
Chugach Powder Guides Girdwood
Experience the ultimate Alaskan backcountry adventure with expert guides and breathtaking views. Heli-skiing and cat-skiing in the Chugach Mountains.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime season for deep powder

Chugach Powder Guides Girdwood
Best Time
Prime season for deep powder

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the ultimate Alaskan backcountry adventure with expert guides and breathtaking views. Heli-skiing and cat-skiing in the Chugach Mountains.
"This was hands-down the best snowboarding experience I’ve ever had in my entire life."

🎯 Extend Your Trip
Weather can cause cancellations; book extra days to guarantee your heli-skiing experience. :calendar:
🥾 Bring Your Own Boots
While rentals are available, bringing your preferred ski/snowboard boots ensures maximum comfort and performance. :boot:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Heli-Skiing Adventure
Experience unparalleled backcountry skiing or snowboarding with expert guides and breathtaking Chugach Mountain views.

Snowcat Skiing
Explore vast powder fields and enjoy multiple runs accessed by comfortable snowcats, offering a different backcountry thrill.

Expert Guides & Safety
Benefit from highly professional guides who prioritize safety while leading you to incredible terrain and fresh lines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance & Be Flexible
Gear Up for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Extend Your Trip
Weather can cause cancellations; book extra days to guarantee your heli-skiing experience.
:calendar:🥾 Bring Your Own Boots
While rentals are available, bringing your preferred ski/snowboard boots ensures maximum comfort and performance.
:boot:✅ Prioritize Safety Briefings
Pay close attention to safety instructions and gear familiarization for a secure and enjoyable adventure.
:shield:📸 Capture the Views
The Chugach Mountains offer stunning scenery; have your camera ready for incredible photo opportunities.
:camera:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Extend Your Trip
Weather can cause cancellations; book extra days to guarantee your heli-skiing experience.
:calendar:🥾 Bring Your Own Boots
While rentals are available, bringing your preferred ski/snowboard boots ensures maximum comfort and performance.
:boot:✅ Prioritize Safety Briefings
Pay close attention to safety instructions and gear familiarization for a secure and enjoyable adventure.
:shield:📸 Capture the Views
The Chugach Mountains offer stunning scenery; have your camera ready for incredible photo opportunities.
:camera:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chugach Powder Guides for providing an outstanding and epic heli-skiing and cat-skiing experience. The professional guides, pilots, and staff, combined with incredible terrain and conditions, create unforgettable adventures. While weather can cause disruptions, the overall consensus is that CPG delivers an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime trip.
"Outstanding day in the Chugachs. The equipment, guides (Rich & Micah), terrain and thankfully weather lived up to the best of our imagination. We had fresh lines and sparkling snow, a great mountain lunch and a ton of fun. You’ve got to do this at least once in your life, and I’d be hard pressed to imagine regretting do it with the pros at CPG."
Craig Urbansky
"Great operation! Fantastic base location at Girdwood airport, great staff, excellent terrain right out back from Alyeska resort. Super convenient if you are staying anywhere near Girdwood. Extra props to Rich who was a great guide!"
Alexander Cabot
"This was hands-down the best snowboarding experience I’ve ever had in my entire life. The staff, the pilot, and even the group I got placed in was absolutely amazing. I was weathered out for three days unfortunately when I first got to Alaska, and I actually had to extend my trip for one more day to make it up for what has been a huge bucket list item for me and it was more than I ever could have expected. The best conditions. The best hospitality. The best views. It was just unreal. I will come back every year! And that’s coming from someone who snowboards all over the world. Alaska is just unbelievable. 1 small tip would be to leave your trip open ended for an unknown amount of days if you can. Just incase you get weathered out. Or… Book a few days out instead of just 1 or 2 to really make sure you get a slot!"
Ryan Fischer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chugach Powder Guides is located at the Girdwood Airport. If you're staying in Girdwood, it's a short drive or taxi ride. Many accommodations in Girdwood offer shuttle services. For those coming from Anchorage, it's about a 45-minute scenic drive south on the Seward Highway.
CPG often provides transportation from a central meeting point in Anchorage, especially for heli-skiing packages. Confirm this when booking, as it simplifies logistics significantly.
Driving yourself offers the most flexibility to explore the scenic Seward Highway. Rental cars are readily available at Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
Yes, Girdwood offers a range of accommodations, from hotels and lodges to vacation rentals, making it convenient to stay close to the operation.
The Seward Highway is generally well-maintained, but winter conditions can be unpredictable. Always check road conditions and be prepared for snow and ice, especially if driving during or after a storm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking is typically done online through the Chugach Powder Guides website or by contacting them directly via phone or email. It's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for peak season.
