FAQs
Browse common questions by category:
Preparation | on the snow | About PNH
PREPARation + PLANNING
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We HIGHLY recommend Trip Insurance. Our cancellation and refund policies are absolute!
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Given the Alaska heli-season is only 8-10 weeks, there really is not a “Best Time” to come. Early season (February) has a better chance of cold smoke Chugach powder. The days are often colder and shorter but cold snow can be skied on all aspects this time of year. Weather days allow us to ride our local chair lift before the winter snows melt.
Late April has long daylight hours with boot top to shin deep powder. As the season goes on we lose cold snow on the southerly aspects but gain “corn” snow on these same aspects when the temperatures are right. The long daylight hours in April make the days seem like they are never going to end.
Our recommendation is to find the best time that you and your 3 favorite ski buddies can all take the time to come and experience all that Cordova has to offer!
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PNH is located between the Chugach Mountains and the Gulf of Alaska which is a giant weather maker. It is this setup that provides the Chugach with over 50 feet of snow annually and makes the runs world famous. We are 30 miles from Valdez and we have very similar weather patterns.
An average week consists of 2-4 fly days. If you get 4 or 5 big fly days you have luck on your side. This is why we charge only 4 heli-hours up front which typically equates to 2-4 ski days. In the event you do get to fly more than your 4 hours, you simply pay as you go. This helps makes PNH more affordable for you. You are our priority as we do not offer walk in day trips. The helicopters are on standby for your week alone.
When you come to PNH you are paying for an Alaskan Experience! You are with PNH from the time you get off the plane until the time you depart. Some other operations see you only on fly days and can sell you on a vertical package.
Every operation in Alaska is subject to the same limitations on the kind of terrain we access. Remember, tree-line in Alaska hovers around 2500 feet (750m) above sea level. Most of the heli-skiing in Alaska is above tree-line on glaciated terrain, so we need clear skies to fly and ride safely. When you are not in the heli, you are riding the local chair lift or partaking in an endless variety of other unique Alaskan experiences.
Given the unpredictability of the weather in Alaska, we highly recommend trip insurance.
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Our classic heli-ski week program typically services 3 groups per heli. This keeps you riding and allows additional safety back up with the other groups in the field working around you. We always strive to have no more than 3 groups being serviced by each aircraft, however, if there is a mechanical, emergency situation or some other unforeseeable circumstance it is possible that there will be more.
Our private program services either 1 or 2 groups per heli pending the program you purchase.
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No matter where you heli-ski in the world, avalanches are always a concern. You must assume inherent risks when heli-skiing. Luckily, in Cordova, we are in a maritime snowpack which tends to stabilize more quickly than others. We do our very best to mitigate all of the hazards each day in the mountains. We always ski one by one, safe zone to safe zone, and communication is the most important factor. Everyone in your group will have a Motorola or BCA radio to communicate with your guide and other groups in the field at all times.
Our guides are all highly trained in the latest snow science and Avalanche rescue and mitigation. Each day our forecasters and all of the guides meet to discuss the current conditions and potential hazards of the day.
We place paramount importance upon reviewing mountain, helicopter, and avalanche safety with each group in our intro briefings. You will be throughly prepared to deal with any situation that may arise.
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You can get to Cordova via Anchorage or Seattle by plane or ferry. There are 2 Alaska Airlines flights each day, flight #61 and #66. We are a 28 minute flight from Anchorage and a 5 hour flight from Seattle.
Once you arrive at the airport, everything will be taken care of. A PNH staff member will great you with a courtesy van. Our facility is a 20 minute drive that offers breathtaking views from the airport to the beautiful Orca Adventure Lodge.
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For your safety and to make the most of your trip, there are some essential gear requirements we ask you to bring.
On the Snow
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Our terrain is massive. The closest terrain is about a 5-7 minute flight and the furthest is about 30 minutes one way! An average day consists of 6-11 runs equaling an hour to an hour and a half of fly time. How far we fly is dictated by where we think the best/safest snow can be found.
A typical day will burn from 1-2 heli hours. Your package comes with 4 heli-hours.
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We charge heli time to make it simple. This allows our guides to focus on accessing quality terrain and snow verse focusing on vertical. Once you get into the zone, each run is typically a short flight unless the conditions or weather dictate a longer flight.
