ANCHORAGE AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Sky-Dropped: Girdwood’s First Heli‑Assisted Backcountry Runs
A 5–8 hour helicopter‑assisted backcountry ski day that drops you into the Chugach Mountains; this guide covers the logistics, gear checklist, and who should attempt the outing.
Sky-Dropped: Girdwood’s First Heli‑Assisted Backcountry Runs.
Girdwood Backcountry Guides and Alpine Air Alaska are offering helicopter drop‑off backcountry ski tours that lift you out of the valley and into the surrounding Chugach Mountains for steep runs and sustained touring laps. The program debuts as Girdwood’s first helicopter‑assisted backcountry skiing offering, pairing a short scenic flight with guided avalanche‑safety protocols and long days in true Alaskan backcountry.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Girdwood’s inaugural helicopter‑assisted backcountry program
This service marks the first helicopter‑assisted backcountry skiing offered out of Girdwood, delivering a quick airborne transfer to alpine terrain for runs and multiple touring laps in the Chugach.
Short scenic lift into the Chugach
A short helicopter flight from the Girdwood area places you into surrounding mountains, giving a memorable perspective on the valley before you skin and ski the field.
Heli‑assisted run plus earned touring laps
The itinerary is built around an initial heli‑assisted ski run followed by as many backcountry touring laps as guides and conditions allow—an intense, long day that ranks among the season’s most memorable outings.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
You meet your guide in Girdwood for a beacon check and briefing, then move to the local airport for a short helicopter hop into the Chugach. From the landing you push into alpine snow with the promise of a first‑run boost from the helicopter, then earn further descents by skinning and touring under guided supervision—the rhythm of big vertical runs and sustained aerobic laps defines the day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should sit it out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a full outing of roughly 5 to 8 hours.
Bring a 30–35 L backpack with probe, shovel and water; AT boots and skis or a splitboard (avoid heavy gear); skins with tail clips; poles; straps; a three‑antenna avalanche beacon (less than 10 years old with current updates); a 280 cm probe minimum; a quality metal avalanche shovel; two liters of water in wide‑mouth containers; and a packed lunch. Avalanche airbags are recommended but not required.
Meet in Girdwood at 1553 Alyeska Highway (8:30 AM meet in the sample itinerary); transfers to Girdwood Airport and Alpine Air’s helicopter office precede departure. Operators can coordinate local pick‑ups in Girdwood on request.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 5 to 8 hours.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet your guide in Girdwood at 1553 Alyeska Highway for gearing up and a safety briefing; the sample itinerary lists an 8:30 AM meet time.
Is prior backcountry experience required?
Yes — advanced skiing abilities are required, and participants must have already completed another backcountry outing or spent a day at Alyeska Resort beforehand to ensure the necessary skills.
What avalanche equipment do I need?
You must carry an avalanche beacon (three‑antenna, under 10 years old, with current software), a probe (minimum 280 cm), and a quality metal shovel; airbags are recommended but not required.
Do you provide airport or local pick‑ups?
If you need a pick‑up in Girdwood, the operator requests that you let them know so arrangements can be made.
When do we fly and land in the mountains?
The itinerary includes a short helicopter departure from the Girdwood airport and a landing in the surrounding Chugach Mountains for the day’s skiing.