Andy Culp founded Heli.life in 2016 and works with virtually every heli-ski operation in the world - which makes his opinion worth more than most. After his first trip to Valdez Heli-Ski Guides, he wrote a trip report on what he thinks you should know before booking with us. He says the week re-energized his spirits and his stoke, both personally and professionally.
The terrain
“World class. All alpine. From big, steep spines, couloirs, glaciers and chutes to more mellow and gentle - it has got everything except trees. Unbelievable vert.”
The guides
At any heli operation, Culp writes, the guides define your experience - and it holds true here. It starts with lead guide and operations manager Jed Workman, who has vast experience guiding in Valdez and runs a world-class team. Safety is critical and taken very seriously.
Once that is established, he says, you can expect an absolutely hilarious time with big-personality guides who are very responsive to guest preference and ability. They will turn the difficulty up or tone it down as the group wants - simply tell them how you are feeling and what you are after, and they will make every effort to accommodate.
The lodge
From a facilities standpoint, he rates the Tsaina Lodge excellent: everything you could want from a heli-ski lodge, and more. Ping pong, pool table, hot tub, bar, an expansive outdoor deck, a cigar room and lounge, Tempur-Pedic beds, a fitness center heavily inspired by a CrossFit box, and very fast Wi-Fi. Plus a dedicated gear and boot room with drying racks and cubbies, and a tune shop.
And the detail every heli-skier appreciates: the helipad sits 50 yards from the lodge, and can host up to six A-Star machines. No shuttle, no commute - you walk out of breakfast and onto the pad.
