Alaska is home of the steep and deep. The season is later and there is not much tree skiing compared to BC. Most operators are out of Valdez, but there are a couple of others. Alaska can be more difficult to access. For example, Anchorage to Valdez flights are cancelled over one third of the time in the season. Alaska can have more down days than many BC operators. There are some options better than others.

The US offers heliskiing and heliboarding in the Lower 48 as well. Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Washington and Idaho all have heliskiing. Many of these are located at or near resort skiing and cater to one-day trips, although longer trips are also available.

Europe heliskiing is somewhat restricted, starting late and ending early. France outlawed it. South America and New Zealand also offer heli skiing trips.

Primetime is February, but January and March are usually very good. January can offer better deals, including unlimited vertical. Be aware that late season can include ‘corn snow’ in addition to or instead of powder.

Alaska has a much later season. Some operators open in February. Prime time is March and April. Some will accommodate early May. It may be corn snow, however. There is twice as much sunlight at the end of the season than at the beginning.

Groups per helicopter is another important criterion. A helicopter can easily service one or two groups without any waiting. Servicing three groups usually results in the groups waiting for the helicopter. Operators will attempt to group guests of similar ability and speed. But all groups can only go as fast as the slowest group, unless or until a group can be passed. The amount of waiting depends on the ‘weakest link’ and on the willingness of the guides to ‘leap frog’ the slow group. This is frequently a cause of tension and discontent. This is especially true if the groups contain skiers with different ability and or speed.

Another issue can arise if some guests are interested in ‘extra vertical’ (for extra money) and some are not. Unless the lodge is close or there are logical groups, some guests may be disappointed.

One group per machine, aka Private, is best but expensive. Two groups per machine is very good. Three groups per machine can result in waiting.

It is a good idea to get the travel itineraries for everyone in the group before you book. Getting to and from a heliskiing destination can range from straight forward or very challenging. Some places are easy to get to with frequent ‘commuter’ flights. Book these ASAP. The good flights often sell out, and the cheap seats sell out first. Others charter flights, require lengthy bus rides and are susceptible to weather delays. Most have vans or buses for the last leg of the journey.

The primary airports for heliskiing access are Vancouver, Calgary, Anchorage and Seattle, in that order. Many itineraries require a night stay before or after the trip, some both. Some operators include this in the price, others do not.

Some operators that are easy to access allow West Coast heliskiers to fly up in the morning and ski that afternoon. It may also be possible to ski the morning of the last day and fly home that afternoon. This allows three days of heliskiing in a total of four days.

Most packages include a guaranteed minimum vertical. Additional vertical feet are typically $25-40 per thousand. Every on in your helicopter group or ‘lift’ must agree to the extra vertical, or the day is over. It is common to re-configure the groups late in the day to allow one or two groups to go for the extra vertical.

If weather or mechanical downtime prevents reaching the guaranteed minimum, most operators will issue a credit toward a future trip. It is unusual to get a refund. Operators very widely on their willingness to accommodate clients for missed vertical. In fact, some operators have been known to start late and quit early to minimize helicopter expenses. Fortunately, this is the exception rather than the rule.

Refunds and vertical achieved are often the cause of friction on the last day as type-A guests butt heads with cash-strapped operators. There is ample room for disagreement about the cause of slow groups and missed vertical. Negotiation can be successful, but it is best done in private and with a cool head and respect.

Some packages include unlimited vertical. In fact, a couple of operators offer unlimited vertical on every package! Others offer it during the early and late season. It may be built into a higher price. It is worth shopping around.

Alaska is considerably more rugged, with a couple of exceptions. The center of gravity is Valdez. Most operators shuttle clients back and forth from their motel in Valdez. A few have their own accommodations. Another interesting option in Alaska is a motor home. The operators make it easy to hook up and hang out when you are skiing, and go exploring when you are not. You have the option of cooking for yourself, too.

The Bell 407 typically seats five in the rear; the pilot and one more sit up front (usually the guide with the exception of the last ride home.)

Bell 205, 206 and 212 carries up to ten guests, two guides and a pilot. Most operators will run only two groups of this size. There are trade-offs. Bigger helicopters have longer load and unload time and clients ski in lager groups. Some terrain does not lend itself to 12 tracks…… Operators with smaller helicopters and groups have more flexibility in arranging groups, reaching terrain, etc. However, most will run three small groups per helicopter. The exception is Private or Semi Private packages that run one or two groups respectively. The price is higher, but the experience is the best.

Resort-based operators cater to shorter trips, especially one-day trips.

More remote operators justify longer trips. A travel day on each end may be required. So, longer trips make the best use of time and money.

Down days, unfortunately, do happen. If the helicopter cannot fly, due to weather or mechanical issues, the bummer is magnified if it is shorter trip.

The more remote operators suggest ‘strong intermediate’ or ‘able to ski any run at a resort in control. These are definitely minimum requirements. Most clients will be expert with good powder ability.

The other requirement is ‘good physical condition.’ It is very important to be in good shape. You do not want to be straining to keep up. Worse, you do not want to be slowing down your friends and former friends. Get yourself in very good shape!