AK Updates

2022 Season Recap

The 2022 season was a full on crush fest.
Author: 
Tucker Patton
Tom Willmott exploring deep in the Chugach. Photo: Tucker Patton
Tom Willmott exploring deep in the Chugach. Photo: Tucker Patton

Thank you to our guests, friends, lodge staff, partners, sponsors, contractors, guides, pilots, mechanics and more who continue to believe in the dream of small group Alaska heli-skiing. The pursuit of big mountain lines drives our company’s ethos and we couldn’t make it happen without everyone’s support.

Was it really year 5 in Palmer? Wow!

As a company, 2022 was an amazing year of growth. We expanded our season, added new team members, pushed our operational reach, explored new zones, skied more than ever and opened new terrain and first descents. Here are some interesting stats from the season:

  • Total runs skied: 602 runs
  • Average ski days per week: 6
  • ​Operationally flyable days: 48 out of 56
  • Longest fly-day streak: 15 days straight
  • ​​First descents: Too many to count

Late February and early March in Alaska means more storms, colder temps and shorter days which equates to deep powder, 360 degrees of skiable aspects and amazing light to cap off unforgettable days.

Awesome late spring conditions and excellent stability allowed the guest to continue to tee-off as 2022 continued to deliver. Photo: Connor Buzzell
Awesome late spring conditions and excellent stability allowed the guest to continue to tee-off as 2022 continued to deliver. Photo: Connor Buzzell
4AK wrapped up after another awesome day. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
4AK wrapped up after another awesome day. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
Owner and guide Tucker Patton entering the white room. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
Owner and guide Tucker Patton entering the white room. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado

Mid Season: The Crush-Fest Continues

February inevitably rolls into March and the season kicked into overdrive as the storms coming off the Gulf continued to deliver great snow and huge windows of opportunity to get into the mountains. With the onset of March, daylight hours begin to get longer, and the average temps in town slowly start to climb.We were able to maximize our location and operational flexibility to ski almost everyday. Stability remained excellent throughout the season, as did the snow quality throughout all our zones (the Chugach, Tordillos, Talkeetnas, Neacolas and Alaska ranges). Our guests maximized their private ship waiting steps from the front door and the flexibility it provides. Other highlights included:

  • Pilot Connor ferried us to the most amazing places. He is phenomenal pilot and we are super grateful to have such an awesome asset to the team.
  • Chef Taite kept everyone happy at the lodge with amazing food from huge breakfasts to mouthwatering dinners. Here’s a quote from a review left by guest Will H: “Chef Taite was almost too good at his job it was ridiculous”!
    Read more reviews here
  • And as always our guide staff continued to deliver the goods each and every day
Pilot Connor Buzzell prepping 4Ak for the day’s activities. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
Pilot Connor Buzzell prepping 4Ak for the day’s activities. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
We can’t think of a better way to end the day than with Chef Taite’s Traeger smoked ribs. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
We can’t think of a better way to end the day than with Chef Taite’s Traeger smoked ribs. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
The guides are always searching for the best lines and perfect snow for our guests. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
The guides are always searching for the best lines and perfect snow for our guests. Photo: Jon Mancuso / Idarado
Chris Marshall opening up the backyard for his guests. Photo: Connor Buzzell
Chris Marshall opening up the backyard for his guests. Photo: Connor Buzzell

Finish: Full Send Till The End

In Alaska we strongly believe in the concept that: “You must be present to win”, and that was certainly the case again in 2022. There are numerous complexities and variables that pop up throughout the season that continue to reinforce you just have to be here to truly maximize skiing in Alaska. We are able to deliver unforgettable experiences because our operation is built to be nimble, small and custom. There were countless days that seemed non-operational the night before that then opened up for windows of skiing the next day.The smiles, stoke and high fives from scoring in the Alaska, Talkeetnas and Chugach ranges continues to motivate us through the heat of summer, and we look forward to 2023 in Palmer, Alaska. Thanks for always believing in us and we hope to see you in Alaska this spring.

-The TPX Team

Our team is dedicated to creating the ultimate Alaskan heli ski experience day in and day out.
Our team is dedicated to creating the ultimate Alaskan heli ski experience day in and day out.
Late evening alpenglow sessions in the Chugach are the best. Photo: Tucker Patton
Late evening alpenglow sessions in the Chugach are the best. Photo: Tucker Patton
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