Gear Needed For Heli Skiing.

The heli ski equipment and gear used each day won’t be any different than if you were going on a typical backcountry ski or snowboarding day trip. It’s easy to get excited about coming to Alaska and go on a shopping spree and buy all new gear, but the reality is you probably don’t need much or any new gear. Due to its close proximity to the ocean, Valdez only rarely sees sub-zero temperatures and the later in the spring you come, the more temperate the weather will be.

When deciding what gear to bring heli skiing, here are some equipment considerations:

Outerwear

We recommend bringing the following gear based on your personal needs:

  • Helmet
  • Mid Weight Base layer – Top and Bottoms
  • Pull Over or Zip Neck Micro Fleece Top
  • Down Puff Vest or Hybrid Vest
  • Compressible Down or Synthetic Insulated jacket
  • Waterproof Shell and Pants – Think Gore Tex
  • Gloves (bring two pairs)
  • Goggles and Sunglasses
  • Wool or synthetic socks At least 3 pairs
  • Neck gaiter and or Light Balaclava
  • Ski Hat
  • SunScreen and Lip Balm

Après / Life on Thompson Pass

These items will ensure your continued comfort off the slopes

  • Jeans and Casual Attire
  • Snow Boots
  • Light Hikers
  • Down or synthetic Jacket
  • Heavy Down or Synthetic Jacket
  • Snow Boots
  • Extra Ski Socks
  • Ski Hat
  • Mid-weight gloves for kicking it on the pass and northern lights viewing
  • HeadLamp
  • Boot Dryer (The fire isn’t always enough)
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