Heli-Skiing in Valdez, Alaska: Valdez Heli-Camps

<BODY BGCOLOR="000000"> <BR><BR><BR><BR> Welcome to the Valdez Heli-Camps Home Page. You must have a frame capable browser to view this page.<br> At Valdez Heli-Camps we strive to provide you with the finest heli-skiing and heli-boarding experiences. By using cats on no fly days, we stand head and shoulders above the competing heliskiing and heliboarding operations. <H1>Heli-skiing (heliskiing) and Heli-boarding (helicopter snowboarding) in Valdez is as good as it gets. Valdez, Alaska is the gateway to Thompsons Pass and the Chugach Range. This is the best hellicopter skiing in the world.</H1> Over the years, the many great skiers have decided to make Valdez their home for heli-skiing and heli boarding. Quite simply they love to ski Valdez, Alaska! <H1>Heliskiing</H1> <br> <H2>If you have skied in the Bugaboos, The Monashees, Revelstoke, Galena, or anywhere in the Canadian Rockies or the Selkirks, then Valdez is the place for you. </H2> Let's face it. Canada has dominated the heliskiiing industry for years. Well, it's time for the Canadians to move over! ALASKA is the home of the steepest and deepest skiable mountains in the world. Canadian Heliskiing companies have been in business for years. We Respect both Canadian heliskiing. We have also heard great things about Kootenay. We invite them all to come ski in Valdez! Located in Valdez, Alaska, home of famed Thompson Pass, and the World Extreme Skiing Championships (WESC), we offer the most challenging ski and snowboarding terrain available anywhere.<br> <br> Heli-skiing is truly the greatest way to experience true freedom. Although the ski and snowboard terrain in Valdez is extremely challenging, we do offer advanced intermediate heli-ski and heli-board packages. Just hop on one of our helicopters and we will show you the winter world you've dared only to dream of! Come heliski or heliboard with us this year! <br><p> <H3> Don't forget about our back country touring huts! We'll drop you at a touring hut in the backcountry of the Chugach Range with ten of your best friends! <br> would love it. </H3> Valdez Heli-Camps Ski Weeks begin on Saturday afternoon. Check in and registration is from 4 to 6pm. We will meet your flight and provide transportation from the Valdez Airport to our lodge. Our evening will be spent unpacking and getting to know the crew. Dinner will be served directly following a brief orientation. Afterwards, you may feel free to explore Valdez, visit the gym, or relax and prepare for the exciting week ahead. Sunday morning rise and shine its time to ski! A buffet style breakfast will be served as you wake from 7:30 to 8:30am. It is suggested that you take some time to stretch in the morning to prepare for the ski day. At 8:30am the shuttle will depart for the helicopter and snowcat staging area. Upon arrival at 9:00am, we will go over helicopter safety and avalanche transceiver use. During our first few runs your guide will confirm your group's skiing/riding compatibility and make any necessary regrouping arrangements. <p>Lunch will be served at the warming hut or in the area you are skiing that day. Remember, with the excitement of skiing these mountains comes a great responsibility. Try not to overdo on your first few days. Feel free to take a break or ski a partial day. The helicopter makes periodic refueling trips. You may return to our warming hut or staging area at this time. In general, we will conclude our day at 4:00pm. In an effort to maximize your skiing experience we will extend or change these hours of operation to suit conditions. <br>Our goal is simply to ski whenever and wherever safely possible! Upon return to the lodge, dinner will be served. It excites us to offer the freshest seafood from the richest waters in the world. Alaskan halibut, salmon, and crab are world renown. Monday through Friday will see a similar schedule. With the groups now in sync, the safety rules established, and the mountains before us, you will begin to realize the vast skiing opportunities found only in Alaska! Friday evening brings a close to our week together. I hope you will take a piece of Alaska home. Alaska's frontier beauty speaks to the heart. Its language is the essence of truth and self-reliance. <br><p> <b>Can I Do This? </b><br>The primary mission of Valdez Heli-Camps is to bring the terrain of the Chugach Mountains to you at a comfortable and safe level. The basic requirements for your ability and fitness are these. You should be fit and at minimum an advanced intermediate skier or snowboarder. That is, you can ski/ride a variety of snow conditions with confidence and minimal difficulty. If this is true of you and your abilities, Valdez Heli-Camps is just the introduction to big mountain skiing you have been waiting for! If you are still unsure, please feel free to contact us. I also suggest that you experiment at your local ski area with wide base powder or all mountain skis. If you would like to be provided powder skis you should inform us at your time of reservation. <br><p> <b>Safety Equipment:</b> <br>Each guide has emergency medical training and extensive experience in mountain safety. Valdez Heli-Camps observes the guidelines of the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) for alpine ski guiding. Each guide carries a backpack stocked with light rescue gear and a first aid kit. The radio dispatcher tracks the ski day and should emergency arise is able to relay appropriate equipment and support. Should evacuation become necessary you will be financially responsible for costs incurred. Please be sure your medical insurance covers this type of rescue. <br><p> <b>What About the Weather?