Points North Heli-Adventures operates out of Cordova, Alaska, flying into the Chugach Mountains from their base at Orca Adventure Lodge, a converted salmon cannery. The
Terrain
1,920,000acres
Snowfall
600in/yr
Points North Heli-Adventures operates out of Cordova, Alaska, flying into the Chugach Mountains from their base at Orca Adventure Lodge, a converted salmon cannery. The lodge is only reachable by air or water and provides stunning rooms, farm-to-table meals, and incredible views of Prince William Sound and the surrounding mountains.
The operation has access to over 3,000 square miles of terrain. Runs range from steep spines to open bowls and glacial descents. The skiing is so epic that some single runs have a vertical drop of 2,000 feet. The operation's close proximity to the ocean creates extremely reliable powder conditions throughout the season.
Average Daily Runs: 6-11
Average Daily Vertical: 20-40,000 ft
Tightly huddled atop an exposed alpine ridge, standing in boot-deep powder, a group of four close friends are finding it hard to focus. They’re surrounded by distractions—insanely steep peaks, plastered with tacky maritime snow, as far as the eye can see. Finally, with the loud crackle of a radio, they snap out of their respective daydreams and return to the present...
Current Conditions
37°F
moderate rain
Weather data provided by OpenWeatherMap
Updated: 12:09:19 AM
Sitting in the south of Alaska on Prince William Sound, Points North Heli provides a premium heli-skiing experience. Just minutes from the expansive Chugach Range, this operation has incredible access to world-class skiing that is virtually untouched by humans. After a long day of skiing, relax at the lodge, which sits right on the water with incredible views of the Sound and surrounding mountains and enjoy hearty local fare.
Daily flights arrive in Cordova from Anchorage or Juneau on Alaska Airlines. Upon arrival at the airport, a PNH staff member will transport you to their base facility, the Orca Adventure Lodge.
You can also arrive via ferry from Whittier, AK (60 mile drive from Anchorage) and Valdez, AK. Check ferryalaska.com for more details.
PNH has over 3,000 square miles of permitted terrain. Of this, roughly one million acres is skiable and includes options to suit every type of rider. You don’t need to be an expert to have a great time but you do need to be in shape, and confident enough to ski any type of snow condition.
PNH’s season runs from late February to late April. February and early March have less daylight and tend to be colder so powder can often be found on all aspects. In late March, the days offer more light and cold snow on the southerly aspects usually transitions to corn. By late April the days are really long, offering the opportunity for more skiing but powder is generally limited to north facing terrain.
It’s best to plan a trip with a group of four of equal ability, but not required. If that’s not possible, PNH will do their very best to match you with skiers that are a similar level.
PNH is an all-inclusive operation that utilizes The Orca Adventure Lodge as its base. It’s situated on the water, about three miles northeast of Cordova, AK. Originally built in the 1880s, then resurrected and re-imagined in the 1990s by current owner Steve Rainey, the lodge’s unparalleled location, unique accommodations and exceptional service set it apart. Head chef Buddy Blackwelder and his talented team source the best ingredients Alaska has to offer—including fresh halibut and Copper River red salmon—to create hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the guests.
“Activity Days,” as PNH prefers to call those inevitable storm days when helicopters can’t fly, provide opportunities to ski the local hill (Mt. Eyak), ice climb, sea kayak, e-foil, hike, bike, hit the on-premise sauna or take an oyster or glacial tour.
Off-premise, The Reluctant Fisherman Bar & Restaurant overlooks the harbor in Cordova where you can enjoy fish and chips or king crab legs, and an adult beverage (or two).
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