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January 11, 2024

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HenryCancelCancelBench Peak Region, Girdwood Coastal Region, Girdwood North Region01/11/2024


How To Pack For Heli Skiing

November 30, 2023

If it’s your first time heli skiing, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at what to pack and wear for the day. The good news is that dressing for heli skiing isn’t really any different than gearing up for a day at your favorite resort.

Since your lunch and safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe, harness, airbag and radio) are supplied by CPG, you really just need to worry about the layers you will wear, and a few extra items that you can keep in your backpack.

We recommend using a basic layering system that can be adjusted for warmer or colder days. The most common way (that you will see your guides use) is base layer, fleece, insulated/puffy jacket, shell. For extra cold days you can double one of the layers, and for warm days you can take the puffy off and put it in your backpack. On the bottom, a pair of long johns and your ski pants will do just fine. When it’s extra cold you can always double up the long johns. It also never hurts to have a spare layer in your backpack, especially if you run cold.

The only other things you will need are your helmet, goggles, gloves, buff or facemask, and sunscreen. Having an extra set of goggle lenses is always a good idea so that you can adjust for sunny or cloudy weather. Many guests also like to bring hand warmers and a camera.

In general it’s best to keep your kit as minimal as possible. The airbag backpacks have some room, but you don’t want to carry too much weight on your back, and their is limited space in the helicopter. On the morning of your trip, your guides will always help you make decisions about how warm to dress. Most importantly, try not to stress about the gear too much and just enjoy the experience!

 


Favorite Photos – 2023

August 16, 2023

2023 shaped up to be another fantastic year in the Chugach. We love capturing the memories on camera. Here’s a few of last years favorites.

     


Terrain: The CPG Tenure

June 13, 2023

When CPG was founded in 1997, the company was awarded a special use permit to operate on the Chugach National Forest. That initial permit was around 250,000 acres. While some of this terrain had been skied by backcountry users and prior iterations of heli ski operations, much of the permit was still yet to be explored. Over the next two decades, CPG skied, named and pioneered the the terrain through countless days of guiding.  

The West 20 Mile Zone is one of the original favorites and remains one of our most used areas.

The process of opening a new run can happen a number of different ways. Many of the classics reveal themselves upon first flight into a valley, while others require a bit more creativity. There are a lot of factors to consider when opening a run, and it’s not uncommon for a guide to wait years for the right combination of snow, weather and group dynamics to make a certain route possible. Not only that, but the terrain is constantly changing. Height of snow, temperature and glacial movement all contribute to variation in terrain from year to year. Sometimes new crevasses will open up and a run that previously had a clean runout no longer does, or we’ll have a deep snow year and can suddenly ski a run that hasn’t been possible for some time. After 25 years we still find new routes and new ways to ski variations in our core areas. 

47 Mile Face in the foreground and Deadman Glacier in the back.

While the original 250,000 acres hold a lifetime of skiing, curiosity and adventurous spirit within the guide staff began to drive the company further from base into the state land south and north of Girdwood. 60 miles south, the town of Seward sits at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Pacific Ocean. CPG first heli skied in Seward around 2005, and its now a favorite destination for guests seeking a completely unique experience with incomparable ocean views. In Seward you can enjoy all the steep and deep skiing that AK is famous for, and then land the heli on a remote beach and eat lunch by the ocean. It’s a uniquely Alaskan experience that no words or pictures can do justice to. 

Where the mountains meet the sea, Seward AK.

To the north, the edge of the National Forest permit ends at the head of the 20 mile valley. Beyond the permit, Lake George lays at the base of several large glaciers surrounded by towering peaks. The greater Lake George area contains absolutely stunning glacial scenery and an abundance of great runs. CPG skis in this area quite often nowadays, as it is often a respite from the stormy weather closer to the ocean.

The glaciated terrain of “Colony Island” above the Lake George Glacier.

