Yes. Third Edge Heli only offers private experiences.
Your group gets the heli, the guides, the terrain planning, the lodge rhythm, and the week built around you. No mixed groups. No fixed rotation. No standard program dressed up as custom.
It means your group is not sharing the aircraft with other guest groups.
The heli moves for your group, your pace, your objectives, and the best conditions available that day. That changes the entire rhythm of the week.
Because every group is different.
Ability, pace, terrain preference, comfort level, fitness, and daily energy all matter. A private model allows our guides to build the day around your group, creating the highest-level heli-ski experience possible.
No.
Alaska is often marketed around the biggest and steepest terrain, but Third Edge has access to incredible skiing for a wide range of ability levels. From perfect intermediate powder slopes to big, steep Alaska lines, we can tailor the experience to the skier and the group.
Our goal is for guests to feel safe, comfortable, and supported while skiing terrain that fits them. For groups that want to be challenged, we can do that too when conditions allow.
Third Edge has access to seven Alaska mountain ranges, giving our guides options for a wide range of conditions, ability levels, and objectives.
Terrain can range from smooth intermediate powder slopes and long fall-line runs to alpine faces, spines, glaciers, technical terrain, and big steep lines when the conditions and the group are right.
The experience is custom. The goal is to ski the terrain that fits your group, your goals, and the best conditions available each day.
Third Edge guides are constantly analyzing weather, snow quality, visibility, and avalanche conditions.
The advantage of our model is flexibility. With one private heli and access to seven mountain ranges, we are not locked into one zone or one fixed plan. We can fly to the best weather, the best snow, and the most appropriate stability available that day.
That creates a better ski experience, stronger decision-making, and more confidence for the group.
Third Edge flies over 90% of the time.
That is one of the major differences in our Alaska program. Many Alaska heli-ski operations fly closer to 40% of the time, largely because weather and limited operating zones can shut down the day.
Third Edge is positioned differently. Our location, private-heli model, and access to seven mountain ranges give us more options to find good weather, good snow, and appropriate stability.
Our model drastically increases the odds of getting a return on your investment.
Every week is different.
Your package includes 14 Hobbs (heli flight hours) per week. How many runs that creates depends on terrain, flight distances, weather, snow conditions, group pace, and how much of the weekly flight time the group chooses to use each day.
Hobbs usage is discussed daily with the group. Some days it may make sense to use more flight time to access distant ranges. Other days it may make sense to ski closer to the lodges and preserve time for later in the week.
We do not build the week around chasing arbitrary run counts. We manage the week to create the best overall ski experience.
Because two guides create a higher level of safety, communication, and support.
With two guides, the guests and guides are always backed up. Terrain decisions are stronger, communication is cleaner, and guests have more support throughout the day.
Yes. At Third Edge, two guides is not an upgrade. It is the standard.
Terrain decisions are based on weather, snow quality, avalanche conditions, visibility, group ability, group goals, and guide judgment.
The objective is to find the best skiing that makes sense for the day. Sometimes that means skiing perfect powder terrain that feels smooth, comfortable, and confidence-building. Sometimes it means stepping into bigger terrain when the group and conditions are aligned.
Safety, comfort, snow quality, and experience all matter.
Guests use standard avalanche safety equipment, including radios, beacon, shovel, probe, and airbag pack. Specific gear requirements and recommendations are provided before your trip.
Third Edge flies A-Star helicopters, a proven aircraft for Alaska heli-skiing.
Our pilots bring extensive helicopter experience, including specific experience in Alaska heli-ski operations. Third Edge is also deeply involved in heli-ski pilot training and maintains a strong focus on aviation safety at every level of the operation.
Third Edge operates from two private lodges about an hour outside of Anchorage, AK. Our lodges are positioned within reach of seven different Alaskan mountain ranges.
The lodges are easy to access but still feel fully connected to the mountains and the Alaska experience.
Guests fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
From there, the lodges are a 15-minute heli ferry (available during day-light hours, weather permitting) or a 70-minute private car ride (available after dark) away.
The goal is simple: make arrival easy and remove unnecessary travel friction.
The lodges are private, comfortable, and located in Alaska’s stunning scenery.
Expect a culinary experience curated by our chefs, quiet recovery, beautiful settings, comfortable rooms, and attention to detail. At Third Edge, custom does not stop with the skiing. The lodge experience is also shaped around the group.
We aim for an environment that is comfortable, refined, and dialed without feeling stuffy or rigid.
Eagle’s Nest is our original, flagship lodge and is designed for two groups, each with its own heli. At half buy out (single heli) the lodge is shared, at full buy out (2 helis) the lodge is private.
The Perch is designed as a truly private lodge experience: one heli, one group, and the same high standard of food, comfort, privacy, and detail.
Very.
Third Edge specializes in custom private weeks tailored to the individual and the group. We build around your skiing ability, terrain goals, pace, comfort level, food preferences, lodge rhythm, and the type of experience you want to have.
Yes. That is one of the advantages of a private heli.
We can build the week around intermediate powder skiers, advanced skiers, expert skiers, or mixed private groups with different goals. The terrain plan, pace, and progression are shaped around the group.
Yes.
For groups that want to push into more challenging terrain, we can build toward that when conditions, snow stability, visibility, and group ability line up.
We want guests to feel safe and comfortable. We also know some skiers come to Alaska to be challenged. The custom model lets us find the right balance.
Yes, depending on timing, weather, group interest, and availability.
The focus is heli-skiing, but the experience can include remote Alaska nature, local culture, recovery, food, and time together beyond the skiing.
Yes. Third Edge can document the experience with edited video or photo content.
You get to see the week the way it felt: the aircraft, the terrain, the crew, the lodges, the weather, the lines, and the moments that made the trip yours.
Edited content is part of the Third Edge experience, but the exact format may vary by trip, staffing, weather, and group preferences.
As early as possible.
Third Edge only offers private weeks, and availability is limited. The best dates tend to book well in advance.
Groups of 3 (single heli) or 6 (dual helis).
We want to understand how your group skis, what kind of terrain you want, your previous ski or heli-ski experience, fitness level, comfort level, travel preferences, and what would make the week exceptional for you.
The more honest and specific you are, the better we can build the experience.
Contact our office!
