Tordrillo Mountains

The Tordrillo Mountains in the Alaska Range continue to push the imaginations of even the most accomplished skiers. Though these mountains are located just 75 miles west of Anchorage they remain one of the most remote and untouched ranges in all of Alaska. Hundreds of glaciers, granite spires, and the largest mountains in North America set a surreal backdrop. These are ski lines that only nature could design with endless steep and incised couloirs set in golden granite that catches the light. Chugach Powder Guides (CPG) base operation, the exclusive Tordrillo Mountain 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 locations in the world. We recommend this terrain for Advanced-Intermediate to Expert skiers.

Your one-week adventure begins and ends in Anchorage. The 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.

The Tordrillo Range is very geologically diverse with many volcanic peaks covered in large deposits of cinder and rock fragments. In stark contrast are the granite spires and massive walls, a result of the Tordrillo’s large granite base. The erosive nature of glacial activity has carved outstanding ski runs throughout the range. Granite bulges with couloirs and towers that make every run unique. Most runs range between 3,000 and 4,000 vertical feet with reliable landing and pickup zones. Denali National Park, just 60 miles away, offers panoramic views of the largest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley.

The interior Tordrillo Mountains are much different than CPG’s coastal operations. The intermountain climate has cooler temperatures and more stable weather patterns. Storms from the North Pacific push up Cook Inlet and collide with the mountain fronts hitting hard and depositing large accumulations in short periods of time. Clearing trends are fairly dependable with temperatures averaging 15-25°F. High quality powder snow accumulates on all aspects and elevations, offering runs that stretch from 11,000 feet to the base at 2,500 feet.