Going even further north, we began crossing the Knik glacier and exploring the northern Chugach in 2013. As you travel further inland you get closer to the tallest peaks in the range, including the highest point in the Chugach, Mount Marcus Baker (13,176 ft.). Up north we find the same steep, long runs the Chugach is famous for, but with a slightly different geology and “look” to the mountains. Venues like Friday Creek, Metal Creek and Grasshopper Valley contain everything from steep chutes to big faces and cruiser pow laps. 

Northern Chugach terrain.

Even farther to the north, we cross the Glenn Highway and enter the Talkeetna Mountains. In 2014 we began exploring the Talkeetnas, and it’s now a regular part of the program. The Talkeetnas are an entirely different range than the Chugach and provide a unique and different ski experience. A bit rockier and with slightly less snow on average, the Talkeetnas have some great featured skiing with dramatic ridge lines and sharp peaks. Again, when the weather is bad in the Chugach, the Talkeetnas provide another venue to ski for our private charter guests.

The Talkeetna Mountains

From the Talkeetnas to Seward, there is far more terrain than anyone could ski in a lifetime. Putting a number on the size of our tenure is next to impossible. We could throw out an acreage estimate based on the square miles, but that wouldn’t accommodate the glaciated areas that are un-skiable, the lakes and rivers and the valley bottoms. The reality is we have an enormous, constantly-growing tenure that is far too big and complex to measure. It is common occurrence for guides that have been with CPG for many years to ski a new run, or an entirely new zone on any given day. 

Access to the further reaches of our tenure is partially determined by our different package options. For day skiing, we generally stay closer to home. As you get into our 4 day package and private charter options, you get the opportunity to fly further and explore the other zones. This doesn’t take away from the day skiing, as the terrain close to home is just as good as the farther stuff, but you gain flexibility and a higher fly rate when you book a package or private charter. It also allows for new and different experiences for our returning guests. We have many private charter guests that have been skiing with us for years, and they still get to ski in new places each year. 

Regardless of which product you come for, you will get to experience the wild and enormous mountains of Alaska. Heli skiing in AK is an adventure and no two days are ever the same. This is what keeps guides and guests coming back year after year. 


The AStar Helicopter and Small Group Sizes

May 3, 2023

At CPG we fly in AStar B3 Helicopters from Airbus (formerly Eurocopter). These machines utilize the perfect balance of size, power and maneuverability to get us into the unique Alaskan terrain we love to ski. The AStar can carry up to five passengers, meaning each heli ski “group” will contain four guests and one guide. Depending on whether you have signed up for single-day, semi-private package, or private charter heli skiing, the ship may serve 1-4 groups on any given day.

 

The small group model allows for more variable run selection and terrain customization. We share a zone during multi-group heli skiing, but it’s common for each group to ski different runs or variations. If you book as a single or group of two or three, we do our best to match ability levels and desires within each group. This way your group can ski the runs you want to ski. 

Alaskan heli skiing has always been about exploration. When we set out on a given day we have ideas about which runs we might ski, but the day always evolves based on weather, group ability and other factors. With the AStar we have the maneuverability to use different LZ’s and PZ’s for different situations. The small groups allow us to ski a variety of different runs, making for a a truly unique mountain experience each day.


Favorite Photos – 2022

December 28, 2022

As 2022 comes to a close, we are reminiscing on some of our favorite moments from the year. Our guides, guests and visiting film crews capture thousands of images each season. Here’s a few of our favorites from 2022.

 

 


Girdwoods many down day activities such as yoga, the brewery and the Nordic Spa.

Girdwood Activities For Down Days

December 6, 2022

If you follow CPG’s marketing channels, you’ve probably noticed how proud we are to call Girdwood home. Our location is a huge perk for employees and guests alike. We have a fairly unique setup among Alaskan heli ski operators due to our proximity to Alyeska Resort, but that’s not the only thing Girdwood has going for it. There’s a whole host of skiing and non-skiing activities in and around town. Here’s a short guide to some of our favorite activities that can be planned and booked the morning of a weather cancellation. 

