Alaska Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

Alaska is renowned for offering some of the best skiing in the world, and for good reason. The mountains and views are awe inspiring, and the snow tends to pile up in generous amounts. Terrain ranges from gentle, low-angle runs for intermediate skiers and riders to steep, challenging faces for experts.

Just 45 minutes from Anchorage International Airport, lies Girdwood, the hub of Southcentral Alaska skiing. It provides access to incredible backcountry options, as well as Alyeska Ski Resort for when you feel like riding a chairlift.

Only 20-30 minutes away, Turnagain Pass offers world-class, road-accessed backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Just 20 minutes further, Summit Lake presents more beautiful terrain. The Chugach Range from Anchorage to Eagle River and Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains provide us with different weather and snowpack conditions. A day’s drive brings you to Valdez’s Thompson Pass. This all gives us the flexibility to chase the best snow and avalanche conditions across the region.


Backcountry Ski Touring:  

Guided human-powered backcountry skiing and split-boarding. Stay in Girdwood and take day trips to the backcountry. Turnagain Pass is the "go to" venue, but if conditions are better elsewhere we may adjust plans to Summit Lake or north to Hatcher Pass.  

  • Prerequisite: Intermediate-advanced downhill ski ability.

  • No previous touring experience required.

  • 1-7 days. November through May, (into June conditions dependent).

  • See booking page for pricing and availability.

Ski Week:

Book 5 to 7+ days of backcountry skiing to explore the diverse locations Alaska has to offer. Base yourself in Girdwood (Alyeska) or Anchorage, and enjoy trips to various areas, with destinations chosen at Nick’s descretion based on the best conditions.

  • Prerequisite: Intermediate-advanced downhill ski ability.

  • Previous touring experience recommended for multiple days.

  • See booking page for pricing and availability.

Local Knowledge:

Hire a guide’s local knowledge, not someone you just met at the bar. This is a common booking for groups with lots of ski touring experience, but are new to Alaska and overwhelmed with the scale and complexity of the area. Or for Alaskans that have taken an avalanche course and are looking to put their skills to use with some guidance. Get out with Nick for a couple days to help get a feel for the local terrain options, weather, and current snowpack conditions. Let this be your foundation for the rest of your personal trip, with your group making your own decisions. People have always said they found this guidance well worth it.

  • Prerequisite: Avalanche Rec Level 1 and Rescue.

  • Intermediate to advanced experience ski touring.

  • See booking page for pricing and availability.

Other trip options