Heli-skiing and heli-snowboarding is prevalent in Valdez because of the vast amount of snow this area receives each year. The majestic Chugach Mountains surround Valdez and help create the quintessential backcountry experience; most of which are accessible via helicopter, snowmachines and/or snow cats.
What to Do: Winter
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.
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.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
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.
