Points North Heliskiing - Cordova
PNH was created with the intention of providing a true Alaskan experience for its guests. With a unique location, demanding and breath-taking terrain as well as an incomparable lodging facility PNH meets all expectations.
Cordova, where PNH is located, lies on the southeast corner of Prince William Sound and can be accessed by plane and ferry only.
The old Orca Cannery, basis of Points North, touches the ocean shore and lies at the foot of the southwesterly Chugach Mountains. Just above the base steep coastal mountains rise, giving fantastic views of the Pacific and its islets, but also of the impressive interior where mountain range follows mountain range, broken only by massive glaciers. This fabulous scenery has not only attracted Warren Miller and his film crew many times, but also has an unforgettable impact on heart and soul of everybody skiing or boarding this great terrain.
The snow conditions are unique Alaskan oceanic mountain range type: Moist but northerly light snow pressed by strong windsto the steep mountain sides, forming an ideal basis for skiing and boarding in often extremely exposed terrain. Often strong winds are the reason for quite frequent ‚down days’ in spite of clear skies. Accordingly, please plan for sufficient skiing days to avoid that a long trip ends with disappointing few skiing or boarding opportunities. Miscellaneous down day activity options include skiing /boarding at lower lying slopes with an old historical skilift.
The lodge is simple but lively, originally built fort he workers of the close by inactive fish cannery. It creates a natural and unique atmosphere, letting you live the true Alakan spirit. The food is solid Alaskan based, fitting lodge and surroundings.
Travellers from Europe are advised to book a two week trip.
Terrain
The Chugach, Wrangell, St. Elias and Alaskan ranges converge in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which at 13.2 million acres is the nation’s largest national park. Formed by plate tectonics and shaped by glaciers, some of these mountains rise vertically with an elevation gain greater than that of the Himalayas. Cordova, and the surrounding Chugach Mountains are truly a natural treasure.
Points North Heli Adventures is the only heli skiing operation utilizing the southeastern side of the Chugach mountains. In the past decade, the Chugach Range has proven to be the premier destination worldwide for helicopter skiing and boarding.
The base location allows to provide you with ‚private’ playground in the backyard. Extremely steep skiing and boarding, fabulous views of the Pacific and once in a while late day skiing adventures in the low, reddish glowing evening sun fullfill your great dreams. – Of course there are more moderate skiing and boarding options as well. There is virtually no tree skiing. The tree line along the coast is at around 1500 ft and undergrowth is fairly dense.
Accommodation
Orca Adventure Lodge
The Orca Lodge is located 2.5 miles from the town of Cordova. No longer utilized for the fishing industry, remodeling has been directed towards making this a multi-seasonal adventure destination. The lodging facility at Orca consists of a 37-room, two-story newly developed lodge on the water’s edge immediately adjacent to your helicopter’s landing pad.
Upon your return from a daily outing, a steaming wood sauna anticipates your arrival. However, if you still have some energy left from riding the Chugach powder, there is a gym with weights and cardio machines that are sure to give you a workout.
Meals
All of your meals are served in the restaurant located on the premise. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as ample snacks are provided for you. Enjoy a variety of seafood from some of the richest waters in the world. Alaska is famous for it’s halibut, and Copper River red salmon. Every night brings something new to your palate and PNH caters to all dietary needs. Of course, there are also heaping piles of cookies served daily just in case you have not had enough. Most guests leave calling PNH “Fat Camp”.
Wireless Internet
Points North offers wireless internet access. Bring your laptop and you are connected. This is now the ONLY heli-ski operation in all of Alaska offering its clients wireless access to the internet.
Heli & safety
Helicopters
Points North Heli operates A-Star 350 series Helicopters. These turbine powered helicopters are manufactured by American Eurocopter and offer the widest cabin, smoothest ride and best speed and range in its class of helicopters.
Snow safety
When you visit us be assured your safety is paramount! All of our guides have extensive training in emergency care and most are certified EMTs. Every guide holds at very minimum an avalanche two card and has received extensive training in mountain safety, glacier travel, high mountain rescue techniques, and helicopter operations. Each day guests go through an extensive safety briefing including the use of Avalanche transceivers and helicopter protocol. These briefings are for your insurance that you will be comfortable in the surroundings you are about to embark on.
Getting there
From Europe your trip to Cordova usually takes two days. On the first day you travel to one of the big airline hubs in the US, mostly to Seattle, from where you fly to Anchorage on the following morning. In the afternoon you fly with a local commuter airline to Cordova. Or you take a regular coast-hopper flight to Cordova, where you will be met by PNH at the airport. The transfer to the Orca Lodge by van takes about half an hour.
Early booking of the flight is recommended.
Alternatively, you can drive from Anchorage to one of the two possible ferry stops and traverse the Prince William Sound by ship. There is no land route to Cordova. And the ferry is not operating daily. You will have to provide for ample time in case unfavorable weather conditions prevent you from driving ort he ferry from crossing the sound. Please ask for advice.
Program
After arrival at M.K. ‚Mudhole’ Smith Airport 12 miles southeast of Cordova you will be transfered by PNH van to the Orca Lodge (30 minutes).
Depending on your arrival time sefety instructions, practical exercise with your transponder and paperwork will take place before dinner, alternatively after dinner or early in the morning.
After taking possession of your room you will get your rental skis if you haven’t brought your own. Boarders should bring along their own board.
Before starting your skiing/boarding program you will get the necessary safety equipment and your helicopter safety training.
An average heliski day covers 6 – 12 runs. Please take note that your package price includes four heli hours which covers skiing/Boarding for 3 (-4) ays. This is because of the often difficult weather conditions. Additional flight hours can be purchased any time. Costwise this can add up, but consumption of additional flight time is not mandatory.
During your stay you enjoy full pension. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included.
The day you leve you will be brougt to the airport. Hether you can ski/board on that day depends on your flight’s departure time and weather conditions. In case of an unfavorable skiing week, PNH will do ist utmost to let you ski/board on departure day.
PNH offers special programs and packages for ladies.
Packages & prices
Dates
See 'Prices'
Options
- 3 (- 4) Days Skiing / Boarding (7 Nights)
- Private Packages on request
- Special Packages for Ladies on request
Included
- 4 flight hours (average 1.3 hours per day, covering 8 – 11 runs a day)
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Transports in Cordova with company vans
- Harness, digital transceiver, probes, shovel and heli day packs, helmet
- Guides
- 7 nights in double room
- Internet access
- Breakfast, Lunch Package and Dinner daily
Not included
- Skiing/Boarding Equipment
- Additional Flight hours
- Tips for pilots and guides
- Kerosene taxes if differing from official index (please ask)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Flights and other travel costs
- Insurances
Season :
Mid February - Late April
3 Days / 7 Nights starting from $ 7'949 & taxes (US$ 75)
Downloads
Counseling & Booking
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