Charging the Chugach: Your Definitive Guide to Skiing the Birthplace of Big Mountain Riding (Valdez, AK)
Valdez, Alaska, is not merely a town; it’s a legend etched into the history of big-mountain skiing. For Teton Gravity Research, the Chugach Mountains surrounding Valdez and Thompson Pass have consistently been the ultimate proving ground, a relationship cemented back in the '90s when pioneers harnessed the helicopter to access these iconic, spine-filled faces.
This is where the terrain is so massive, so raw, and so demanding that the mountain truly requires your absolute commitment. In TGR’s 30th annual film, Pressure Drop, Valdez delivered its most potent segment, featuring veterans Sage Cattabriga-Alosa and Colter Hinchliffe alongside progressive powerhouses Molly Armanino and Maggie Voisin. To drop in here is to put yourself directly into the history of the sport.
Pressure Drop: Valdez Segment
Valdez, Alaska Ski Guide: Backcountry Only
It is essential to understand that Valdez is not a resort town. There are no chairlifts or groomed runs in the main Chugach skiing zone. The area's single, small lift, Salmonberry Ski Hill, is ideal for beginners but is not the destination that defines the Valdez experience. This is a 100% backcountry experience, and the only way to access the legendary 3,000 to 6,000 vertical-foot runs is via helicopter, snowcat, or human power (ski touring).
The Tour Operators: Who Runs the Chugach?
To access this immense terrain safely, you must go with a professional operation. Valdez is home to several elite, highly trained heli-ski and snowcat guide services. They are the gatekeepers of the best powder and the experts in snow stability.
- Pulseline Adventure: Pulseline is TGR's trusted Valdez, Alaska ski guide. Led by seasoned veterans with decades of experience in the Chugach, they are renowned for their meticulous safety record and for guiding elite professional crews and athletes. They offer Freeskier packages, Heli-Assisted Touring, and often guide TGR film projects in this complex terrain.
- Valdez Heli-Ski Guides (VHSG): Founded by World Extreme Ski Champion Doug Coombs and operating out of the famous Tsaina Lodge near Thompson Pass. They are known for their history, luxurious accommodations, and deep knowledge of the vast terrain.
- Black Ops Valdez (BOV): Operates out of the Robe Lake Lodge and is known for its highly experienced guides and focus on steep terrain. They offer both heli-skiing and snowcat-accessed terrain.
- Other Options: Alaska Backcountry Guides and Tok Air Service offer ski-plane bump-offs and multi-day glacier ski camps for experienced ski mountaineers looking to fully escape the machines.
Logistical Lock-In: Getting There and Gearing Up
Getting to Valdez is an adventure in itself, but planning ahead is key to a zero-fail trip.
How to Get to Valdez
- Fly to Anchorage (ANC): Start by flying into Anchorage, Alaska’s main air hub. Most major airlines connect through Seattle, making it an easy first leg of the trip.
- ANC to Valdez (VDZ): You have two main options from Anchorage:
- Air: Take a 45-minute scenic flight with Ravn Alaska from Anchorage to Valdez (VDZ). This is the fastest and easiest method. Your guide company will often provide ground transport from the Valdez airport to the lodge.
- Drive: The 5- to 6-hour drive on the Richardson and Glenn Highways offers stunning views of glaciers and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Crucially, check Alaska 511 for road closures, especially over Thompson Pass, as conditions change quickly.
Gear and Shipping
Gear Tips: Don’t attempt to ride Alaskan spines with your resort setup. Here, wide skis with plenty of rocker are the go-to for deep, dense coastal snow. TGR recommends bringing a solid repair kit and multiple pairs of gloves and goggles, conditions can change fast.
When it comes to clothing, your outerwear needs to handle it all. Trusted brands like Norrøna offer shells that guarantee waterproofing and breathability, while Obermeyer delivers reliable, insulated mid-layers to keep you warm in the heli and on the ridges.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
If you’re flying, consider shipping your skis or board ahead of time. It’s a smart way to avoid day-one luggage delays, an all-too-common issue when planes are packed with eager riders.
Down Days, Up Vibes: Valdez Après and Activities
In Alaska, weather can and will force "down days" where flying is impossible. Veterans know that a good down day plan is just as important as a strong powder day plan.
- Ice Climbing: In winter, Keystone Canyon transforms into an ice climber’s paradise. When the waterfalls freeze into shimmering blue curtains, like Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, world-class routes come alive. Guides and gear rentals are easy to find in town.
- Cross-Country & Fat Biking: For those who prefer to stay on the trails, Valdez Parks & Rec maintains an extensive winter network ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking. You can rent everything you need and explore at your own pace.
- History & Culture: To dig into Valdez’s story, stop by the Valdez Museum or take a self-guided tour of the Old Valdez Townsite. You’ll learn how the devastating 1964 earthquake reshaped the town and its community.
- Valdez Après & Food: After a day in the snow, head to the harbor for a well-earned meal. Local favorites include The Nat Shack for artisan tacos and The Potato for hearty burgers and wraps. If you’re in the mood for a drink, the bars at the heli-lodges, especially the Original Tsaina Lodge Bar, are legendary places to trade stories with guides and athletes.
The Valdez Legacy
Valdez isn't just about the vertical; it's about the legacy. Since the 90s, the Chugach has served as TGR's main stage. The history here is palpable, and every turn you make is a connection to the riders who pioneered the sport.
See the full feature film on the big screen, grab your tour tickets today and experience the full power of Pressure Drop at a venue near you.
