Third Edge Heli | Boutique Private Canada Heli Ski Trips

Bret Gilleland

Bret has been involved in the heli-skiing world of Alaska for going on two decades. We couldn’t teach someone what Bret understands about this business. Her expertise can’t be put in a box. She knows where to find you fuel when you are in the remote reaches of the mountains as well as your favorite beverage when you step out of the helicopter.

Bret grew up one of four girls on a small farm in rural Georgia riding horses, fishing and hunting. Her southern roots shine through with her warm smile and hospitable notions. You can rest assured, with Bret on site, your needs will be fulfilled.

Bret has a passion for the mountains. Be it on her board or a horse, the mountains are always calling. Bret fills her free time hiking, harvesting, and riding horses in the mountains alongside her ride or die Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Nika. She promises to stay forever young.

Cherise Robinson

Cherise grew up in Lakewood, New York. It was a pastoral, lake-focused upbringing in summer with lots of outside time and on-water activities including racing single-handed sailboats locally and in Canada. In winter, Cherise ski raced through high school before going south for university at Trinity University in San Antonio, earning a BS in Finance. Those four years off snow were enough to drive her straight to the Colorado Rockies in the winter of 2010-11 to teach skiing in Crested Butte, and make up for some lost time on the slopes. She fell in love with the warm community and seriously fun terrain on the slopes there, and she’s been “stuck” in Colorado ever since, either in Silverton or Crested Butte.

Since arriving in Colorado, Cherise has taken up mountain biking and now rides avidly on the glorious single track in CB. When she needs her on-water time, find her sailing on Blue Mesa or crewing on big boat transports on the Mediterranean. One might also find her jumping into high alpine lakes, camping, traveling, sailing on Blue Mesa, tending to her huge houseplant collection, or cuddling her cat, Chairman Meow.

Nick Langowski

Nick, a seasoned heli ski guide, finds joy and fulfillment in the expansive outdoor winterscape of Alaska. Brought up in the peaks of Colorado, he honed his skills navigating through the contrasting terrains of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. His boundless affection for nature resonates in his choice of hobbies, which primarily revolves around the adrenaline-boosting world of speedflying, skiing, and snow machining, supplemented by peaceful pastimes of hunting and fishing.

In 2010, he traded the rugged landscapes of home for Alaska’s icy expanse, intensifying his thirst for adventure and exploration. His courageous exploits, however, do not merely cater to personal thrill but echo a broader mission. As a heli ski guide, he escorts others through alpine landscapes, sharing the exhilarating joy and profound beauty of the wild outdoors. He lights the path for fellow adventurers, infusing enthusiasm and awe, showcasing the sheer magnificence of nature.

Nick’s relationship with the Third Edge family is an integral part of his adventurous journey. His spirit, tenacity and passion for the outdoors align seamlessly with the values that Third Edge upholds. He proudly embodies the Third Edge ethos, dedicating himself to a life of boundary-pushing exploration and encapsulating the spirit of adventure. As a proud member of the Third Edge family, Nick continues to narrate his thrilling story, inspiring others to connect with the beautiful dance between nature and adrenaline-fueled excitement.

Mike Welch

Mike Welch started his ski career working as a ski patroller at Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska (294 vertical feet).Working outside and on skis was too much of a draw and Mike took the slippery slide into a lifetime in the ski industry. Mike has patrolled at Arctic Valley Ski Area (1214’) and Alyeska Resort (2500’) in Alaska and Alta Ski Area in Utah (2538’). Bigger mountains called. Mike put in over a decade and a half at Chugach Powder Guides, moving from following guide to lead guide to snow safety director.

Mike now splits time between his own company, Sundog Ski Guides (as many vertical as you can hike) and Third Edge Heli (UNLIMITED vertical feet). Contrary to how it may seem, Mike is not about counting vert, but rather he likes really long runs and big mountains. His ski patrol roots bring a work ethic and grit that shows, Mike is not afraid to get dirty to make sure you have an amazing time out in the mountains.

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Bret Gilleland

Cherise Robinson

Nick Langowski

Mike Welch