Skiing Ability: (Level)
 

Ski Technical Difficulty:


Mountain Skill Rating:


Physical Condition:


Client/Guide Ratio: 4:1

Includes:
6 nights lodging, 6 breakfasts, 1 Helicopter lift, transportation in Valdez.

Does not include:
Snack lunch food and dinners in town.

Spring Grand Tours
Valdez Ski Mountaineering     5 Day       

Valdez, Alaska in the enormous Chugach Range, so big and so bold with views from the summits of peaks as far as the eye can see, many unclimbed and unskied. A range so vast, it's hard to believe your eyes. Home of the World Extreme Ski Championships, the area has hosted many great skiers.

The steep skiing in the area was pioneered by the late Doug Coombs, who first broke us into the area showing us the best ski mountaineering routes. Bela Vadasz has directed 8 AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Certification Exams in Alaska and now with over 15 trips to the Chugach and the Alaska Range, has a good feel for designing this fantastic ski mountaineering experience.

This trip begins in the port town of Valdez, Alaska, easily accessible from a short connecting flight from Anchorage International Airport. We will base at a comfortable Bed & Breakfast in town. We'll transport by vehicle to Thompson Pass, about 40 min. to our various roadside starting points for these spectacular tours. We will visit different restaurants in town for dinners. Alaska is an incredible and memorable place to experience and should be on every adventure skier's tick list.

REGISTER >>>
Cost: $1,875

Dates:
Apr 21-25, 2009 (Tue-Sat)




Itinerary:
Day 1
Warm-up tour, Worthington Glacier
A great introduction to skiing on Alaskan glaciers, getting a feel for the local snow conditions and a chance to review team self-rescue and risk management procedures.

Day 2-4
Great day-routes accessible from the Thompson Pass Hwy, skis on right from the road with elegant climbs and equally wonderful descents. Days will vary from 4,000' to possibly 6,000' ascents, skiing the best routes and link-ups in the area.

Day 5
Helicopter Assist
Helicopters are a part of the Valdez - Chugach experience. They have made the legendary steep skiing possible, providing access to this huge range. We'll get a heli-lift to extend our day to the best peak based on the snow and weather conditions. This day may occur sooner in the itinerary and additional helicopter lifts may be available.

Route choices will include:
Odessey, Sapphire, Girls Mountain, RFS, Cracked Ice, Crud Busters and Python.

-Itineraries may vary due to weather and/or snow conditions-



   Equipment List
   Logistics
©2008 Alpine Skills International