</b> Valdez, Alaska consistently receives more snowfall than any other area in the whole of North America! Warm Japanese currents push into the open Prince William Sound seaport Village of Valdez, bringing with them warm moist air. These same currents that keep Valdez uniquely mild in winter, build and flow over the Chugach Mountains, eventually mixing with the cooler interior Alaska weather currents producing amazing snowfall amounts. Although large amounts of snow are what we dream of, sometimes it keeps us at bay. On days we are unable to fly, or helicopter operations are delayed by weather or conditions yet, skiing conditions are still favorable, we will utilize snowcats to access 4100 vertical feet/1280 vertical meters of terrain. <br>This in itself is a wonderful skiing option and allows us to take instant advantage of improving weather conditions by vaulting directly to helicopter service with little delay. Our heated and comfortable PistenBully snowcats offer an excellent backcountry transportation opportunity during conditions deemed unsuitable for helicopter operations or as an affordable option for our clients geared exclusively to the snowcat skiing experience. Again, I would like to reiterate our goal, ski whenever and wherever safely possible. Valdez Heli-Camps is not limited to the air alone! In the event we are unable to ski due to conditions, I have arranged some interesting activities such as; tours of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal, scenic excursions/fishing in the Prince William Sound, and introductory ice climbing experiences in Keystone Canyon, the sight of such world class ice falls as Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls. <H1>Heli-skiing Alaska,</H1><br><p> <b>Schedule: </b><br>Valdez Heli-Camps will offer a 14-week ski season for 1999 commencing on February 6th through May 15th. Our 6 day, 7 night ski weeks will begin with check in at 4:00pm Saturday afternoon and end at check out, the following Saturday morning at 9:00am. During this period we will fully accommodate 20 people in 10 double occupancy rooms (Single rooms on availability only) <b>*Note:</b> 3-day ski trips and daily skiing will be available during all weeks on a space available basis. <br><p> <b>Pricing and Guarantees: </b> Inclusive Heli/Snowcat Ski Weeks: Unlimited vertical feet of skiing are included over a normal operating day. 80,000 vertical feet per six-day package is guaranteed. 40,000 vertical feet per three-day package is also guaranteed. If we do not reach our targeted guarantees you will be refunded the difference at a rate of $15 per 1000 vertical feet providing this refund is left on account with VALDEZ HELI-CAMPS and holds no cash value. The amount of vertical feet skied during a ski week is determined by the amount skied by the group for that week. For example, if you choose to ski a partial day or not ski at all for a day or more, any amounts refunded will be based on the amount of vertical achieved by your group at weeks end, as this skiing is available to you. <P>All 1999 six-day/seven night weeks are priced at $3675 double $4095 single. Three day/three night stays $1865 double $2045 Single. Daily Heliskiing: Heliskiing is available by the day. A normal Heliskiing day produces 6 runs. If we do not achieve the 6 run day your account will be refunded $50 per run. Be prepared, should you be skiing with a group that is engaged in one of our unlimited vertical packages you are subject to $50 per run charge for each run exceeding 6 in one day. The cost is $515 per day. Daily Snowcat Skiing: Skiing exclusively from the snowcat is available on a daily basis. Incomplete or downdays are limited to a 50% cash refund. The cost is $150 per day. Lodging Meals and Transportation: Is available as described in our inclusive packages and must be purchased in conjunction with a skiing/riding option. $150 per night double occupancy and $200.00 Single. Private Helicopter Charter: Since the Private Helicopter is often in heavy demand, it is important to book time well in advance of your proposed use dates. The general rates for the private helicopter during the 1999 season will be $1800 per hour with a two-hour cumulative minimum