and  privately-owned yachts line the waterfront, with craggy mountain peaks and Resurrection Bay dominating the surrounding scenery. Helicopter terrain is on both sides of the bay, including Puget Bay to the east and Snow River and Ascension to the north. Guests stay at the Safari Lodge where private rooms have breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding ski terrain. Each room offers plush, queen-sized beds, cable television, wireless internet and dramatic granite and stone accents.

For more information on the town of Seward, visit: www.sewardak.org
 

Check out the photos from our Seward exploratory missions!