If you want in on the heli-ski experience of a lifetime, 2010 is the year to get to Alaska’s Chugach Mountains.
Points North Heli-Adventures has set its winter dates and they’re starting to already fill, for good reason. Known as among the best providers in Alaska, PNH is often featured in ski and snowboard flicks such as Warren Miller’s upcoming “Dynasty” because of the epic snowfalls and they’re expecting another huge season.
"We cannot wait for the 2010 heli-ski season to begin,” say PNH owner operators Jessica & Kevin Quinn,. “We are anticipating a big snow year in the Chugach with El Nino starting to roll into the Pacific. Snow is already starting to fall on the high peaks and it won't be long before PNH is landing on them.”
The Chugach are legendary, with among the highest annual snowfalls in the world produced by its position on the Gulf of Alaska. PNH has been in operation in the Chugach Mountains since way back and they know exactly what they’re doing. They fly powder hounds across 1,500+ square miles, dropping them into huge, untouched bowls of white with one of PNH’s guides. Depending on when you’re there and how much you can handle, you’ll get 8-12 runs and ride 20-35,000 vertical feet per day.
The 2010 schedule is as follows:
Week 1 :: February 20 -27
Week 2 :: February 27 – March 6
Week 3 :: March 6 – 13
Week 5 :: March 20 – 27
Week 6 :: March 27 – April 3
Week 7 :: April 3 – 10
Week 8 :: April 10 – 17
Week 9 :: April 17 – 24
No matter when you go, this will be one heli-ski you never forget. However, not all PNH trips are created equal. PNH offers a number of packages that range in price from $800 per person, per day (including transportation, lodging, food, etc) to close to $100k for private rental of the Maritime Maid, the PNH luxury 85-foot boat and A-Star B2 Helicopter. With the Maritime Maid you’ll be able to cruise the Alaska Coast and heli-hit areas few other human beings ever see, let alone ride.
