It's been that same weekend the past couple of years so I would anticipate that again this year.

Super Cub fly-in is June 14-17, so the Backcountry Pilots fly-in should be June 21st-24th. I'm already planning.

Just back from the Grand Prize trip to Alaska, Heli Skiing this last week. The trip was absolutely a blast for Jeanine and I. Thanks to Kevin (aktahoe1) and Points North Heli-Adventures for an unforgetable trip. We left last Friday 20 April and got back Saturday 29 April. Flew Delta SLC to ANC, and then Alaska Airlines to Cordova the next day. Landed Cordova in the rain after a short 45 minute hop over lots of incredible mountains. The rocks were pretty big and close in those clouds out the left side window on the GPS/RNP approach (I asked). Johnson Creek has more airplanes, but Cordova has a just slightly larger terminal building!!

The Alaska 737 is a half freight half passenger model. They haul lots of freight and about 50 folks on the route from Anchorage, Cordova, Yakatut, Juneau, and then Seattle. Some pretty cool flying for a big jet.

This is the first attempt at posting pictures with a post, so wish me luck. I'll try to add a few more the next few days as I get better with this.





More to follow soon!

Tom

Very cool Tom, can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

Yea, very cool... We want more picts...

The weather was improving on arrival day. The sunset was great and hopes were high for the start of skiing on Sunday.


The view out our window at 10:00pm



Great northern lights show on monday and tuesday night.

Sunday started with breakfast and training for glacier skiing. We spent a couple hours going over heli ops (no skis over the shoulder, stay away from the back of the heli, etc) and glacier skiing stuff.
Everyone is issued a backpack, shovel, probe, radio, and avalanche beacon. Many of us had never used this stuff before, so we spent time making sure everyone in the group was profecient in its use. You never know who may need to start an avalanche rescue, so everyone needs to be familiar. Now we just need some clear skies.




The view from the dock back towards the heli pad and the lodge.


The weather needs to be sunny and clear for heli skiing. Although it was a nice day for goofing off or walking around town, the few clouds around were right over the mountains at the elevation we needed to fly. The skiing takes place between about 2000 to 6000 msl. The lodge sits right on the ocean, and the helos are just a few feet from our room and the lodge. Unfortunately the weather would not cooperate to go skiing, so we walked to town for some exercise and headed to the gym for a workout. To our total dissappointment , the gym was closed and we were forced to sit on the deck of the local pub and drink beer for the rest of the day.


The fish cleaning station on the walk to town. Lots of bald eagles and otters.
Jeanine in front of Kevins office. Actually it's the sauna.

Were you able to get some skiing in before you departed Cordova?

Still no skiing. Rm 12 at the lodge was very nice.


Very nice view out the window.



Entrance to the chow hall, commonly called the NEFCO for New England Fish Company.



The first three days were many combinations of eat, sleep, drink beer, repeat....







But sometimes it just aint gonna happen!



Sooo, back to the deck at the Reluctant Fisherman overlooking the port for some more beer.



All in all, not a bad way to spend a few days, but tomorrow may bring the long awaited break in the weather!!!

Off to Caveman this morning. Skiing pics will have to wait till we return in a few days.

Back from a great weekend at Caveman Ranch so time to finish the pics from the killer week Heli Skiing at Cordova, AK.



Headed out for the first tracks after three weather days.





Endless terrain to ski.



Tracks from the previous run.



Michael and Julia.



We're landing where?



The other group getting dropped off on the neighboring peak.



Not alot of room to put skis on, not to mention land a helicopter. These chopper pilots were incredible sticks. My pilot Jason, did 105 landings and 5.5 hours on the first day. Pretty darn amazing flying.





Luvin life!





12 runs on day one. 11 runs day two. Each run 2500 vertical for short ones and 4000 vertical for the long ones. Skied from 5000msl down to 1000msl. Every type of snow condition known to man!


All in all, one of the best trips I've ever taken. Thanks again to Kevin for the fabulous prize. FYI, I have decided to become a professional raffle winner at flyin events. This way I get to fly all over the country, drink beer with my friends, and write off the Maule every year on my taxes! The Caveman folks will explain.

Awesome Tom.... Great photos, sounded like the trip of a lifetime..

Any chance there will be another heli trip raffle this year?

'Greg

Absolutely 100% there will be another heli-ski trip this year!

Thanks for the post Tom! It was a pleasure having you guys!

Matt- Are we doing raffle tickets again this year? Its almost that time.