It’s no surprise that our favorite and most-recommended weather day activity is skiing or snowboarding at Alyeska. Oftentimes when we can’t fly it’s due to the fact that it’s snowing, meaning there’s no better time to go lap the resort. You will usually find your guides up there doing the same thing. Of course we all love to heli and cat ski, and it’s often the reason our guests come to Alaska, but skiing always beats not skiing and Alyeska Resort is an awesome, steep mountain. They also have plenty of good food and beverage options. If you want to fit in with the locals, head to the Boretide Bar at the top of the tram and order the crowd-favorite “fizz” (make sure your heli day is officially canceled before indulging in any alcoholic beverages!).

Sometimes your legs need a rest, or the conditions at the resort aren’t great, and you’re in the mood for a non-skiing activity. Girdwood gained a major perk this past year with the construction of the new Alyeska Nordic Spa. Treat yourself to a nice afternoon of recovery so you can feel recharged and ready to go when the weather clears.

Another good option for guests staying at the hotel is to rent fat bikes and cruise around town. Alyeska rents bikes right out of the hotel, and there’s a bike path that runs all the way through Girdwood. Bike to lunch, over to the brewery, or check out the Nordic ski trails in Moose Meadows, which are only a five minute ride from the hotel. Biking is a great way to switch up the muscle movements and leave your legs ready for more shredding. 

For guests that have a rental vehicle with them, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great way to kill an afternoon. Located just ten miles south of Girdwood on the Seward Highway, the AWCC is a sanctuary that rescues animals and offers both guided and unguided tours. They have wolves, lynx, bears, muskox, wood bison and more. 

For guests that have scheduled down days, they may consider going ski touring or snowmobiling. 

Ski Touring. There are two companies that offer guided ski touring in the area. Both of these outfits have ties to CPG and employ either current or former CPG guides. To book a day of ski touring, reach out to 

Sundog Ski Guides.

Remarkable Adventures. 

Snowmobiling – or as we call it in Alaska “Snowmachining.” There are currently two companies offering guided tours out of Girdwood. Both of these tours offer scenic glacier views and are a ton of fun.

Glacier City Snowmobile Tours

Alaska Wild Guides 

 

And of course, there’s a whole host of great food and beverage options which will be covered in another blog.

For other suggestions, feel free to ask your guides. They will have a ton of great local knowledge to point you in the right direction.


Is Heli Skiing For Me?

May 31, 2022

Over the last twenty years, helicopter skiing has gone from a fringe market in a tiny corner of the adventure travel sector, to a popular destination sport for skiers and riders. What was once thought an extreme endeavor for adrenaline junkies, is now accurately seen as an accessible way to ski fresh powder. Skiers and riders have discovered that heli-skiing can be catered to different ability levels, and its popularity has exploded. But with the relatively high cost of heli skiing, is it the right fit for you?

 

By far the most common question we receive is “how good of a skier/rider do you have to be?” It’s a simple question, but the answer requires some elaboration. To understand how ability levels are addressed, you need to understand both how groupings work, and what different products are available. In Alaska, nearly all heli-skiing is done in 5 passenger “AStar” helicopters (as opposed to the larger 12-passenger ships often found in Canada). In each group there are 4 guests and 1 guide, and the helicopter 2-4 groups at a time.   While your group is skiing, the helicopter is bringing another group to the top. Ideally we want to find 4 people of similar ability to ski together in each group, but different abilities or desires from group to group is normal and can keep everyone at the right level for their group

 

When we are taking reservations we get inquiries from single guests, couples, groups of 4, and even larger groups. The group size you are coming with has an influence on the ability-level customization we are able to deliver. Let’s say you are an expert skier, and you want to come for a day by yourself. It’s generally not too difficult to find three other expert skiers to share a group with because many people that choose to go heli-skiing are experts. The same applies for advanced skiers and riders. There are plenty of other people like yourself, and our office is very good at creating those groups based on the forms you fill out and the conversations we’ve had with you on the phone. 

If you are not quite in that advanced or above level, or if you haven’t skied much deep powder, we can still take you heli-skiing, but we need to make sure we have a full group of similar ability. Once we have those groupings dialed, we can head out into the field and each group can ski its preferred level of terrain. While Alaska is known for its steeps, there is no shortage of awesome moderate-angle skiing. It’s not uncommon to have these different level groups in the same helicopter. In any zone we may ski in, there’s always options for different runs and variations to keep everyone happy.  

