Snow & Terrain Conditions | Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Ski Conditions in the Tordrillo Mountains

Flexible daily agendas, 1.2 million acres of Alaska heli ski terrain, and 600 inches of light snow each season mean the Tordrillos offer endless terrain options for the most diverse, exciting Alaska heli skiing and boarding terrain in the world.


Hiker in snow covered Tordrillo Mountain Range.

Alaska Mountains Snow & Terrain

Heli ski guides start each day assessing field observations, snowpit data, remote weather stations, and input from our pilots to choose the best drop spots for that day’s activities, based on skill level and interest. High-pressure systems common in this region usually mean dry weather and clear skies that come with sunshine and good snow stability. Temperatures average 15º to 25º, and powder hounds will get their fill with runs that top out at 7,500 feet and end at 2,000 feet, and couloir-incised peaks with a panoramic view of Denali and volcanic summits. If poor weather moves in, we head for more gentle terrain where the snowpack is less avalanche prone.

About the Tordrillo Mountains

The Tordrillo complex sits on top of a large granite batholith, surrounded by sedimentary deposits. Some of the peaks are volcanic with large deposits of erosive tephra, which combined with glacial activity, have carved out unrivaled skiing and boarding runs throughout the range. They are heavily glaciated, partly due to their location near Cook Inlet. At the same time, granite bulges with incised couloirs and towers result in runs that never disappoint, ranging from between 3,000 – 4,000 vertical feet with great landings and pickup zones that typically offer picture-perfect panoramas of the Alaska Range and Denali, the largest peak in North America at 20,320 feet.

Snow and rock filled close-up of Tordrillo mountain.
flying through the tordrillo mountains in the winter

Named Peaks of the Tordrillos

Mount Torbert (11,413 feet/3,479 m)

Mount Gerdine (11,258 feet/3,431 m)

Mount Spurr (11,070 feet/3,374 m)

Hayes Volcano (9,147 feet/2,788 m)

Crater Peak (7,575 feet/2,309 m) (A subsidiary peak of Mount Spurr)

What Others Are Saying

“Positioned at one of the most diverse mountain ranges in Alaska, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is a true bucket list destination for all sports enthusiasts… One of the best things about Tordrillo Lodge is you are free to create your own itinerary and daily activities, and everyone meets up for dinner in the Main Lodge to share adventures of the day.”

— Forbes.com

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