Thompson Pass, Valdez and Haines Pass, B.C.

**Solesides** · 05-14-2017, 12:25 PM

Don't go to Valdez, everyone said. It's 30% of the normal snowpack there, the glaciers are thin, everyone has left. What we weren't told is that it's still ski in ski out from the road and 5,000' Chugach classics are still in play.

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Most people who spend all year in the Chugach in ripe winter conditions probably want nothing to do with a slim May snowpack, but for us it was beyond fulfilling.. Cracked Ice - 4,800' peak to road.

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Road side attractions.. L to r: Python, Berlin Wall, Little Matterhorn

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Down to Valdez for a rest day, hanging at the harbor..

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Back up for some more heavy pow up high..

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Great corn down low...

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Girls mountain. Population: Three Austrian men.

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Rain moved in to Valdez and we headed for some sun closer to home - Haines Pass, BC

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Nadahini glacier - Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park

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A rest in Haines, AK before heading home..

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**grinch** · 05-14-2017, 01:32 PM

Like a dream. No approach, no bushwack tabernac and 5g of pow. Well played. Nice pics

**LeeLau** · 05-14-2017, 04:07 PM

well that was refreshing

**North** · 05-14-2017, 04:55 PM

Sweet shots!

**BFD** · 05-14-2017, 11:33 PM

green shack stoke. are you out of Whitehorse?

**Angle Parking** · 05-15-2017, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Solesides

Don't go to Valdez, everyone said. It's 30% of the normal snowpack there, the glaciers are thin, everyone has left. What we weren't told is that it's still ski in ski out from the road and 5,000' Chugach classics are still in play.

Well done ignoring the naysayers.

**Solesides** · 05-15-2017, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by grinch

Like a dream. No approach, no bushwack tabernac and 5g of pow. Well played. Nice pics

Thanks...no approach for late spring skiing was pretty deluxe! Often isothermal late in the day down low, but good over night recovery made for fine travel.

Originally Posted by BFD

green shack stoke. are you out of Whitehorse?

Yeah, been in Whitehorse for the past few years. I know people like to hang out and sleep in the green shack, but with no one around we cranked the stove and turned it into a sauna.

Originally Posted by Angle Parking

Well done ignoring the naysayers.

It's always nice going in having low or no expectations. The draw of visiting somewhere new was compelling enough, then just hope for the best with the snow and see what happens. If conditions turned out to be terrible, Valdez also has a ton of rock climbing and a new recreational dispensary