Kings & Corn

Experience five days of non-stop action and adventure in the heart of the Alaska wilderness with Chugach Powder Guides. Kings & Corn features the best of “The Last Frontier” including King Salmon fishing, corn snow heli-skiing and boarding, and whitewater rafting in one helicopter supported trip. Winterlake Lodge is tucked between Mt. McKinley towering at 20,320 feet and two smoldering volcanic peaks: Mt. Gerdine (11,258) and Mt. Torbert (11,413 feet). The surrounding terrain lays out massive glaciers and towering peaks that go on and on and on. This place is humbling, but also remarkable and awe-inspiring. It is rapidly becoming known as one of the most spectacular and sought-after heli-ski and King Salmon fishing locations in the world.

The one-week adventure begins and ends in Anchorage. A scenic 45-minute flight, onboard a deHavilland ski-plane is an eye opening experience setting the stage for the trip of a lifetime. The preview from the plane is endless and includes views of active volcanoes, Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park, several major mountain ranges including the Tordrillo and Aleutian Ranges, and the cityscape of Anchorage surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Chugach Range.

corn snow heli-skiing
Heli-ski into the playful corn snow that glistens on the Tordrillo Mountains of the Alaska Range in early summer. Ski days typically begin in the morning and end by mid-afternoon. Conditions allowing, we may launch the helicopter for the opportunity to ski in the Alaska midnight sun. The snow pack is generally well consolidated snow with minimal avalanche hazard, but due to the remoteness of the skiing locations, caution is exercised at all times. Each run consists of velvety corn snow with an average vertical of approximately 3,000 ft (914 m).

king salmon fishing
Fish the famous King Salmon returns of the Yentna and Skwentna Rivers. The helicopter can access remote stretches of these rivers, where the only decision left is whether to fish the banks or raft before fishing our way to a designated pick-up area. The King Salmon returns on these rivers are consistent year after year. The average size of these fish is 30-pounds (14 kg), but a 50-pound (23 kg) catch is not unusual. Although fishing skills are helpful, prior experience is not critical. Our guides will assist you with fishing techniques. A complete list of fishing equipment and recommended tackle is supplied.

Whitewater rafting
Take a break from skiing and fishing in the rapids of the Happy River, one of Alaska’s most beautiful rivers. The river sparkles with clear mountain water, with alpine tundra, and wildlife viewing surrounding the 20 miles (32 km) stretch of Class III whitewater. All river gear, including wet suits, personal flotation devices and helmets are provided.

Temperatures in the Tordrillo Mountains from early June through early July can range from highs of 60-70 degrees during the day with cooler temperatures ranging 25-40 degrees at night. Weather in the Tordrillos is typically drier than coastal Alaksa or the Chugach range in summer. The interior weather pattern builds up a higher pressure resulting in nicer weather. As with any mountain climate, conditions can vary greatly from day to day. We suggest that guests dress in layers so they can adjust to changing conditions. On day where it is cooler in the morning, we may delay our launch to allow the corn to soften to the perfect consistency. With nearly 24 hours of daylight we have the ultimate flexibility to wait unit conditions are optimal.