You’re rolling out of Anchorage before dawn, cruising through snowy highways toward Valdez. On the way up through Thompson Pass, you catch your first glimpse of towering peaks plastered in deep blue glaciers. That’s the moment the adventure truly begins.
Hitting Thompson Pass from Anchorage
Your road trip to Valdez is half the fun. Thompson Pass dumps a ridiculous amount of snow—up to 46 feet a year—and you can spot early heli-ski lines carving through the ridges even before the lodge stops for service. There are winter campers up in the pass, in airstreams and converted vans, posted up for sledding and backcountry touring out of the pass. The only other cars on the road are fellow skiers and adventurers and the occasional piece of heavy machinery
Arriving in Valdez, Meeting the ABG Crew
Pull into downtown Valdez, and it’s a charming port town surrounded by chop and mountains. You check in at Alaska Backcountry Guides at the airport and drop off your gear in their custom designed heli hangar. The ABG crew runs a boutique, small-group operation (max four guests per heli), so the vibe is tight-knit and personal. Dinner that night? Fresh, made from scratch dinner in a cozy dining room above the helis. Fuel for the big days ahead.
Heliskiing Powder in the Chugach Mountains
Next morning, the A‑Star lands and your heart does that fluttering “holy‑crap-let’s-do-this” thing. Once you’re buzzing above vast glaciers, you know you’re in the big leagues. Every run is a new masterpiece—untouched powder, steep couloirs, and 3,000–5,000 vertical feet of freedom. Your guides, pros through and through, keep the stoke high and safety tight.
We landed on Snow Dome for our first landing. We set up to take photos, but you could see the whole town and harbor from up there. The face was steep, but held cold, blower conditions on the shadowed face. It was a nice, rolling descent that was dreamy.
Harbor Strolls & Seals
Some nights, we wander into downtown Valdez. We had a chance to pop into the harbor, wave at fishermen hauling nets, breathe the fresh sea air, and snack on local treats at the coffee shop downtown. The town’s small but friendly, with murals, art shops, and that cool Alaskan port energy. It’s grounding. A total shift from our head-space on the slopes.
Back to the Hangar Sunsets & Après
Some afternoons, the crew was absolutely wrecked, exhausted from a day in the field. But with ABG and their hangar, we had an amazing hangout space directly above the helicopters. It was time to chill and enjoy a beer directly on tap from the bar area or a custom cocktail with glacier ice. The kitchen brought out fresh macaroons that were insane, some of the best I’ve ever had.
Final Reflection: Beyond Just Ski Turns
Heliskiing in Valdez is more than just skiing. It’s the drive in, the harbor, the local beers, the friends made at altitude, and the story of this place. We’ve seen it in ski movies every year, so showing up here was somewhat like a dream. Whether you’re linking first turns in untouched bowls or watching clouds roll over the Chugach from a hot tub, you’ll feel like you’ve touched something wild and rare.
Thinking of doing it? Just bring your stoke, some goggles, and leave room for dumb-happy grins. Because Valdez + ABG isn’t just skiing—it’s falling in love with Alaska in pieces you never knew existed.
