By Consensus, Valdez offers the most challenging heliskiing in Alaska.

Arguably the steepest, most fearsome and ultimately the most satisfying skiing on the planet. The slopes begin at 45 degrees, an angle occasionally found on short sections of the steepest runs in a ski resort and can go up to 55 degrees. For the truly insane, runs of 60 degrees can be found and the slopes in Valdez are not only steep for short sections, the angle is consistently maintained, often over 2,000 to 3,000m.

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Getting There:
Anchorage: 490km (306 miles).
Charter flights to Valdez available, 35 mins by air. Shuttle services to and from Valdez airport offered by all hekiski operators.

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Height:
Helicopter drops skiers off at up to 2,000m (6,560ft).
Heliski runs average 910m (2990ft).

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No of Lifts: Heliski only.

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Types of Pistes:
All off-piste -virgin slopes, tree skiing, glacial bowls, steep mountain faces.

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Main Advantages:
Unspolit locations; snowcats are often available if the helicopters are unable to fly; fabulous snow.

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Drawbacks:
Not suitable for beginners; remote location.

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