The 2024 Alaska Heli Ski Season Recap

The Anticipation and Build-Up

Pre Season Hype

To say we were ready to head up to Alaska this season was a huge understatement. The TPX team’s home resorts received minuscule snowfall pre-February so we were stoked to start the annual migration north where Alaska was getting pounded. Sun Valley, Idaho, a home base to many of our return staff, is a great training ground for getting ski fit and shred ready. The resort features 3K of fall line vertical runs, fast chairlifts and non - existent lift lines where you can always build your quad strength and arc some turns, but with under 100” of snow on the ground we were frothing to trade in our carving skis for some powder boards, helicopter time and Alaskan terrain.

Anchorage alone received over 11 feet of snow this year and it's still coming down as we slide through June. Our OPEN SNOW total for the season was 1,057 inches From Oct 1, 2023 to June 4, 2024. That's over 88 feet of snow: https://opensnow.com/location/triplepointexpeditions/snow-report. It is still hard to wrap our heads around that!

Preparations and Logistics

Triple Point continues to evolve and grow. We have pushed ourselves to improve every aspect of our business and offerings to deliver the ultimate Alaskan experience. We listen to our guests, team members and partners in order to adapt and improve at every level. Our guides relentlessly hone their skills and mountain experience through continued education and ongoing training, the chef dreams up new dishes to delight our guests and the hospitality team is constantly searching for ways to improve our lodge experience.

As a team we collectively spend the year planning and preparing for the season. Everything from contracts to supplies, staff schedules to flights are organized and refined to the nth degree. We take great pride in our operation but it doesn’t just start when we make the migration north. It takes countless hours to prepare, plan, coordinate and eventually execute all the details that make up the season. There is no “ON “switch to flip and the planning phase is a never ending process in the relentless pursuit of Alaskan descents.

March Madness

March traditionally rides the line between deep winter conditions and long spring days which in turn is marked by a transition in temperature, snowfall, storm consistency and daylight hours. Skiing in March was off the charts and guests certainly made the most of it.

March Overview and Conditions Report

Temps and Snow: As expected March was slightly warmer than February but cold temps prevailed. In the zone temps ranged from-15°F to -5°F/-26°C to -21°. Snowfall continued through the month and the majority of storms favored our western tenure.‍
Operational Days: March was host to many awesome days and great flyable weather. Clear days allowed consistent operational days for skiing, though some days were more challenging than others due to large storm fronts coming from off the coast and resetting the zone.‍
Snow Quality: Awesome skiing was on order with endless fresh powder, a stable snowpack and strong groups in house. Cold temperatures preserved the snow quality making it deep, light and ideal for our heli-ski guests seeking to cure their powder fix.

Notable Events and Highlights Report

First Descents: Throughout March groups notched numerous first descents, with pristine powder and clear skies. Guests and guides reported epic runs and deep snow, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.‍
Chugach Range: The Chugach Range was a standout destination in March, with its steep, dramatic terrain providing amazing snow for all levels of skiers. Groups experienced everything from open bowls to steep couloirs and everything in between.‍
Early Season Stories: Guests shared stories of their first heli skiing experiences with return guests, highlighting the exhilaration of flying in our vast tenure and descending the untouched runs they’d been dreaming about.

April Adventures

April was game-on this year. Stable weather and large storms blanketed South Central Alaska and new and returning guests shared the common thread of looking to explore Alaska and its big mountain terrain.

April Overview and Conditions

Temps and Snow: April saw a slight warming trend this year with a range from 0°F to 10°F/-18°C to -12°C. Overall we saw consistent snowfall amounts with numerous clear days and what we’d expect for typical April conditions.
Operational Days: Stable weather allowed for reliable helicopter operations. Spring conditions started to prevail, making it a prime time for heli-skiing and ramping up the angle for those guests looking to push themselves.
Snow Quality: The snow quality was excellent for the month with a deep and stable snowpack providing awesome skiing all around.

Epic Runs and Noteworthy Achievements

Steep Descents and Technical Terrain: April brought opportunities for advanced and technical skiing. Groups tackled steep descents, pushing their skills while learning to ride Alaska’s unique terrain.
Chugach Range: April's adventures in the Chugach Range included exploring new zones and experiencing the dramatic landscapes and breathtaking peaks. Skiers found epic powder making for diverse and exciting runs keeping everyone stoked.‍
Talkeetna Mountains: The Talkeetna’s offered a mix of technical lines and wide-open bowls. April guests enjoyed a balance of adventure and exploration, with numerous reports of the best skiing experience of their lives.

Activity Days and Adventures

As always our focus is on skiing. That being said, we strive to accommodate our guests' needs so we partook in a few highlightable adventures this season.

Our lodge is located on the backside of the Chugach and is only 40 miles from the Pacific ocean. We flew over to Prince William Sound and explored its unmatched beauty, remote beaches and calving glaciers that spill directly into the water. It was a memorable experience and amazing to spend time in such an untouched and awe inspiring destination.

