Equipment

Kenai Heli Ski will provide you with the equipment you’ll need to enjoy skiing, and riding in the Alaska backcountry. We’ll outfit you with a harness, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and an avalanche airbag backpack, and provide you with the training to use it. If you have your own current and up-to-date avalanche safety equipment, and airbag backpack please feel free to bring those items. Remember though, we can provide you with this equipment (skis, poles, and avalanche rescue gear are included in your package), and save you the hassle of packing it on the plane. Tips on traveling with Airbag backpack.

We strive to show you the deepest, best skiing and snowboarding of your life. If you have your own powder skis (110 mm or greater under foot, rocker is also a plus) feel free to bring them. If you’d like to try some truly fantastic powder skis, we can set you up on a set of Meier Skis or K2 Skis. All you need to do is bring your ski boots, clothing, and personal items, and don’t worry, we also have ski poles. Snowboarders and Tele skiers must bring their own snow riding equipment.

Plan on a variety of weather conditions, from relatively mild temps under bluebird skies, to heavy snowfall and colder temperatures. You will want to be prepared for what the Alaska weather may throw at you.  Alaska does get a lot of snow, so make sure that you pack a pair of warm winter boots for walking around when we are not in the lodge or out skiing.

We strongly recommend carrying your ski or snowboard boots onto the plane, do not check them. We can outfit you with clothing and gear for just about everything except boots, so don’t risk losing them to the airlines.

Clothing Recommendations

Dress like you would for a day of skiing at your local hill. There can be big temperature swings throughout the day, so be prepared to shed a thin layer or add one. It is better to be a touch warm than shivering. The helicopter ride does allow a few minutes to warm up and defrost your goggles.

• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar material)
• Puffy (insulated) jacket. Light weight and packable
• Base layer(s).  No cotton
• Fleece mid-layer
• Goggles (multiple light lenses), sunglasses
• Gloves/mittens
• Neck gaiter or balaclava
• Water bottle, sunblock, lip balm
• Winter boots

You will be wearing an avalanche transceiver and harness, as well as skiing with an avalanche airbag backpack, which will contain a shovel and probe. Our partner, Backcountry Access provides us with all of our avalanche rescue gear. Don’t plan on carrying the kitchen sink. You can ski better, and longer with a lighter pack.

Kenai Heli Ski operates a retail location that sells many of these items in case you forget something, or would like to shop. Please recall we do not have ski or snowboard boots for rent or sale, carry them on the plane with you!

And don’t forgot your camera.