In the winter and spring we head for the back country for the best skiing Alaska has to offer. If you are a telemark or randonnée skier, you will love the places we go. We are not likely to see any crowds where we like to ski. Often it is just untracked snow in some very remarkable mountains. When possible, we like to stay in our uniquely Alaskan mountain huts. These huts may not be the fanciest, just the basic comforts, but the skiing just outside the door is what we all dream about. And so are the views. Come on, drop us a line and let's put together your own Alaskan ski adventure!
The Snowbird Hut was big news for Alpine Guides Alaska in 1998. We
were able to purchase this prime mountain hideaway, mostly for use in our
ski program. That means that AGA and our clients now have exclusive priority
on this private mountain hut, and effectively, the surrounding terrain.
Already we have had many a fine skiing holiday in this superb skiing wonderland.
The Snowbird Glacier is known for its consistently good snow conditions with a wide variety of skiing terrain. All skill levels of skier can be accommodated. The main glacier (no rope needed!) provides miles of interesting views and gentle slopes. For the intermediate skier, this is nirvana with many routes, passes, valleys and slopes to run. And for expert skiers, we are still dropping first descents in close proximity to the hut! This is paradise for the skier who appreciates quality backcountry skiing!
We access this hut on skis via the Snowbird Pass in one day (3,200 ft. elevation gain) with intermediate/expert skiers or with those experienced in backcountry skills. For clients who desire, we use aircraft (either helicopters or fixed-wing) for time efficiency or for those less confident in their skiing skills. We recommend air egress for the same reasons, although this option is of course problematical in case of bad weather.
Our hut is a 16 foot diameter metal dome, located at 4,820 ft. elevation on a lateral moraine of the Snowbird Glacier in the southern Talkeetna Mountains, west of the town of Palmer. It is fully equipped, insulated and heated. One only needs to bring their own personal equipment to be able to fully enjoy their experience.
Our winter ski season for this location usually runs from January through April. Spring skiing conditions are May and June. Spring skiing may be combined with climbs of some of the spires of the area. Many different custom trips can be designed based around the Snowbird Glacier Hut, including traverses through to the Bomber, Mint, Denigi and Lane Huts. Your Alaskan backcountry skiing experience is only a contact away with Alpine Guides Alaska!
While we believe that the skiing at the Snowbird Glacier is superior to the Mint area, this is still one of our favorite places. Perhaps it is because it is just a bit more spectacular or because it is a touch more remote, for what ever reason, it is still worth a visit. Perhaps if you have already been with us to the Snowbird and would like to experience a different area, this may be it. More strenuous than going to the Snowbird, but always accessible no matter what the avalanche hazard, it also does not require quite the steep terrain ability.
Looking for a high ski traverse through beautiful mountains? The Bomber Traverse in winter may fit your bill. We have three easy glaciers and two mountain passes to negotiate on this traverse. Depending on which variation of the traverse we use, we will be able to use at least one or two huts for nightly comfort and lighter packs. Using "light and fast" style, we are able to travel quickly and still enjoy our turns. Intermediate skiers or better are recommended for this demanding ski adventure.
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