The “Knik Haute Route” never disappoints and this year was no exception. Rallying ATV’s / side by sides out to the toe of the Knik is a guest favorite and checks all boxes for a fun activity. It’s exploration, adventure and adrenaline all packed in one. Not to mention being able to explore the glacier, ice caves and even do some ice climbing allows our guests to explore Alaska in a truly unique way.

Our Guests and Their Stories

It is always rewarding to hear what our guests have to say. We ask for feedback in our trip follow up questionnaire and here are some highlights:

Describe Your Trip In 5 Words:

Epic, Joyful, delicious, relaxing, rewarding
Epic, organized, relaxing, and good vibes
Best AK heli-ski trip ever
Intense, shred, elevated, refined, authentic
Curated pursuit of Alaskan lines
Can't wait to come back

What Were Your Trip Highlights:

“Watching the group progress into new levels of terrain, having a blast with friends and the TPX team, and of course skiing sick lines. Opening up lines was probably my personal highlight.”
“Skiing, the food, the sauna/cold/hot tub!”
“Skiing, friends, staff, food. A+”
“Intense AK terrain, phenomenal snow quality, three perfect weather days, Taite's cooking and lodge life”
“Skiing Privates. Excellent flying from Jimmy. Eating Ramen in the field.”

Testimonials:

Lodge and Hospitality Upgrades

Each year we work hard to expand our offerings and improve the lodge and hospitality offerings. We take immense pride in listening to our guests and staying focused to provide the best experience possible. We refine everything from a more curated pre-trip request list to seamless in house massages from our dedicated physical therapists on a schedule that meets the requirements of late days in the field.

In 2023 we added a second wood fired sauna. For 2024 we upgraded our hot tub and added an Alaskan cold plunge which was certainly a highlight for recovery after long days of skiing. Chef Taite continued to crush the culinary experience. Each year guests are impressed by his culinary range and attention to every detail. Ed’s ski shop was expanded for continued maintenance on our fleet of K2 skis as well as any guest equipment that may need wax or edge sharpening.

Challenges, Triumphs and Season Stats

Over the course of the season and year after year the biggest challenge is always weather no matter where you are in Alaska. “If it was easy then everyone would be doing it!” When it comes to high alpine mountains, close proximity to the coast, vast glaciers and so much more we are always at the mercy of mother nature. Although challenging, Alaska’s weather and it’s unique climate are one of the many challenges that make it a special place.

We focus our operations on skiing as much as possible and controlling the factors that we can: logistics, nimbleness, patience, small groups and more allow for success. We averaged an 81% fly day rate across the season for 2024 which is a touch lower than 2023 where we averaged 88%. That being said 81% translates to an average of 6 days of skiing per group across the season. In a business where one of the most common concerns is being weathered out, we couldn't be more proud of our continued success in delivering skiing on a consistent basis. Logistically and operationally we continue to expand our reach, weather observations, forecast area’s and remote logistics. These efforts continue to bear fruit as the above stats verify.

Thank You’s

Guests: We couldn’t do it without you!! Thank you for your continued belief in Triple Point and we look forward to seeing you all again next season!

Sponsors: Our sponsors provide us with the best gear on the planet. When you spend time outside and work in remote environments the gear you choose is directly related to our success on snow. The North Face, K2, Yeti, Oakley, Open Snow, Decked, Hestra, Dickies have all supported us for years and their continued support is greatly appreciated.

Partners: Pathfinder Aviation, Alaska Knotty Pine, our fuel provider and transportation network all work together to help us deliver the trip of a lifetime. We are grateful to have such amazing partners and appreciate their hard work and dedication to Alaska heli skiing.‍

The TPX Team: It takes a solid and experienced team working together to make a successful season happen. We are grateful and honored to have such an amazing group of people that choose to return year after year.

Looking Forward to Next Season

Reflections and Learnings: Every season is a new opportunity to learn, grow and improve. The 2024 season was a resounding success and one that we as a company and team are extremely proud of. It’s a privilege to spend time in the mountains with our guests from all over the world. We are grateful for the unique experiences we provide to helicopter ski in Alaska and its awe inspiring terrain. We look forward to continued improvements, new developments and the stoke that only Alaska can provide.

What's Next?: The 2025 season is looking like a big one. There is strong demand for our limited weeks and currently we have 8.5 weeks out of 10 already sold out. We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to shred and explore next year with new and return guests alike.

Conclusion

The 2024 Alaska heli ski season provided excellent conditions, huge smiles, and memorable experiences. As we close this chapter and look forward to the next, the stories from this season will continue to inspire our skiing community. Stay tuned for more updates and have a wonderful summer dreaming of Alaska!

The 2024 Alaska Heli Ski Season Recap