per day based over the rental period. This rate includes helicopter, pilot, fuel, and one guide. Each additional guide is $300 per day. The number of guides required for a customer's specific project will vary. Valdez Heli-Camps Inc. will solely determine the number of guides and or special equipment required to complete all skiing endevors, operations, and projects undertaken by the private helicopter. Call for specific details. New for 1999 Ski Touring from our hut. "Earn your turns With Valdez Heli-Camps!" Valdez Heli-Camps introduces new opportunities in ski touring for Thompson pass. From a vantagepoint 4100 feet above Prince William Sound enjoy breath-taking vistas overlooking expanses of glacier, ocean and Alaska's famous Chugach Mountain Range. You can enjoy brilliant mornings, afternoon alpenglow, and the quietest star filled and northern lit nights or weather even the toughest storms in the comfort of our fully insulated, heated, and electrified 25' by 12' Touring Hut. Excellent ski touring and light mountaineering is available from the front door. You can arrange for a guide or enjoy the exploration of the nearby terrain on your own. You and up to 5 of your friends can comfortably enjoy this unique and unforgettable experience. You and your gear will be transported by Snowcat to the Touring Hut located just below the 5700' summit of Stone Mountain. We provide transportation, all firewood, fuel, and waste disposal. The cost is $400 for the first night and $300 per night for each subsequent night. (Optional) Guides are $300 per day. See our web page and follow the Touring Hut link for photos. Reserve your space today. "All Rates subject to change without notice. All Currency in United States Dollars" <br><p> You may reserve a ski package by sending 25% of the total balance at the time of reservation. Reservations are confirmed on clearance of transaction. The remainder of the balance is due no less than 60 days prior to your reserved ski week. Please identify your payment with Name, Address, and Week # and Dates. Make checks Payable to Valdez Heli-Camps Inc. You may pay by VISA/MASTERCARD directly over the telephone. There will be a 3% surcharge on all credit card transactions. Wire transfers should be directed to Valdez Heli-Camps Inc. in care of First National Bank of Anchorage (Valdez Branch) Phone # 907-835-4381 Routing # 125200060 Account # 16505182. Getting to Valdez: Upon booking your Alaskan Heliskiing adventure, Feel free to consult Our Anchorage based travel partners. Noting your reservation with Valdez Heli-Camps will entitle you to special discount rates on your travel or layover needs. The Copper Whale Inn, in the heart of downtown Anchorage, The Inn overlooks Cook Inlet and the Alaska Mountain Range. When you step outside, you will find excellent restaurants, bars, and shops all within walking distance. Extended continental breakfast (cereals, fruit, beverages, and fresh baked pastry) is included in the rates. Since this is a picturesque remodeled older Inn, the rooms vary in size. Many have private bath some share bath. Call Tony for reservation (907) 258-7999. Clarion Suites a brand new facility with an experienced staff providing airport shuttle service to their 111 beautifully appointed two-room suites located in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Business center, swimming pool, whirlpool, and exercise room are among the amenities available here. Contact Yolanda at (888) 389-6575. Terms and refunds: Valdez Heli-Camps' financial commitments are undertaken well in advance of your ski vacation with us, therefore the following terms apply. Valdez Heli-Camps Inc. reserves the Right to cancel any package at any time. This is the only circumstance in which full refunds will be granted. Ski packages are sold as units for a specific time frame. No refunds will be granted in whole or in part for unused days, late arrival, or early departure. Down days are also non-refundable. <br><p> <b>Cancellations:</b> Valdez Heli-Camps Inc. must receive written notice of cancellation. Notice provided 90 days prior to your reservation will be refunded less a $100 process fee. Notice received less than 90 days prior to your reservation all moneys received on account are nonrefundable. Any rescheduling within the 90-day period is solely at the discretion of Valdez Heli-Camps Inc. <br><p> <b>Insurance: </b>I would like to encourage you to purchase Vacation Cancellation Insurance from your travel or insurance agent. Life, Medical, Personal Property and Emergency Evacuation insurance are also highly recommended. Valdez Heli-Camps does not cover these types of losses. Please be sure your insurance company covers you while in Alaska. <br><p> Again, thank you for your interest in Valdez Heli-Camps Inc., and "Helicopter Skiing the Last Frontier". We look forward to hearing from you. <CENTER><A HREF="main.htm"> <IMG SRC="heliski07.gif" border=0><BR>No Frames Version</A></CENTER>