Scheduled to be held on February 13th to the 16th, 1998. The Ice Climbing Festival brings some of the world's best Ice Climbers together to test their skills on the surrealistic falls of the Keystone Canyon. For more information about the festival or the sport, call Brian Teale at (907) 835-5182.
Thirty-eight of the world's best extreme skiers will gather once again in Valdez, Alaska, for the World Extreme Skiing Championships (WESC). This annual event is held in the spectacular Chugach Mountain Range that encircles the Alaskan port of Valdez. Competitors are judged by a celebrity judging panel in much the same manner as figure skaters or gymnasts are judged. Categories for degree of difficulty, style, execution and grace are utilized, in addition to the novel extreme skiing quantification of boldness and control.
Three exciting days of snowmachine climbs and races. Join the members of the Valdez Motorsports Club in Thompson Pass for three days of fun in the snow. Climb to the peaks or make tracks across the flats. Early April. Call (907) 835-2343 for more information.
This contest has become quite an event with full on media circus coverage, crowds, and riders attracted from all over the world. Barely half the '97' riders were from the US. The very different styles and priorities of the assorted nationals makes for some really interesting competition. This event carries on one aspect from the old WESBC, these mountains and the respect they demand. Nobody died.
Winter Carnival is three days of fun-filled winter weather gloom chasing events: survival suit races, a Polar Bear Splash-in, snowshoe softball games, torchlight parade and many, many more. Scheduled for early March
Experience 4 KM of beautiful groomed trails courtesy of the City of Valdez. The Mineral Creek ski area is a local favorite. Trails are groomed Tuesday through Sunday. Or you can really go cross-country and lay down your own trail across the pristine mountain powder and down into the vast untracked watersheds around Valdez. Cross-Country Skiing Hotline: (907) 835-4799
Still looking for something to do? Check out our Parks & Recreation Department listing of activities. There are two swimming pools, basketball, volleyball, racquetball and other activities going on all of the time - early mornings, weeknights and weekends. Call the Parks & Recreation Hotline at (907) 835-2555 for more information.
