While the lower U.S. West has been roasting, Alaska has been much colder than normal this month. In mid-March that meant Arctic high pressure, and by the March 17-18 weekend the locals described surface conditions as firm. But it started snowing a few inches a day on Tuesday and I arrived at the Alyeska Prince Hotel late Wednesday night.
On Thursday I decided to try Chugach Powder Guides' snowcat. The snowcat is normally reserved as backup for heliski customers with full week packages. But when they fly a bunch of snowcat seats become available at the last minute. The heliskiers got in 3 or 4 runs before weather closed them down, but we had a full day of 8 runs and 9,600 vertical from 11AM to 6:30PM. Thursday's powder was fairly shallow, but very consistent and easy to ski fluidly.
The snowcat terrain is interesting, but it is similar in size and elevation range to the upper half of Alyeska's lift service. Thus I would expect it to get tracked out over several days with no new snow. But standby cat skiing is reasonably priced at $180, and since you'll only use it when you know there's new snow, it's an attractive option IMHO.
On Thursday I decided to try Chugach Powder Guides' snowcat. The snowcat is normally reserved as backup for heliski customers with full week packages. But when they fly a bunch of snowcat seats become available at the last minute. The heliskiers got in 3 or 4 runs before weather closed them down, but we had a full day of 8 runs and 9,600 vertical from 11AM to 6:30PM. Thursday's powder was fairly shallow, but very consistent and easy to ski fluidly.
The snowcat terrain is interesting, but it is similar in size and elevation range to the upper half of Alyeska's lift service. Thus I would expect it to get tracked out over several days with no new snow. But standby cat skiing is reasonably priced at $180, and since you'll only use it when you know there's new snow, it's an attractive option IMHO.