 

For even higher levels of customization, we offer private charter heli-skiing. This means you essentially own the helicopter for the day, and you don’t share it with other groups. This obviously comes at a higher price point, but offers advantages for both expert or lower level skiers. While the majority of private charters are seasoned heli-skiers looking to take their experience to the next level, it also serves as a great option for guests to test the waters. If you have never ever skied powder but want to give it a try, you can do a private charter and not have to worry about the fast pace that inherently comes with multiple group heli-skiing. You are also less confined on terrain with a private charter. This is helpful for beginner powder skiers because you can go at your own pace and be very selective with what you ski.

 

Over the years, we’ve taken almost every ability level out in the heli.  When planning your trip, it’s helpful to come as a group of four, or to consider a private charter if you’re concerned that you might not keep up. For any level, the most important thing is that you communicate your ability and desires as accurately as you can to our office. If you do that, there’s a good chance we can give you the rewarding experience you are looking for. 


When is the best time to heli ski?

May 25, 2022

One of the most common questions our office answers is “when is the best time to come heli skiing?” Weather is a major factor on any ski trip, and we understand why guests want to hedge their bets when investing in a trip. While the weather is too variable to declare a “best” time to come, there are certain trends associated with early, middle and late season that may help influence your decision. 

 

The CPG operating season runs from December through April. December and January are what we refer to as “early season.” We don’t offer our four day package until February, but we have day skiing for both heli and snowcat during the early season period. The days are short this time of year, so we don’t encourage anyone to come up just for helisking. However, the resort can be great in December and January, so if you are here for Alyeska and there are clear skies, definitely consider a day of heli skiing.  Because the sun is low in the sky, the “magic hour” light that photographers love to chase at sunrise and sunset lasts for much of the day. The sun doesn’t produce much heat this time of year, so the snow stays nice and cold on all aspects. We take many local Alaskans heli skiing this time of year because it’s a great opportunity to get out before the busy season. 

 

By February we are rapidly gaining light and heli season is in full swing. Cold snow and cold temperatures are still the norm, but we have more hours in the day to ski. This can be a great time to visit Girdwood because things are a little quieter than in March. Both our snowcat area and Alyeska Resort can have some great powder days in February. Coming in February can give you a better chance of the best snow, and we also tend to have more flexibility in booking.

 

March is our busiest month, and historically the most popular time to heli ski in Alaska. By mid March we have the same amount of daylight as the continental US. As the days grow longer, we have more flexibility to launch late if the weather is poor in the morning. It’s not uncommon to launch the heli at noon, or even 2 p.m. in March. Bookings fill up fast this time of year, so if you want to come during peak season it’s best to book well in advance. 

 

By April the mountains are reaching their peak snowpack for the season. The days are now longer than anywhere else in North America with sunset occurring after 9PM. With more hours to work with, the heli can launch later than 2 PM in the event of weather holds. We can ski until 7PM this time of year, so a late launch still leaves plenty of time to get a full day in. The temps are slightly warmer on average, but there’s still plenty of cold snow on the north half of the compass. April often provides the best chances of getting on big runs due to the long days and slightly more stable weather. It’s also a great time to enjoy spring conditions at Alyeska, and powder out in the heli. 

 

Keep in mind that these weather trends are tenuous. It’s not uncommon to have wet and warm conditions in February, and a cold snap in April. The weather is always going to be out of our control, and an element of luck will inevitably contribute to the success of your trip. Our fly rate doesn’t change much with the season, so the answer to when the best time to come will always be: whenever you and your crew can make it. Your schedule is always the most important variable. 

 

Whenever you decide to come, we’ll make sure you ski or ride everyday. Thanks to our snowcat area and Alyeska Resort, we ski even when the weather doesn’t support flying the helicopter. This is one of the unique perks of CPG and one of the reasons our guests and guides return year after year.