Private Heli Skiing
All of Alaska. All yours.
Four skiers. Two guides. Two pilots. One helicopter. Untouched terrain across nearly the entire state of Alaska built entirely around your group.
*The second pilot is also a guide (only one pilot flies the helicopter at a time).
The experience
A week built around your group, and nobody else's
SMG Alaska Heli Ski is known for providing the best private heli skiing and heli snowboarding experiences in the world. Prepare for the journey of a lifetime as we invite you to experience private heli-skiing in some of the most majestic landscapes on Earth. The Chugach-Tordrillos-Valdez-Chugach-Seward and secret zones, all in one week!
This fully private heli-skiing week is tailored for thrill-seekers and powder enthusiasts alike. From steep, deep snow to vast expanses of untouched wilderness, every moment promises an adventure like no other. Nights are spent at The Hotel Alyeska just 35 minutes from Anchorage or other beautiful lodges when on heli skiing safari. Private Alaska heli skiing pricing available upon request.
“The best skiing on the planet.”
Why SMG
Built to deliver the best heli skiing in Alaska
SMG Alaska Heli Ski is consistently ranked as the best heli skiing in the world by its guests. Here's what goes into that.
Largest permit network in The World
SMG holds permits across countless Alaskan mountain ranges. We can jump in the heli and literally fly to the opposite end of the State of Alaska. That means we can chase the best snow and conditions every day instead of being locked into one zone.
Two guides on every run
Most heli ski operations assign a single guide. We run two guides for up to four guests — one setting the line, one watching from above.
Meet our guidesPractically zero down days
Because we operate across endless mountain ranges — The Chugach, Seward, Valdez, Tordrillo, Neacola, Denali, Talkeetnas, Petersburg, and numerous additional zones — we almost always find flyable terrain. Low-light heli tree skiing and Alyeska Resort are right in our backyard as backup.
Same ownership since 2008
Aaron Brill opened Silverton Mountain Colorado in 1999 and brought the same expert-guided model to Alaska in 2008. He still skis with all guests and oversees operations personally.
More about SMGThe full Alaska winter season
October through May gives private groups flexibility to time their trip at the time that works best.
Private means private
Your group of up to four has the entire operation to itself. No other helicopters from the same operation competing for lines, no rotating groups, no waiting.
- 4
- Guests maximum
- 2
- Guides with every group
- 1
- Helicopter per private group, only one group per week
- #1
- Largest permit network in the World
Packages
Bespoke Alaska private heli skiing built around your group
SMG's flagship private heli skiing offering is a six-day trip: six full ski days, two professional guides, a dedicated helicopter for up to four guests, and lodging at The Hotel Alyeska. Everything is arranged from the moment you land in Anchorage.
Private week package
Ski days, up to four guests. The helicopter and guides are yours for the week. This is the package most guests choose for a full Alaska heli ski experience. However, many guests opt for longer and shorter duration trips which we can often accommodate.
Custom itinerary upon request
Have a need for multiple helicopters for a corporate or multi-family trip? Contact us and we will build a bespoke offering around your goals.
Itinerary
How a private week unfolds
Arrive in Anchorage
Land in Anchorage and take the scenic 35-minute luxury suburban transfer to Girdwood. Check in at The Hotel Alyeska, meet your guides for a safety briefing, and settle in for the week ahead.
Six full days of private heli skiing
Each morning your guides choose the best zone based on snow, weather, and your group's energy. Ski 10 to 18-plus runs per day, never share a landing zone, and return to the spa and a warm dinner in Girdwood.
Plan ahead for the following season
After the final ski days, guests transfer back to Anchorage. Most guests leave already booking for the next season
What’s included
Everything but the flight to Anchorage
The helicopter is yours
The one machine dedicated to your group for the week. No shared lifts, no waiting on another party, no other helicopters within our operation competing for the best lines and the freedom to fly when your group is ready.
Four guests, two guides
A 2:1 guest-to-guide ratio on every run. One guide skis first to set the line while the second watches from above, keeping visual and verbal contact with the group.
Lodging at The Hotel Alyeska
Newly renovated rooms 35 minutes from Anchorage, at the base of Alyeska Resort. A comfortable base camp with exceptional dining and mountain access.
Powder skis
High-performance powder skis and safety equipment are provided for your group so you can travel light.
Multiple mountain zones
Chugach, Seward Coastal Fjords, Tordrillo, Neacola, Valdez, and countless other zones are flown from one base. We go where the snow is best each day.
Ground handling in Girdwood
Airport transfers, dining reservations, and daily logistics are handled by the SMG office so the week feels effortless.
