Alaska Backcountry Guides

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When should I come heliskiing in Alaska?

When to Come Heliskiing in Alaska
If you're seeking an extraordinary heliskiing adventure, there's no place quite like Alaska. The ideal time to visit is during the months of February through April, when the conditions are at their prime. Alaska's vast terrain offers ample opportunities for exhilarating descents and untouched powder. With longer daylight hours at this time of year, you can maximize your time on the slopes and soak in the breathtaking surrounding scenery. Whether you're a seasoned heliskiing enthusiast or a beginner eager to take on new challenges, Alaska's winter months promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more.

When it comes to booking your heliski trip, the question on everyone's mind is, "Which month is the best?" Well, we're here to tell you that every single week is capable of delivering an incredible skiing adventure. Rest assured, no matter when you choose to join us, you'll be treated to an unforgettable heliski experience. The weather is impossible to predict or control, that being said, the general tendency of the weather is as follows:

  • Late-February/Early-March: Shorter days, colder snow on all aspects and elevations, colder temperatures. Alaska Backcountry Guides offers an unlimited heliskiing package during this time of the season. No other operator in Alaska offers an unlimited heliski package.

  • Mid-March through Mid-April: Days start to get longer and the snowpack can become more stable, while solar aspects become unsafe. Historically, this is prime-time for heliskiing in Valdez and throughout the state.

  • Late-April/Early-May: During this time of year, the days become very long; allowing us to ski from 9am to 9pm should your legs desire! There can be powder snow and spring skiing conditions. Typically, we are looking for north-facing slopes to ski cold snow and some of our steepest terrain. Even though it gets warm in town, the glaciers we ski are higher up and very cold… Wear your flip flops in the bar, and your ski boots on the glaciers, it is a great time to come ride Alaska!

With all of that said, weather can be unpredictable, and these are just a general overview of what to expect. We wouldn’t book trips for a set of dates, if we didn’t believe it could deliver the best ski days of your life. Please contact us if you have more questions or want to book your dream heli trip.