With not a whole lot to report on this time of year, pretty much every web site that has anything to do with snowboarding had an article about Tailgate Alaska. The event took place in Valdez the beginning of April. After about the 80th article I read about Tailgate I decided that Valdez is a place I need to visit and play around in for a little while some day. So in preparation for my dream trip (that may or may not happen some time in the distant future) I did a little digging to uncover the things we won’t want to miss out on while in Valdez.
First and fore most the most obvious answer to the question “what to do in Valdez?” is Heli-Ski. Valdez is surrounded by mountains. If you do one thing and one thing only on your trip it should with out a doubt involve a helicopter and being left on top of a mountain. One company that can offer you this type of abandonment is Valdez Heli-Ski Guides. But these trips do not come cheap. It is mostly all inclusive, offering everything like lodging, meals, a guide, avalanche equipment and more, but seven days of heaven will cost you $7,640…. It’s worth it. If you have a rich uncle, now is the time to get in good with him. But that is just one example. I know there are much more cost effective ways to getting yourself on top of a mountain in Alaska. One example being, if you know what you are doing and you’re down for a little hike. You could also go up by means of a snowcat. Here is a link to a few other WINTER OPERATIONS that are available.
Aside from that there are a ton of other amazing things to do and see while in Valdez. Alaska.org had a great little video that spells it out really well so I’ll let THE VIDEO say it best. Another great site with really good info. is ValdezAlaska.org. They have a bunch of informational articles and updates on events that are happening in town.
When planning your trip to “Alaska’s little Switzerland” there really isn’t a best time of year to go. It all will depend on what you are going for, whether it be skiing and snowboarding, ice climbing, fishing and rafting or going to on a cruise or tour and checking out the Columbia Glacier. This place has most definitely been added to my bucket list and I would suggest the same for yours. I’ll see you up there!