Prices vary depending on the package and number of runs. A single heli day can be a significant investment, but reviewers consistently state it's worth every penny for the experience.
Packages usually include the helicopter or snowcat transport, professional guiding, safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel, airbag backpack), and a gourmet mountain lunch.
Yes, single-day heli-skiing trips are available, but due to weather and demand, booking multiple days or having flexibility is advised.
Due to the nature of weather-dependent activities, CPG has specific policies regarding weather-related cancellations and rescheduling. It's crucial to review these policies before booking.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
The Chugach Mountains offer vast, steep, and deep backcountry terrain, including bowls, couloirs, and glades, with opportunities for both advanced skiers and snowboarders.
CPG provides avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, airbag backpacks, and radios. You'll also receive a safety briefing and gear familiarization.
Dress in warm, waterproof, and breathable layers. You'll need a ski jacket and pants, warm gloves, a helmet, and goggles.
Yes, you can bring your own equipment. If you're using pin bindings for touring, confirm compatibility with CPG's setup.
Group sizes are generally small to ensure personalized guiding and safety, typically around 4-6 people per guide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A gourmet mountain lunch is typically included, often featuring high-quality ingredients and prepared meals, a significant upgrade from typical backcountry snacks.
Girdwood has several excellent dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Jack Sprat is a popular choice for its diverse menu.
While lunch is provided, bringing some personal snacks for energy between runs is always a good idea.
Besides Jack Sprat, other highly-rated spots include Altura Bistro for unique burgers and The Bake Shop for pastries and coffee.
Alcohol is generally not provided during the guided tours for safety reasons, but you can enjoy drinks at local establishments in Girdwood after your day.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can bring a camera, but ensure it's securely stored and doesn't interfere with safety procedures. Some guides may offer photo services.
The panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains, glaciers, and vast powder fields are spectacular. Sunsets over the peaks are also breathtaking.
While not always standard, some packages might offer professional photography or videography services. Inquire directly with CPG.
Expect dramatic landscapes, action shots of skiers and snowboarders in deep powder, and aerial views from the helicopter.
Drone usage is typically restricted in backcountry areas and around helicopters due to safety regulations and potential interference. Check CPG's policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more relaxed pace, Girdwood town itself offers a charming atmosphere. Consider exploring local eateries like The Bake Shop for treats or enjoying the scenic drives. While heli-skiing might be out of reach for younger children, the surrounding natural beauty and accessible trails make Girdwood a great destination for families who appreciate the outdoors.
🏂 Advanced Riders & Skiers
CPG's expert guides are adept at finding the best snow and lines tailored to your group's ability level, ensuring you experience the true essence of Alaskan powder. The combination of heli-access and snowcat-access opens up vast areas of untouched terrain, making it a dream come true for those who crave fresh tracks and adrenaline-pumping runs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While on a heli-skiing or cat-skiing trip, you'll have opportunities to capture incredible landscapes and action shots. The aerial perspective from the helicopter itself offers unique photographic possibilities. Remember to pack your gear securely and be mindful of safety protocols when taking photos in the backcountry.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Heli-Skiing
Many visitors emphasize the importance of flexibility when booking heli-skiing. Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, leading to cancellations or delays. Extending your trip by a day or two is a common recommendation to maximize your chances of getting a full day of skiing in. The investment in a heli-skiing day is significant, but the consensus is that the experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime and worth every dollar.
CPG provides all essential safety gear, including avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, and airbag backpacks. They also offer a thorough safety briefing and gear familiarization. While you can bring your own skis or snowboard, it's advisable to confirm binding compatibility if you're using specialized touring setups. The guides are not only skilled skiers but also adept at managing group dynamics, ensuring everyone has a fantastic time.
Exploring Girdwood and Beyond
For those looking for additional adventures, nearby attractions include the Alyeska Ski Resort, offering in-bounds skiing and snowboarding. The Portage Valley, just a short drive away, features trails like the one to Portage Glacier, which is accessible year-round and offers beautiful views, even for families. The Eagle River Nature Center in Chugach State Park is another scenic spot, known for its valley views and serene river.
When it comes to dining, Girdwood has a reputation for excellent food. Restaurants like Jack Sprat offer a diverse menu, and Altura Bistro is known for its unique burgers. This makes Girdwood a well-rounded destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to enjoy the local culture and cuisine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit