How many drop zones operate in Alaska?

Skydiving Hubs lists 1 drop zone and tandem operator in Alaska, covering tandem, AFF, fun-jump, and (where available) wingsuit and canopy progression.

Skydiving · Alaska

Skydiving in Alaska

Jump 1 drop zone across Alaska. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

America's last great frontier. Fjords, glaciers, and 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the country.

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About Alaska

Skydiving in Alaska runs on a short clock. The season opens when the snow lets go and the light stretches toward 20 hours, and it slams shut again by early September. Inside that window, drop zones around Palmer and Wasilla put the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and miles of boreal forest under your boots. A tandem jump is how most people meet the Last Frontier from the air, no long training, just an instructor, a harness, and a very good reason to keep your eyes open.

Accelerated Freefall in Alaska rewards people who plan. The jumpable months are few, so students who want to progress have to string their levels together through the summer rather than spreading them across a year. Drop zones in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley carry the certified instructors and the infrastructure to move you from your first level toward solo certification, following the same national safety standards that govern the sport everywhere else.

Licensed jumpers come for the backdrop. There are fewer active drop zones here than in the Lower 48, but the trade is glaciers, the snow-capped peaks of the Alaska Range, and wilderness that runs to the horizon. Most fun-jumpers time their trips to the heart of summer to stack as many jumps as the weather allows, and calling ahead is not optional, operations are seasonal and a front can shut down a weekend fast.

Plan on a season that runs late May or early June through early September, weather permitting. Warm air and long daylight are the whole point, and mid-summer daylight can push toward 20 hours. The Southcentral region does most of the flying thanks to Anchorage and Fairbanks, but the sheer size of the state means any Alaskan drop zone hands you a view you won't find anywhere else.

Best time to go

When to jump in Alaska

Full seasonality

Peak season Jun–Aug

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June through early September. Long days and an accessible interior.

June–September: the heart of the season, most events and loads
Spring and fall jump well on clear, calm days
Winter: many DZs limited, so call ahead

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Quick facts

Drop zones listed: 1
Best season: June through early September

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1 drop zone

across Alaska

Alaska Skydive Center

Alaska Skydive Center, Palmer, AK

A drop zone in Palmer, Alaska, offering tandem skydives and AFF training with dramatic views of the Matanuska Valley and Chugach Mountains.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

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Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Alaska

Jumping Season and Weather Windows

The primary skydiving season in Alaska runs from late May or early June through early September. Operations are highly dependent on clear skies, light winds, and favorable temperatures. Always check with the drop zone for current weather conditions and operational status before planning your visit.

Tandem, AFF, and Licensed Jumper Options

Most Alaskan drop zones offer tandem skydiving for first-timers. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) programs are available for those seeking to become licensed solo skydivers, requiring multiple jumps and dedicated training. Licensed jumpers must present valid FAA and USPA credentials and adhere to local drop zone rules.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers, regardless of jump type, must be at least 18 years old. Weight limits vary by drop zone and equipment, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, with some requiring a higher fee for jumpers over a certain weight. Specific body mass index (BMI) requirements may also apply; verify directly with your chosen drop zone.

Your First Jump Experience

A first jump in Alaska is almost always a tandem skydive. This involves a brief ground training session, followed by jumping harnessed to a certified instructor from altitudes typically around 10,000 to 14,000 feet. The instructor handles all equipment operation, allowing you to focus on the freefall and the scenic views.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Progression

The AFF program involves a series of instructional jumps designed to teach you how to skydive solo. Each jump builds on the previous one, starting with two instructors and progressing to one, then solo. Completing the AFF course, along with additional coached and solo jumps, is a pathway to obtaining your A-license from the United States Parachute Association (USPA).

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

Minimum Age for Skydiving
In Alaska, under USPA's Basic Safety Requirements and U.S. contract law (a minor can't sign a binding liability waiver: FAA Part 105 itself sets no age limit), all participants in skydiving activities, including tandem jumps and AFF training, must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the jump. Parental consent is not an exception to this rule for minors.
Medical Fitness for Jumping
All skydivers are expected to be in good physical and mental health. Participants are typically required to sign a statement of medical fitness. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, severe asthma, or recent surgeries, should consult their physician before skydiving and inform the drop zone staff.
USPA Membership for Licensed Jumpers
While not a federal regulation for all jumps, most legitimate drop zones in Alaska and across the United States require licensed skydivers (those not doing tandem or AFF student jumps) to hold current membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA) to ensure adherence to safety standards and best practices.
FAA Regulations for Pilots and Operations
Skydiving operations in Alaska are governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 105 regulations for parachute operations and Part 91/135 for aircraft operations. Pilots and instructors are required to hold appropriate FAA certifications and ratings, ensuring the safety and legality of all flight and jump activities.

01
Research and Choose a Drop Zone
Start by finding an Alaska drop zone that matches what you want, a tandem jump or AFF training. Check the operating schedule closely, since the season is short, and confirm they run the type of jump you're after.
02
Book Your Jump in Advance
With a short season and unpredictable weather, booking early is the difference between jumping and going home empty. It locks in your slot and lets the drop zone plan around you, which matters most for AFF programs.
03
Prepare for Your Experience
Read the drop zone's rules on age, weight, and medical conditions before you show up. Dress in comfortable layers built for Alaskan weather, it's colder at altitude than on the ground, and skip alcohol or drugs beforehand.
04
Arrive Early for Training
Get to the drop zone at your scheduled time with room to spare for check-in, paperwork, and the mandatory ground training. That buffer means you board the aircraft knowing the procedures cold.
05
Embrace the Alaskan Skydiving Adventure
Briefed and geared up, you're set to jump over some of the biggest country on the continent. Listen to your instructors, follow the safety guidelines, and get ready for a look at Alaska you won't forget.

01What is the best time of year to skydive in Alaska?

Aim for the heart of summer, roughly July through August. That's when you get the warmest temperatures, the calmest air, and the longest daylight, which together give you the most consistent operations and the best odds of actually jumping.

02What kind of views can I expect during an Alaskan skydive?

Expect big country. Depending on the drop zone you might see the Chugach or the Alaska Range, glaciers, sweeping boreal forest, and coastal features like Cook Inlet, a backdrop that's genuinely hard to match anywhere else.

03Are there specific clothing recommendations for skydiving in Alaska?

Even in summer, dress in comfortable layers. Long sleeves and pants make sense, and a light jacket or sweatshirt helps because the air at altitude is a lot colder than the ground. Drop zones typically hand you a jumpsuit and goggles on top of that.

04How long does the entire skydiving experience take?

For a tandem, budget 2 to 4 hours from check-in through training, the jump, and landing. Drop zone traffic, weather delays, and how many people are on the schedule all move that number. Plan on giving up a half-day.

05Is it possible to get an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) license in Alaska?

Yes. Certain Alaskan drop zones run AFF progression toward a solo license. The catch is the short season, you'll need to commit to knocking out the jumps and training modules inside the summer window rather than spreading them out.

06What if the weather is bad on my scheduled jump day?

Skydiving lives and dies by the weather. If the winds are up, the clouds are low, or it's raining, your jump gets pushed to the next clear window. Drop zones put safety first and will keep you posted on any schedule changes.

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Skydiving in Alaska

When to jump in Alaska