What guests say about SMG Alaska Heli Ski

I've been lucky enough to meet Aaron and the crew about 15 years ago, and I've booked at least one trip with them every year since. They fly some of the best equipment in Alaska, and the guides (Josh, Coulter and Skylar) are incredibly knowledgeable — they really go out of their way to make every trip the best it can be. Fun per run is the plan. Safety is clearly a top priority. The operation places a strong emphasis on well-maintained aircraft and experienced pilots. The booking process (with Blair) has always been smooth and straightforward, with clear communication making planning easy from the first inquiry through to the final details. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a first-class heli-ski experience in Alaska.

I am reluctant to leave this review as selfishly I wish I could keep SMG a secret, so our crew can keep the best dates for ourselves. Nevertheless, I owe the entire SMG team some of my best ski days, so here goes...

I've skied a lot of places and have found Alaska is the best for reliable steep alpine and deep powder runs, which is why I pay up for heli skiing. In Alaska, SMG Alaska Heli Ski is my favorite operator for chasing the biggest lines of your life in a 4-person private A-star heli. The team cares a lot about delivering the best experience on the safest terms possible, which isn't always the case with heli operators in AK.

If you are a hard-charging skier, I recommend avoiding the larger operators. I won't name the other guys but would instead point out if their helicopters have more than 4 guests or is doing laps to pick up multiple groups of guests, you might be skiing the equivalent to roly-poly blue runs. If SMG is comfortable you can handle the steeps, they will give you access to the raddest gnarly toe-in terrain you can imagine. Our last day this year, we skied 26 runs from 8:30am to 5:30pm and one of them was something like 5,000 vertical feet of nasty 40-45 degree pitch the whole way down. By the way, make sure you are in shape when you ski with SMG because big lines will blast you if you're soft and out of shape.

The team at SMG is second to none. Jen and Aaron Brill own the company and work hard to keep the team on point. Some of us call Aaron the wizard because he always seems to deliver the goods no matter what challenge may come up. SMG always has two guides — a lead and a tail guide — to maximize safety. I think Aaron is always in the group and Josh and/or Chris also join Aaron as the second guide. They are awesome guys and go out of their way to make sure everyone has a great and safe experience. Most other operators (not all of them) only have a lead guide in front without a tail guide. SMG also has excellent pilots in my experience. Andy has been the pilot for a couple years and he's the effing man. Blair is awesome and keeps the team organized.

This is an amazing operation. The owner's knowledge of snow conditions along with access to multiple zones means you're guaranteed great conditions. I've been multiple times and have never been let down. The guides and safety protocols are top-notch. The wizard will guarantee your powder fix is fulfilled. We literally did 26 runs in one day, as long as you can still walk the heli will keep flying… guaranteed the best runs of your life.

I've been skiing / boarding with SMG, Aaron, Jenny, Skyler, Chris & Josh for nearly three decades now and each adventure is a memory for a lifetime! Safety is number one with SMG with top notch world class guides — they will always get you to the goods! I'm proud to call them family and wouldn't fly with anyone else! They are truly the kings & queens of STOKE!

I've been skiing with these guys for over a decade. I have as much respect for them as the terrain they take me to. The professionalism they exhibit is unmatched, even though I consider them all friends at this point. Coming back each season feels like a reunion. Doing what I love, and connecting with others that are just as passionate about it, is pretty special.

Over the years, we have come to trust this crew completely. The guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and professional, and we have always felt safe in their hands. They know the mountains, understand the conditions, and have an incredible ability to find the best snow and terrain for everyone in the group. Whether we're looking for something challenging, playful, or simply a spectacular day in the mountains, they consistently deliver. The huge permitted area means there is always something new to explore, and after 10 years, we still leave every trip already thinking about the next one.

I've been going skiing with SMG Alaska for over 10 seasons so I'm a little biased. But skiing during the cold mid-winter months with small groups on incredible terrain really suits me. They structure the trip to the group, going as far as the group's abilities can safely go. Compared to other operations, this small group model allows us to fly to other mountain ranges when the Northern Chugach gets socked in. Based at Girdwood during the Alyeska ski season has never left me wanting for other activities, whether that was skiing the resort, ice climbing or rock climbing at the Anchorage Climbing Gym. The guides are professional, exceptional and friendly. I'll keep coming back as long as they let me!

I have been skiing with SMG Alaska Heli Ski for the last 4 seasons. Aaron and his team go above and beyond to find clients the best snow and terrain, while maintaining a focus on safety.