Two iconic American heli-ski companies announced the merger and formation of a new, international multi-sport adventure travel company, called EPIC.
Sun Valley Heli-Ski Guides (SVHG) and Chugach Adventure Guides (CAG) are joining forces to launch a series of world-class adventure experiences to their growing roster of discriminating clients.
Sun Valley Heli-Ski Guides is the oldest heli-skiing operation in the US. Founded in 1966, SVHG is an integral part of the community in Ketchum and Sun Valley, offering readily accessible and incredible terrain to skiers across the country.
Founded in 1997, Chugach Adventure Guides (also known as Chugach Powder Guides) has grown to become the largest heli-skiing operator in the US, offering a wide range of skiing, rafting, and fishing experiences throughout central Alaska.
Together, these companies have guided thousands of clients into the backcountry, and created a dedicated clientele looking for truly unique and world-class experiences.
By combining their efforts and forming Epic, owners Chris Owens, Mike Overcast, Dave Hamre, and Mark Baumgardner are launching a new effort specifically catering to those who want the best the world has to offer in adventure experiences.
The combined heli-skiing operations provide:
➢ Readily accessible and premier skiing in Sun Valley, with hundreds of miles of untouched terrain
➢ Virtually unlimited ski terrain in three different regions in Alaska
➢ Four-season resort towns with world-class accommodations
➢ Private remote lodges for small groups of 12-16 people
➢ Private charters in the coastal Seward region
➢ World-class fishing experiences
➢ Legendary rafting and canoeing expeditions
The combined organization will continue to offer extraordinary customer service and one of a kind experiences, but will immediately supplement the existing sports with a number of unique luxury opportunities:
➢ International fishing expeditions
➢ Exclusive private lodges in Africa providing exposure to rare wildlife, while supplementing safari activities with mountain biking, fishing and equestrian activities
➢ A watersports program in Hawaii, developed jointly with surfing legend, Laird Hamilton.
➢ Biking excursions, domestically and internationally.
Epic will bring together the worlds’ leading athletes, one-of-a-kind destinations, and truly unique experiences for a discerning clientele. Joining the team to create Epic are ski legends Tommy Moe and Jeremy Nobis, as well as Dirk Collins, a founder of Teton Gravity Research – a ski film and media company based in Jackson Hole. Sun Valley locals Zack and Reggie Crist have signed up to advise the group, complimenting a seasoned group of private investors to help fuel this growth into new markets.
We will be integrating proven leaders in luxury-adventure travel to create new opportunities through acquisitions and partnerships, and cross-sell multiple experiences to a dedicated and well-established customer-base.
The two heli-ski companies will continue to base their operations out of Girdwood, AK and Sun Valley, ID, while the Epic corporate offices will be based in Jackson, Wyoming.
For more information, contact:
Michelle Guillermin: michelle@guillermin.com
Chris Owens (CAG): owens@chugachpowderguides.com
Sigi Vogl (SVHG): voglsigi@cox.net
