Traveler's Guide to Valdez, Alaska
Valdez Winter Fun and Adventure
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Heli-Ski and Snowboard Vacations in Alaska
Thompson Pass and the coastal Chugach mountains are a rare find in Backcountry Heli access skiing. The world class snow conditions bring people from around the world to experience thrill of deep powder, big mountain free skiing. Here is a listing of operators that will help guide you to a peak experience and memories for a lifetime.
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Ice Climbing Festival
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.
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World Extreme Skiing Championships
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.
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Mountain Man Snowmobile Hill
Climb
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.
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King of the Hill Snowboard Tournament
<returns as Tailgate Alaska in 2008- see below>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. -
Tailgate Alaska - Ski
and Snowboard festival in Thompson Pass. See this great
Chugach Spring Skiing and Snowboarding introduction video
by
ESPN
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Valdez Winter Carnival
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
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Cross Country Skiing
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
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Winter Nights in Valdez
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.
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Alaska Snow Safaris
Snomoblie / Sno go / Snowmachine backcountry tours in the snowy Chugach mountains around Valdez and Thompson pass
Phone: 831-0493 Email: [email protected]
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Chugach
Outfitters
Let yourself experience what it's like to ride in a sled and feel the thrill of Alaskan Dog Mushing. John Fowler is a good and capable guide. All ages are welcome on winter dog tours and no experience is necessary. These dog mushing trips are customized to fit your specific needs, abilities and scenic desires. February and March are the most popular times for winter touring.
