HELI YEAH ALASKA

How to pull off the perfect heli-ski trip.

When: Valdez Heli-ski Guides (and other Chugach Mountains outfits) operate February to May. Early season often has more deep powder, but fickle weather. Late season has longer days and more predictable conditions. Amenities: Use of airbag pack, beacon, shovel and probe, option for rental skis or snowboard, roundtrip charter from Anchorage and the best guides in the world. Cost: Valdez Heli-ski Guides packages run $6,500 to $25,000 per person for a week of heli-skiing. Price differences depend on lodging and number of groups you share a helicopter with.