Valdez Heli Camps - Current Conditions

Current Conditions

Weather: 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.

Valdez Weather Historical Data

The Current Weather from Thompson’s Pass

Forecast from The Weather Channel

When Weather keeps us from flying:

About no-fly days

On days we are unable to fly, or helicopter operations are delayed by weather conditions yet skiing conditions are still favorable, we will utilize snowcats to access 4100 vertical feet/1280 vertical meters of terrain.

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 snowcat's 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, we would like to reiterate our goal, ski whenever and wherever safely possible. VHC is not limited to the air alone!

In the event we are unable to ski due to conditions, we have available to us some interesting activities such as:

Tours of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal*

Scenic excursions/fishing in the Prince William Sound*

Snowmachine adventures *

Introductory to advanced ice climbing experiences in Keystone Canyon, the sight of such world class ice falls as Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls.

* alternative options for weather days from outside vendors have additional charges and are organized and made available as a service to our guests.

In the event that we start skiing in the snowcat terrain and then heliski your actual combined vertical will be applied against your trip vertical balance. If weather forces to use the snowcat throughout the day a minimum/maximum of 9,000 vertical feet will be applied against your trip balance.