An average day is around 6-11 runs for an hour to an hour and a half of total fly time. Your purchased 4 hours of heli time will cover 2-4 days of heli-skiing, depending how far we fly and how many runs you ski each day.
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PNH has over 3000 square miles of permitted terrain. Of this, there is roughly one million acres of skiable terrain! We have terrain to suit every type of rider, but you need to be in the appropriate group to your ability. We interview every client to ensure we have a group for you. You do not have to be and expert or an extreme skier to have a great time in Alaska. We do however ask that you come with an open mind, in descent shape, and able to feel confident in all conditions.
It is very common for the guest to say after each run, “that was the best run of my life”, only to be followed with the same comment on the very next run.
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Mt Eyak is soul skiing at its best. The terrain is playful and if you get lucky enough to find yourself at Eyak on a powder day, there aren’t may experiences that match that “skiing into the ocean” feeling it provides.
We often wonder if Cordova is a fishing town with a ski problem or a ski town with a fishing problem! Our local chairlift has its own remarkable history as the oldest working chairlift in the world. It was also the 13th chair ever built as the first lift at Sun Valley, Idaho. Riding the single chair is something that everyone should experience. Powder Magazine gave Mt. Eyak its own story in their feature, “Little areas that rock”.
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As many of you know, the airbag is the standard in avalanche safety. Airbags are allowed to be carried onto flights however the canisters must be empty.
Here at PNH we do have a fill station for all airbags except the the ABS system. We have BCA Float airbags available for use for our clients.
It is not an air carrier decision in regards to the canisters being allowed on your flight; the decision falls solely on the TSA agents during screening. In the event you do have your own airbag system, again, we can probably fill your canister for you.
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Our groups typically consist of 4 clients plus a guide. Occasionally, we can accommodate 5 clients if one of them is light enough. If you do not come in a group of 4, we do our best to create groups of similar abilities and group dynamics as your experience is paramount to us. If your group has a disparity in abilities we will do our best to accommodate a change for the next fly day.
We are fortunate to sell out each season with multiple aircraft which allows for a wide variety of abilities ranging from the intermediate rider to the world class athlete. As your experience is paramount to us, we take group paring very seriously. Every week we see clients creating friendships that last a lifetime.
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The temperatures in our zone typically range from 0-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Given that we typically ski only on sunny days, it is not uncommon to shed a layer or two in the middle of the day.
Given the range of temperatures you may encounter, we highly recommend dressing in layers. Typically, nice wool under-layers with a fleece mid layer and a powder/shell jacket and pants will suffice. We always recommend a thin puffy that fits in your pack to wear during lunch or at the end of the day.
More About PNH
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Each year, we have 2-4 A-Star helicopters all season. The A-Star is the “Ferrari” of helicopters and our favorite choice for safely accessing our endless terrain. Our aircraft have been provided by North Star Trekking out of Juneau, Alaska for over 23 years.
When doing your research, it is very important to know how many aircraft the given operation has. Mechanicals can happen and fuel is needed throughout the day. Having at least 2 aircraft is important as a safety backup.
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Our guides are what make PNH special. They are not only guides but teachers, personalities, and professionals. They are skiers and snowboarders first, and are among the best riders on the planet.
Our guides are trained in the highest level of avalanche certification, medical rescue, and are seasoned backcountry professionals. We are extremely proud of our guide staff and their credentials.
Please make certain to view our guides’ page to see what all of them are about.
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We would not say there are any bad helicopter skiing operations in Alaska, however, at PNH, we set ourselves apart from the rest. We are a family owned operation and the only operator based out of Cordova, Alaska. We have sold out every season for over 2 decades!
PNH is based on the waters’ edge and accesses an incredibly remote portion of the Chugach Mountain range where few other users are ever encountered. We have special permits to ski terrain that others cannot and areas that are only viably accessible from Cordova.
We can assure you that if you get the weather window on your trip no matter where you go, it will be the best trip of your life! That’s Alaska!
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Yes, in fact PNH is one of only five heli-ski operations in Alaska that have met the high standards of Heli-Ski US.
Heli-Ski US is an association that is recognized by the governing agencies as meeting the “golden seal” in safety, standards and protocols. We strongly advise when booking your heli-ski trip that you chose an operation that is part of Heli-Ski US. These operators and their guides are some the best in the industry. (www.usheliskiing.com)
