Guide School
Upcoming Guide School
Cost: $5,500
Food and Lodging: $100/night
Our Guide School is back and we are stoked! Guide school is a great step for anyone who is looking to expand their skills in the backcountry. It is a comprehensive course designed to introduce students to the world of helicopter ski guiding.
Guide Schoolers receive:
- Twelve days of professional instruction (plus 2 rest days), covering the topics listed below.
- Level 2 Recreational Avalanche Certification from the Alaska Avalanche School.
- 1 Hour of Heli Time: equivalent to approximately 4 days heliskiing or 20 runs
- Room and board each night
- Graduates receive lifetime access to our lowest helicopter rates, when certifications are up to date
Pre-requisites for Guide Schoolers:
- Completion of a Rec level 1 avalanche course
- Ski touring/splitboarding setup required
All components of this course are instructed by current Alaska Heliskiing guides, who all hold professional level certifications. Completion of our Guide School is required for anyone who desires to become a guide for Alaska Heliskiing, it helps us get to know you, and you get to know us.
The main topics covered in our Guide School are:
AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course for Heli Guides
Alaska Heliskiing is partnering with the Alaska Avalanche School to include a Recreational level 2 avalanche course as part of our guide school. The Rec 2 is a great course for those folks who previously completed a Rec 1 and want to continue to enhance their skills. The course is centered around avalanche hazard evaluation, observation, and decision-making, and offers a unique opportunity to practice those skills while heliskiing. Proof on completion of a Rec Level 1 is a requirement for acceptance into Guide School.
Crevasse/Technical Rescue
Students will learn a variety of technical rescue and rope handling techniques required for heli guiding in Alaska. Guide Schoolers will learn the fundamentals of a glacier travel and crevasse rescue. Participants will also learn how to package and transport an injured subject with the helicopter.
Field Operations
Field operations encompasses everything a guide does will in the field. The two biggest components of field ops are client management/downhill guiding techniques, and guide communication while in the field. Participants will take turns in the “guide” and “client” roles in the field to gain valuable heli guiding experience!
Base Operations
Base operations include everything that happens outside of the field! Smooth base ops are absolutely critical, and keep things organized in the field. This topic focuses on the specifics of client briefings, manifesting, flight following, fueling, and rescue coordination.
Aircraft Operations
Aircraft operations covers all the ways we interact with the helicopters we use. Students will gain an understanding of aircraft operating protocols through actual experience utilizing these powerful machines. Guide Schoolers will leave the course with an understanding of: aircraft capabilities, limitations, safety standards, flight following, and fueling procedures.
