Locally Owned
We are locally owned and part of the Juneau Community. We know how to get things done in our home town. The advantage of knowing people and maintaining working relationships with other businesses allows us to create a quality, friendly, well organized, and seamless flow for our package trips. The majority of APD guides live here throughout the year, and are part of the depth & soul of skiing in Juneau. They have a history and knowledge that takes time to develop, but the result is an insight and attention to detail that translates into a quality experience for our clients.
Getting Here
We are the closest Alaskan heli-ski town to Seattle, and direct flights take just under 2-hours. There are no extra fees our hassles in acquiring pricy puddle-jump flights to a remote lodge or town. This is part of the reason we are able to offer the most affordable trip packages in the state.
Access Options
With over 1 million acres of permitted land to access, and a roadway that extends over fifty miles along the coastline of our mountains, we have a variety of entrances into different types of terrain. Our FAA approved landing zones enable us to work within the various micro-climates throughout Juneau, and that means more skiing and less weather cancellations.
Our Town
Alaska’s capital city does not disappoint. We have great nightlife and music venues, cool sites to checkout, a variety of activity options, and many good eateries. You won’t be sitting around bored watching Blizzard of Aahhs for the fifteenth time unless you want to. We’ll have you buzzing about town at the end of an epic day, and if weather is an issue you can choose to do a group activity, or head to a museum, art gallery, or bookstore on your own.
Eaglecrest
The best little ski area on the planet hosts many pro riders, and is the home mountain to a community of people who embrace all types of enthusiasts. The benefits of having a quality ski area 7-miles from downtown makes for a fun and exciting mountain vibe, and is a fantastic part of our package offerings. In a recent article by Backcountry Magazine, Drew Pogge writes; “Chutes, spines, and wide-open screamers spill down the steep faces of Hogsback Ridge and Mount Ben Stewart just outside the boundary line. And these are only the beginning”. Pogge later adds; “There’s no locals-only sentiment, just high spirits and high praise for lines well-skied”.
Pilots & Heli’s
Juneau is the base of operation for four helicopter companies. The Icefield and its surrounding mountains and glaciers are a top tourist attraction for visitors. The cruise-line industry is a huge part of our local economy, and as a result over 40 helicopters are stationed in our area for summer flight-seeing. Because the pilots and machines live here, we are able to secure helicopters at a cheaper hourly rate than other operators in remote locations. The bottom-line is more affordable rates for our guests.
Activity Options
We have the gear, machines, and permits to tackle most outdoor activities. Our partner company Above & Beyond Alaska conducts summer glacier trekking, ice climbing, kayak fishing, and paddle trips throughout the Tongass Wilderness. If your legs are hammered from skiing then we can arrange a remote wildlife boat charter with fishing for the day. If the mountains are clouded over we may take a helicopter flight along the coastline to a remote ice climbing site. The possibilities are endless, and we can do it all “in-house”.
Client Progression
A safe heli-ski trip begins the moment you contact us. We need to be sure of your background and ability level so that we can group you into the appropriate package. Upon booking, a detailed client information packet is sent to you, and outlines many of the safety parameters and logistics associated with our operation. Your first day on skis will be spent off-pieste where guides will assess your ability level, introduce the art of reverse-camber skiing, discuss client protocols for getting down mountains safely, and practice a simulated avalanche rescue. Once we’re done with the basics we will take you into terrain that is suitable for the level of your group. Our focus will be accessing safe and enjoyable aspects, and we will continue to work with you regarding big mountain techniques such as sluff-management so that we can progress into steeper terrain.
Group Size
We have a 4:1 client to guide ratio, and a maximum of four groups per helicopter for any one zone. This means that you’ll never see more than 16 other clients skiing in your terrain, and you won’t have long waits for your next ride to the summit. If this generous policy is still too many riders for your tastes, then we recommend purchasing a private package where you get exclusive use of the helicopter and zone each day.
