The Lowdown on Alaska Backcountry Skiing and Camping

Alaska Backcountry Skiing & Camping

Alaska’s Chugach and Talkeetna ranges are legendary among backcountry skiers for their wild terrain, deep snow, and endless slopes. Taking on this adventure is a dream for skiers seeking remote and rugged backcountry skiing, but there are aspects of this trip that make it a bit more complicated than your average mountain expedition. One key factor? Getting in and out. When it comes to this Alaskan backcountry journey, weather often dictates both our arrival and departure—sometimes unpredictably.

Expect the Unexpected: The Challenge of Alaskan Weather

Flying in and out of remote locations in Alaska can be a thrill—and a gamble. Clear skies and calm conditions are ideal, but the Alaskan weather has a mind of its own. Storm systems can roll in unexpectedly, leading to delays or even extending your time in the wilderness. It’s not uncommon to experience weather delays of hours or even days. If you’re planning this kind of trip, it’s essential to be flexible and prepared for unexpected changes to the itinerary on guided trips. This includes delays for skiing due to weather conditions (very low visibility, high winds, extreme cold, and weather leading to high danger avalanche conditions). You may be in camp or the hotel to wait for better conditions.

When the weather does cooperate, the experience of landing on a glacier surrounded by towering peaks is unforgettable. You’re dropped directly into some of the most pristine, untouched powder fields, where every turn feels like carving through clouds. But it’s vital to remember that the same awe-inspiring, remote beauty is exactly what makes travel here logistically challenging.

Why Go with Wasatch Mountain Guides?

Navigating the logistical and safety challenges of Alaska’s rugged terrain is not something to take lightly. Wasatch Mountain Guides has extensive experience leading trips in some of the world’s most challenging mountain environments, and their Alaskan backcountry skiing adventure is no exception. With decades of combined knowledge, the team understands how to manage not only the skiing but the full adventure, including how to handle delays, make camp, and ensure every skier has the experience of a lifetime—no matter what the weather throws at them.

Joseph Hobby, an expert guide and skier with Wasatch Mountain Guides, is an invaluable part of this experience. With years of experience in Alaska’s backcountry, Joseph knows how to navigate this complex terrain, assess the snowpack, and make the best decisions to manage risk and maximize the skiing potential. His experience extends from top technical skills on the slopes to an ability to set up comfortable and efficient camps in glaciated terrain. He has unique and extensive experience in the Alaska Range, as seen in his bio.

The remainder of our guides have decades of cummulative experience between the four of them. From the Alaska Range to our Valdez/Chugach/Thompson Pass trip, they've had boots on the ground.

Valdez:

What Makes TheseTrips Unique?

This Alaskan backcountry skiing adventure combines skiing, mountaineering (we also offer guided alpine climbs in Alaska), and remote camping like few other trips can. Not only do you get to ski untouched powder, but you also experience what it’s like to truly live in the wilderness. You’ll set up camp on a glacier, where the isolation and beauty make for an experience that’s both thrilling and humbling. You’re not just skiing; you’re living completely off the grid in one of the most remote parts of North America.

And thanks to Wasatch Mountain Guides’ careful planning and gear preparation, every element of the trip is managed. From top-of-the-line camping setups to essential survival skills, the team provides everything needed to handle the extremes of Alaskan conditions.

Preparing for Adventure and Embracing the Unknown

If you’re ready to embrace the challenge and thrill of Alaska’s remote mountains, Wasatch Mountain Guides is prepared to take you there. Our commitment to safety ensures that every skier can experience the best that Alaska has to offer, even when the weather demands flexibility and resilience. This isn’t your average ski trip—it’s a journey into one of the most breathtaking and unpredictable places on Earth.

So pack your gear, bring an adventurous spirit, and prepare for a backcountry experience you’ll never forget. The remote peaks of Alaska await, and Wasatch Mountain Guides is ready to lead the way.