Alaska Skydive Center - The Guide

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Maybe your just in the mood for an adventure or need a change of scenery no matter the reason you have decided to visit Alaska. Well folks the Alaska Skydive Center is an amazing location to Jump and visit.  From amazing views, fun jumpers and staff to the most epic jumps we at Pussfoot have ever had, trust me this drop zone is for you. Once you visit you will forever be day dreaming about the Moose below you and the Mountains above. Even now as I write this I long to be back in Palmer enjoying a delightful story by the hangar or chilling at the ale house with some good friends. I promise you if you go you will become not only part of the Alaska Skydive Centers family but a regular.

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   Drop Zone:

4 stars ****

Dogs welcome

Location: Palmer, AK 99645

Address: 820 E Aircraft RD Suite 100, Palmer, AK 99645

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*You will need:

You will check in at manifest (please see map)

*Bathroom- Super Clean 3 stars ***

*A Staff of Professional Packers - $7.00 per pack job.

* Tip your rigger it's just nice ;-)

*There is a large fun jumper packing mat if you chose to pack yourself. 

*Full altitude - $32.00

*Hop & Pop - $20.00

*Cessna 206

Tentative R44 Heli

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             Cessna

      R44

The closest Airport to Alaska Skydive Center is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Address: 5000 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502

Code: ANC

Link: http://dot.state.ak.us/anc/

*48.7 miles to the south it's around a one hour drive

*If flying in we recommend renting a car

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Driving in:

We at Pussfoot love taking road trips. Road trips give us the opportunity to meet amazing people and visit new drop zones. Having our own car on a skydiving adventure gives us a sense of safety and an additional place to store belongings. So if you are like us and are going to drive there are some things to know

 

*Use Waze - this will route you around traffic and show you all of the police. This app should save you some time on your journey.

*Remember to take breaks, switch drivers and stay hydrated and fueled up. The most important part of any road trip is enjoying the journey, no need to rush! 

Arriving at DZ:

      So you made it! Do you know where you are staying? Do not forget to check in to manifest when they are open so you can fill out you waver and be given an orientation.

Camping:

No camping on the DZ as it is an active airport however, ½ mile away you can camp at the

3 stars ***

$

$15 per night

Address: 925 E Arctice Ave., Palmer, AK.

Phone: 907-861-7661

Web: www.matsugov.us/parks/matanuska-river-park-campground

Camp Fire (yes)

Cooking (yes)

Bundles of wood from Fred Myers located just up the road for around $5.00 a bundle

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Below you will find a map of Alaska Skydive Center. I found that this drop zone is extremely safe, nothing was stolen. There is always someone watching out for your gear.  With that being said you never know who might not be part of the Skydive Code. So take care to lock up whatever you can and be mindful of your stuff.  Need a tent and or camping supply's, don't forget that an unnamed large have it all store is located nearby and has an unconditional 90-day return policy. However, I recommend staying in a hotel rather them camping.

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Palmer

Hotel:

Valley Hotel

Address: 606 S Alaska St, Palmer, AK 99645

Phone: (907) 745-3330

Airbnb has a ton of places available for rent in Palmer

Link: https://www.airbnb.com/s/Palmer--AK--United-States/homes?allow_override%5B%5D=&s_tag=7F5cNxS7

4 ****

Address: 320 E Dahlia Ave, Palmer, AK 99645

Hours: 11AM-9PM

          Phone: (907) 746-2537

http://www.alaskaalehouse.com/menus.html

Free Wi-Fi and power :-)

The Ale House is a far cry from the hot dog guy or greasy hamburgers you might be used to at your local DZ.  Located within 2 min from the DZ, they offer full service bar that is stocked with a large selection and full menu.  **** Try the Pizza****.   The staff is amazing and knows the area so you can use them as a resource if you would like to venture out. 

*** live music weather permitting ***

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Other food within 10 min of the DZ:

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Things to see:

Ok so this is Alaska, one min you have Blue Sky's, and the next second you have complete cloud cover and rain. So what do you do on a weather hold?  Well if you think you are done for the day feel free to grab a Beer. However, if you think the day could be saved and want to keep jumping here are a few things to do. Remember the weather changes here often! Hold off on the beer if you can. You are in Alaska, trust me get out take a drive. In no way shape of form will you be disappointed, the people here are amazing and always willing to show off their amazing state. Below are a few things I have done while visiting, but I am sure you will find more to do.

The Matanuska Glacier:

Matanuska Glacier is a valley glacier in the US state of Alaska. At 27 miles long by 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States. Its terminus feeds the Matanuska River.

http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/matsu/matsuglsrs.htm

 

The Turagain Arm:

Turnagain Arm is a waterway into the northwestern part of the Gulf of Alaska. It is one of two narrow branches at the north end of Cook Inlet, the other being Knik Arm. Turnagain is subject to climate extremes and large tide ranges. This drive will remain the height of my scenic tours. The Arm is a must!

http://www.alaska.org/guide/turnagain-arm-drive

      The Arm 

Flat Top Mountain:

Flattop Mountain is a 3,510-foot mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park just east of urban Anchorage. It is the most climbed mountain in the state.

Elevation: 3,510

Location: Anchorage Municipality, Alaska, U.S.

         Flat Top

Alyeska Resort:

Magnificent views and amazing food.*you take a lift to the summit to eat

Address: 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587

Base elevation: 250 ft (80 m)

Phone: 800-880-3880

 

Heli Alaska inc:

Well worth a look amazing staff and great rates.

If you go tell Dusty Brian says hi.

Address: 4130 99629, Aviation Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654

Phone: (907) 229-4449

 

Anchorage:

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites, including the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which displays traditional crafts, stages dances, and presents replicas of dwellings from the area's indigenous groups. The city is also a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains including the Chugach, Kenai and Talkeetna.

Wild Life:

I could not even begin to explain so here is a link

Penguins

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In closing Pussfoot had an amazing time at Alaska Skydive Center. Although we were there for only week we were able to meet some amazing people and make lifelong friends. I dare you to try going and not falling in love. With so much to see and do other than jumping I promise you will have one of the most epic trips of your life. If you decide to travel to the Alaska Skydive Center, make sure to tell them Pussfoot says hi and they are looking forward to the solstice boogie next year. Until next time blue skies and stay inspired.

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If you would like to add to this Blog please comment below. 

 

Credits: Brian Casserly