Valdez and the surrounding Chugach mountains define skiing and boarding. You are sure to find a vast winter wilderness and thousands of long untracked wide-open runs.
What to Do: Winter
Snowmobiling/Machining
Snowmobiling near Valdez is a world class experience with endless peaks, valleys and glaciers to explore. Valdez has a full race schedule and an abundance of snow sure to challenge even the best riders.
Winter in Valdez, Alaska
Valdez is a clear choice for winter adventures in Alaska. With a longstanding reputation for great snow, more than 300 inches is measured annually in the city and 600 to 900 inches in nearby Thompson Pass!
As one might expect with this much snow, Valdez celebrates winter with downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice climbing.
Valdez and the surrounding Chugach Mountains define backcountry skiing and boarding. Access the backcountry on foot, helicopter or snowcat for some of the most amazing big mountain skiing and snowboarding in the world.
Ice climbers view our beautiful waterfalls and glaciers as pathways to adventure. Whatever challenge you are looking for, whether top-roping or multi-pitch lead climbing, there are dozens of routes around Valdez that will suit your needs.Valdez offers the ultimate backcountry snowmobiling experience with miles of untracked powder. From beginner to expert, there is something for everyone.
Read more about winter activities in Valdez >>>
Winter Operators
Local Valdez guides and outfitters help create the dream winter vacation with single or multi-day packages.
Ice Climbing
Cold temperatures serve to freeze waterfalls around Valdez, providing unparalleled ice climbing opportunities. Climbers began exploring the Valdez area waterfalls in the 1970's.
Cross Country Skiing
The City of Valdez Parks and Recreation Department maintains groomed ski trails in Mineral Creek Canyon and out to the Robe River Subdivision. Call the Parks and Rec ski hotline at 835-8040 for grooming updates.