Private vs. shared heli skiing
Private Heli Skiing vs. Shared Heli Skiing
| Feature | 4 Person private heli skiing with SMG | Typical shared heli skiing |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter use | Dedicated to your group all day | Rotated between multiple groups |
| Group size | Up to 4 guests | Often 5–20 guests per heli |
| Guide ratio | 2 guides per group | 1 guide per group |
| Terrain choice | Chosen for your ability and goals | Set by the operator |
| Landing zones | Private — no waiting | Shared with other groups |
| Weather flexibility | Chase snow across multiple ranges | Limited to one base area |
Terrain
The largest heli ski permit network in North America
A private week gives you access to the full breadth of SMG's permitted terrain. Because we operate across 11 mountain ranges, we go where it is best each day. With practically zero weather down days, our trips let us ski almost every day of the season.
Explore the mountain ranges we fly: Chugach, Seward, Valdez, Tordrillo, Neacola, Denali, and Petersburg.
Luxury
Luxury heli skiing in Alaska
A private heli ski week with SMG is not just about the skiing. Guests stay at The Hotel Alyeska, a newly renovated mountain resort 35 minutes from Anchorage, with direct access to the Alyeska Nordic Spa for recovery between flights.
Ground handling, dining reservations, and daily logistics are coordinated by the SMG office so the week feels effortless. Your only job is to be ready when the helicopter lifts off.
Explore accommodations
Pricing
Heli skiing Alaska cost: what goes into the price
Private heli skiing in Alaska is priced per day because the helicopter, fuel, maintenance, and guide team are dedicated to your group regardless of how many runs you make. The daily rate, available upon request, includes exclusive use of the aircraft, two guides, lodging at The Hotel Alyeska, powder skis, and safety equipment.
Helicopter & flight hours
The largest single pricing factor is the exceptional aircraft and pilot utilized. Private pricing means the helicopter is on standby for your group all day.
Two guides per group
Our 2:1 guide-to-guest ratio with only 4 guests per day is the exception in the industry and is reflected in the daily rate. With two guides tending to the guests it makes for a more thorough, more enjoyable, and more efficient heli ski trip.
Spa and resort
The onsite luxury Nordic Spa and ski resort out your back door round out the overall experience.
What is not included — flights to Anchorage, most meals, guide gratuities, and travel insurance. A typical private week runs six ski days and is one of the most exclusive Alaska heli ski packages available. Contact us for a custom quote.
Season
Best time to heli ski Alaska
SMG runs private heli ski trips from late October through May. Each part of the season offers a different experience, and the long window is one reason we can keep weather down days so low.
Prime early season
It goes off in AK right off the bat! November is one of the best months of the season, with plenty of daylight, deep powder even on southern aspects. Even the most seasoned AK heli skiing veteran will be amazed. A strong option for guests who want the best snow and don't want to wait.
Mid-winter
Our second favorite time of season (after November). Expect deep, cold powder across all of our permitted ranges and the ability to ski every aspect. Southern aspects ski just as perfect as northern aspects during this time of year.
Prime spring
Longer days, gentle temperatures, and some really great skiing! This time of season solar management is key with ultra long days. A favorite window for private groups who want to chase the record for maximum vertical.
Late season
All the daylight you can handle, cold pow up high, with corn down low, and the chance to ski some unique big alpine faces.
Why SMG
Built by the person still guiding it
Aaron Brill opened Colorado's Silverton Mountain in 1999, added Silverton and Aspen heli skiing, then brought the same model to Alaska in 2008. He skis every day of the season with guests.
Same ownership since 2008, multiple permitted ranges, and a season that runs late October through May — so a private week can chase the snow instead of the calendar.
More about SMG
Aircraft & pilots
Elite aircraft, two pilots onboard
Two pilots, every day
Continuity is key
Guides & safety
Two guides on every run
Most operators run one guide per heli group, or they can only carry 3 guests. We run two guides and 4 guests with our ultra custom heli — one guide skiing first to set the line, one watching from above — with rescue equipment, radios, and a daily snowpack assessment before the first flight.
Helicopters are provided, staffed, insured, and maintained by third-parties based in Alaska.
Meet the guidesIncluded
- Exclusive use of the helicopter
- Two professional guides
- Up to four guests
- Lodging at The Hotel Alyeska
- Powder skis
- Safety equipment
Not included
- Travel to Anchorage
- Meals outside the package
- Guide gratuities
- Travel insurance
Private weeks are precious — with just one private helicopter experience per week, only a handful of fully private slots exist each season. Reach out to us for information on available dates.
Press & guests
“Among the most exclusive heli skiing operations in North America.”
“The largest heli ski permit area on the continent.”
“Two guides, four guests — the ratio changes everything about the week.”
Inquire
Request your dates
Private weeks are limited and sell out every season. Send us a few details and we will come back with the open weeks that match your group, usually within one business day.
(907) 830-1122