WELCOME TO VALDEZ!
Where to start? Let's talk about how we say Valdez.
It is pronounced 'val-deez' with a long 'e' ...isn't that eeeeeeasy.
The reason why? We changed it, as the people of Valdez wanted something just as different as they are.
Epic Town
On the northeastern edge of Alaska’s Prince William Sound, Valdez is wrapped in a nest of the Chugach mountains. Every Alaskan natural wonder can be found here:
Glaciers? ✓ Valdez is surrounded by the coastal Chugach Mountain Range that has some of the highest density of glaciers in Alaska.
Mountains? ✓ On the road to Valdez, see 9 of the 16 tallest peaks in the U.S.
Wildlife? ✓ Whether in town or on a boat, the abundance of Alaska Wildlife is everywhere! Bears, eagles, moose, whales, seals, otters, porcupines, birds, and so much more can be found right out your back door.
Local Life? ✓ Valdez is bursting with small town flavor. The locals here are passionate about expression. Come experience life like a local through the many different mediums of art, culture, and history.
The Drive Here
Widely considered THE most beautiful drive in Alaska, the trip to Valdez starts at the confluence of the Glenn and Richardson highways. It runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with 14,000 ft. peaks (many still unnamed). A 25 mile descent through Thompson Pass ends at sea level in the stunning waterfall-filled Keystone Canyon. The final approach into Valdez includes the breathtaking views of our own Prince WIlliam Sound.
Population Changes
Overall, there are approximately just under 4,000 people who call Valdez home. A good portion leave during the winter months, as some Alaskans do! Many of the businesses and services close up shop until the snow melts. Make sure that if you are planning a trip to Valdez, you remember that almost 3/4 of the town has exited, with the rest of us here to hibernate!
Northern Most Ice-Free Port
Valdez is the northern most ice-free port, which is one reason why the Trans-Alaska pipeline was set up to end here. The port is used to year-round traffic, although the winter months are quieter.
Our Summers are Unforgettable
Expect abundant wildlife and reasonably warm weather. The breathtaking mountains surrounding turn lush green. The water in the arm of Valdez is smooth and clear. We also seem to get a lot less mosquitos than our neighbors...
It's pretty warm!
Bet you didn't know that it averages around 30 here in the winter!
Snow, Snow, and More Snow
Valdez is the snowiest town in the United States. On average, Valdez sees 300 inches annually - and that is just in the city. Thompson Pass can get even more snow, perfect for those looking to heli-ski or ride snow mobiles. When visiting Valdez in the summer, you can see all of the empty lots throughout town where we store all of our snow (because we have to put it somewhere). And in the winter, you may see walls of snow around all the buildings.
WESC
In the 1990's, Valdez was home to the World Extreme Skiing Championships. With stellar mountains and snow, comes extreme skiing. They don't call us "Little Switzerland" for nothing!
We are known as the "Land of Waterfalls"
A pretty stellar claim to fame, there's not a description to match -- you'll understand when you get here.
Fun things to know about Valdez -
Over 30 films have parts or have been fully shot in Valdez! Here are some of the top movies.
The Hunt for Red October - opening sequence
Insomnia - waterfall road scene
On Deadly Ground - seacoast shots and scenes around Worthington Glacier
Notable Figures
William A. Egan - First Governor of Alaska
Bill Walker - Governor of Alaska
Home to Cmdr. Will Riker of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Ready to Explore?
