thomson pass - chugach - kenai - talkeetna - valdez
Ski the many untouched and wild routes of the Chugach.
This road trip begins and ends in Anchorage. We make a 700 km loop around south-central Alaska. Every day we ski in a different area and then spend the night in a hotel or a bed and breakfast. The itinerary listed below is based on ski touring, but mechanized options exist, including heli-skiing, catskiing and the Alyeska lifts. Note that unfortunately, there is no real off-piste skiing itineraries accessible by ski lifts in the south-central region of Alaska.
Our first base is the town of Girdwood where we stay in a comfortable bed and breakfast and ski daily at Turnagain Pass or Summit Lake in the Kenai Mountains. After Girdwood, we travel to Whittier and ferry across the wilderness coast from Prince William Sound to Valdez. We stay four nights in a hotel in Valdez, skiing each day at Thompson Pass in the Chugach. To finish this trip, we drive along the Glenn Highway, Alaska’s most scenic route, crossing the imposing massifs of Chugach, Wrangell and Talkeetna. Along the way, we make a last stop to ski at Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna before returning to Anchorage.
What you will do during your trip
You will ski touring for eight days, discovering the wild Alaskan mountains.
Achieving descents from 1000 to 1500 mts vertical in virgin snow in the heart of the Chugach mountain range.
Staying several nights in Valdez, a small town located at the end of a fjord leading to Prince William’s Bay and its many glaciers.
Frequently asked questions
TRAVEL BAG AND SKI BAG
As we travel by plane, boat, car or minibus, space is often at a premium. So it’s best to keep your luggage small and easy to carry. We advise you to travel with a soft duffel bag with wheels, a soft ski sleeve without wheels and a separate ski boot bag.
BACKPACK (25 / 35 liters with carrying strap for skis) for the day’s essentials:
– warm down jacket at the bottom of the bag,
– goggles with a screen for bad weather,
– neck warmer against wind, cold, powder and sun,
– high-protection sun cream for face and lips,
– spare gloves if you fall down a lot, or mittens if you’re afraid of the cold,
– thermos flask if it’s cold or camel bag if it’s mild,
– dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars,
– survival blanket, shovel and probe.
CLOTHING
You’ll spend a lot more time in ski clothes than in après-ski gear.
At any time of year, the weather can be fine and mild, or extremely cold, snowy or rainy.
Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing: During a snowstorm, skiing is fantastic in the forest. Pack an extra layer of clothing in your daypack to adapt to any changes in temperature. Temperatures vary with altitude, on the order of 10°C per 1000 meters. As a result, the difference in temperature between the valley and the summit can vary by 20° or more with the effect of the wind.
If you’re properly equipped, you’ll enjoy skiing whatever the weather. We ski in all weathers.
Yes, and that’s all we’ll be doing – there won’t be any ski lifts around!
If you have an avalanche transceiver, we advise you to bring it with you. If it’s an old model, it’s a good opportunity to check that it’s working properly, and to practice with it. If it’s brand new, it’s important to use it as often as possible to familiarize yourself with its operation. Regular training is the only way to be efficient when you need it! If you don’t have a transceiver, please let us know on the registration form and we’ll provide you with one when possible.
The 9V guides use and recommend 80 mm to 95 mm wide touring skis, depending on your build. Fitted with pin-type touring bindings, preferably with ski stops, these skis are light enough for climbing with skins on, and a joy to ski down. We recommend 3 or 4-hook touring boots with 60° of travel.
Click here to find your level
Program
DAY 1: Meet at Anchorage airport
Meeting with the guide and transfer to Girdwood. Overnight in Girdwood.
DAY 2: Ski Alyeska
Getting started in the ski area of Alyeska. Overnight in Girdwood.
DAY 3: Skiing at Turnagain pass
Right across from Girdwood, across Turnagain Inlet. Overnight in Girdwood.
DAY 4: Ski at Summit Pass
A little further than Turnagain on the Kenai peninsula we still put on our skis from the car park. Overnight in Girdwood.
DAY 5: Ferry transfer between Whittier and Valdez
This journey first includes about forty kilometers to reach the village of Whittier, followed by 5 hours by ferry to reach Valdez by crossing Prince William Sound bay and its many glaciers flowing to the water. Overnight in Valdez.
DAY 6: Ski at Thompson Pass.
Skiing mecca in Alaska, the itineraries are numerous. Overninght in Valdez.
DAY 7: Ski at Thompson Pass.
Skiing mecca in Alaska, the itineraries are numerous. Overninght in Valdez.
DAY 8: Ski at Thompson Pass.
Skiing mecca in Alaska, the itineraries are numerous. Overninght in Valdez.
DAY 9: Transfer – Ski Hatcher Pass
Transfer to Hatcher Pass via the Glenn Highway, one of the most beautiful roads in Alaska, crossing the Talkeetna Chugach Mountains. Skiing in the afternoon and night at Hatcher Pass.
DAY 10: Ski Hatcher Pass – Transfer to Anchorage
Skiing all day followed by a short drive to Anchorage. Overnight at Anchorage.
DAY 11: End of the trip
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.
The program is subject to change depending on the conditions on the ground and the fitness of the participants.
Hotels and Huts
Hotels and Huts
HOTEL CARRIAGE HOUSE : Well located in Girdwood, close to the Alyeska ski lifts.
HOTEL BEST WESTERN VALDEZ HARBOR INN : Located at the water’s edge, this small BW fully satisfies our comfort requirements after a good day of ski touring.
ALASKA HOST B&B LODGING : On the road not far from the Hatcher Pass, it is a typical and warm stage.
HOTEL CAPTAIN COOK In the center of Anchorage the hotel is surrounded by good restaurants and bars, enough to celebrate the end of the trip as it should be.
Included
Included 9V GUIDES
Supervision for 6/7 people full time by a fully certified IFMGA / UIAGM mountain guide.
TRANSPORTATION
-The transport of skiers and luggage throughout the trip. Transportation will be by 4-wheel drive pick-up driven by your guide.
ACCOMMODATION
10 nights in comfortable hotels or guest houses in B&B formula on a double room basis.
-4 nights at Carriage House Accommodations in Girdwood with buffet breakfast.
-4 nights at the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn with buffet breakfast.
-1 night at the Alaskan Host Bed & Breakfast Lodging of Hatcher Pass with full breakfast.
-1 night at the Captain Cook Hotel in downtown Anchorage with buffet breakfast.
SAFETY GEAR
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Not included
Not included RESCUE INSURANCE
TRIP INSURANCE
SINGLE ROOM
LUNCHS AND DINNERS
TOURING SKIS
HELISKIING
PLANE TICKETS
All plane tickets are at your expense.
