What do you get when one of the most renowned guides in Alaska sets up his own heli-skiing operation in big mountain paradise? Exactly: Triple Point Expeditions. Founder and owner Tucker Patton and his team have an inimitable ability to make the most of this fantastic area with private and semi-private trips. "As a self-made man, Tucker really has everything under control," confirms Kenny after his TRAVELZONE test of Triple Point Expeditions. "His safety management in particular is excellent." Read more.
Not sure if you are strong enough to ride for Triple Point Expeditions? Get in touch with us. We've been to Triple Point and can work with you to assess exactly whether you'll have fun in the powder.
A huge advantage of TPX is the strategically favorable location of the company. The area stretches from the coast far inland. This means that freeriders benefit from both the large amounts of deep snow near the ocean and the generally better and more stable weather between the 3,000-meter peaks inland. "The wide range of options also reduces the downday risk," explains Kenny. And if the helicopter does have to stay on the ground, Alyeska is a good ski resort just 90 minutes away.
In general, the boutique provider TPX is all about flying skiers and snowboarders to the breathtaking slopes of the surrounding mountain ranges as often and for as long as possible. To achieve this, small-group heliskiing is used with a maximum of four guests and one guide per group. This provides extra flexibility and allows the experienced guides to tailor the experience precisely to the wishes of the winter sports enthusiasts. This makes every week at TPX a unique experience.
However, you should have a certain level of skiing ability. "45-degree couloirs and spines that command respect are not for heliski beginners," reports Kenny. But it is for many a film crew: Teton Gravity Research, among others, has already been a guest, and spectacular scenes from the TPX area can be seen in the cult ski film "Winterland", for example.
Height of the base: 71m
Height of the ski area:
2'500m
Season: February to April
Helicopter: A-Star B3
Heli launch site: at the lodge
Descents:
Longest descent: 2,000 m
Ø Average descent: 900 m
Group size:
Max. 2 groups of 4 guests + 1 guide per helicopter
Terrain
Chugach Mountains, Talkeetna and Alaska Ranges 100% alpine
The guide-led Triple Point Expeditions deliberately sets itself apart from other, larger heliski companies. Owner Tucker Patton aims to offer guests an exciting and unique experience on every trip. Small group sizes and one guide per group ensure maximum safety and flexibility - as well as a personal and friendly freeriding atmosphere.
The mountain ranges around Palmer offer numerous options for powder skiing. And alternative options: You always have to expect down days in stormy Alaska, but when heliskiing in the US state, this risk is perhaps nowhere as low as at TPX. On the other hand, the peaks and glaciers are gigantic. Kenny's verdict: "If you like it 'steep and deep', prefer small groups and want to ski as much as possible, Triple Point is the place for you."
Do you have any questions about Triple Point Expeditions?
We know Triple Point Expeditions and Knotty Pine Lodge personally and are always happy to answer your questions. You can reach us via chat or info@travel-zone.ch or by phone (Mon - Fri 9.00-18.00): +41 41 552 55 00.
Familiar hospitality instead of high-end ambience: The Knotty Pine Lodge scores above all with its charming atmosphere and great cuisine. Most of the guest rooms are located in the main building and are designed as single rooms with a large double bed. There are two further rooms in the adjoining building, which also houses a lounge with a pool table, TV and stretching equipment.
Chef Taite Pearson is responsible for the first-class dishes. He has already gained experience in numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. "Today, he conjures up excellently prepared family-style dinners," says Kenny. However, the lodge does not have a licensed bar. If you want to enjoy a good wine, a delicious cocktail or a refreshing beer with dinner, you have to stock up at a liquor store on the way to the lodge.
The lodge also has a small sauna and an outdoor whirlpool. "Relaxing in the soothing water after a fantastic day of heliskiing and watching the magical Northern Lights is a fantastic experience," enthuses Kenny.
We offer all our trips with an international best price guarantee. Due to the dynamic corona situation, certain destinations are not always accessible to citizens of all states. Some heliski providers also have special prices for locals in this exceptional situation, but these do not apply to foreign guests. In order to avoid a confusion of prices and dates, we have decided not to publish price lists for the time being. We only want to provide you with transparent and reliable data. So please simply tell us your desired destination and we will calculate the current best price for you.
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Included services
Additional costs:
The Knotty Pine Lodge in Palmer is only about 45 minutes from Anchorage. The transfer from the international airport is quick and uncomplicated. This means that the journey is spared any unforeseen complications and is not as arduous as is sometimes the case with more remote locations. An overnight stay at the airport is also not necessary. With a bit of luck, you'll be powdering on the day of arrival.
The return journey is just as comfortable.
Destination airport for intercontinental flights: Anchorage
Next airport: Anchorage
Transfer: Shuttle bus
Transfer time: 45 minutes from Anchorage