Valdez Heli Camps

Main VHC FAQ

About Heli-Skiing and Valdez

• How Do I Get to Valdez?
  Valdez is located at sea level nestled against the Chugach Mountains as the northeast port of Prince William Sound. It is only 122 air miles or 305 highway miles east of Anchorage. Anchorage, Often flight schedules may dictate a layover, but don't despair! A layover in Anchorage can be fun.
  
  And, since so many of you ask: There is no rail (train) service to Valdez!
  
  Essentially there are four alternatives to get to Valdez, listed in order of popularity:
  
  

  • Flying
  • Driving
  • Ground Shuttle Service
  • Alaska State Ferry

  
  Read more...

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• When Should I Arrive In Valdez (Help With travel Arrangements)?
  If you have booked one of our All-inclusive Packages, you trip is designed for you to arrive the afternoon of the first day. 2 Day/2 Night, 3 Day/3 Night & 4 Day/4 Night Packages are designed for you to depart your last day after skiing. You can be assured that your day is not cut short. You will check out of your Hotel Room the morning of your departure and we will store your bags. After your day skiing, you will be transported directly to the Valdez Airport from Base Camp (about a 15 minute ride). If you are coming on our Premier 6 day/7 night All-inclusive Packages, the package includes a Special "Free" night to stay over Saturday Night if you wish. Between Flight Itineraries and Work Schedules, many of you coming here for the full week need to depart after skiing Saturday Evening. This is easy, and we handle it just like the shorter packages as described above.
  
  If you have Purchased a Punchcard or a Single Day of Heli-Skiing (or catskiing) , you will need to make your way to Basecamp for manifesting and Safety Briefing by 8:30 the day of your trip!

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• What do I do if I need to add days to my travel plans (Layover Information)?
  If you haven't started looking for a place to stay, we have negotiated special rates at the local Holiday Inn Express in Anchorage. They have a 24 hour shuttle to pick you up at the airport, and are located in the "Spenard" district; with access to things to do while you stay over night. Our rate is there is $79.00 a night single or double Occupancy.
  
  To make a reservation with them go to:www.hiexpress.com/anchorageapt be sure to enter corporate ID number 100215750 to get the special rate. Alternatively you can call the property directly at 907-248-8848 (be sure to ask for the "heli-ski rate")
  
  If you are/can travel on travel plans (frequent flyer miles and the like), and therefore brand specific, the Marriot Courtyard is close by and offers similar amenities, as does the Hampton Inn (a little farther down the road). Both offer shuttles service for Airport Pick-ups
  
  You are welcome to book anther night with us in Valdez as well. Do remember that it is $199.00 double/$249 single (per person) and includes all of your meals.

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• What trip should I choose (How Long Should I plan to come)?
  I promise that no matter how long you choose to stay, you will feel it's not long enough! Coming to Alaska is a big trip no matter where you are coming from! You will probably be happiest coming for the longest trip your time/money can afford.
  
  By far, our most popular trip overall is the four day (this is with "lower 48" folks - international guests almost always book a private helicopter or the 6 day), about 90% of our first time visitors book this package. Most of them rebook for the following season while their here for the 6 day.
  
  The three day package is a great balance for price vs. time (most folks that can afford to come do this may not be able to block all the time required to travel + the skiing time to put the six day, or even the 4 day, in their schedule). Veterans of our operation will book multiple three days through out the season to get their "fix" in. If the three day is the only one that will fit into your groups needs, so be it, otherwise we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you choose the 4 day trip.

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• What Does "All-Inclusive"� Mean?
  Our packages are all-inclusive, and provide most all of you needs once you arrive in Valdez: Ground Transportation, Airport Transfers, Safety Gear (Shovel, Probe, Avalanche Beacon/Transceiver, harness and a locking carabiner), meals (an American style breakfast, on-mountain made-to-order lunch, on-mountain snacks and a Hearty Alaskan Dinner), Lodging, Heli-Skiing and Snow Cat back-up! Essentially everything is paid for except Beer/Wine/Liquor, Ski/Board Rental, and Gratuities!

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• What should I bring?
  Preparing for your trip to Valdez should not be all that different than any other extended Ski or Snowboard vacation. In addition to your standard equipment and clothing, here are a few prerequisites (of course, See What’s Included? to get an idea on how to round out your packing list):
  
  · Camera/Video Camera: Don’t forget to bring extra media (CD/DVD/memory sticks to help facilitate trading). See “Will you arrange for photos of my experience?” for more information.
  
  Sunscreen: You really will need this, no matter when you come!
  
  Sunglasses: Yep, see above! Polarized sports Glasses are becoming quite popular.
  
  Additional Layering Items: Temperatures can flux during the day. The sun can be VERY warm. See What Temperatures Can I Expect? for more information.
  
  Small Daypack: This is a great place to rotate your layers through. There’s no locker at the day lodge at the end of each run! While you can leave some of your personal items in our heated briefing area (and you can leave skis/Board and utilize our boot dryers there each evening). You will essentially board the Heli (or Snow Cat) and not return until the end of the day. Anything you MUST have with you should be carried on you person, since there’s no place really to leave it on the Heli!
  
  You may bring your own avalanche probe and/or shovel if you are comfortable with their use and operation. An Avalanche Transceiver will be issued to you during your stay with us.
  
  FINALLY: Bring Your Boots! Most of you are well seasoned travelers with your ski gear, but carefully read this! There is no Ski Shop in Valdez, and we do not Stock Ski or Snow Board Boots (If you’ve rented skies with us, we do have poles that are included with your rental) If the airline looses your luggage along the way, we can provide assistance to help you replace everything but the boots! Thus if current airport regulations allow, we HIGHLY recommend that you carry your boots on the Plane with you.

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• What's the weather like?
  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.

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• What Temperatures Can I Expect? (How Cold Does It Get?)
  Everyone thinks Alaska is always very cold! But for a number reasons the Valdez Climate is relatively warm. Average daily temperature is about 20 degrees (-7 C). This can flex a bit to as warm as 40 (4 C) to as cold as 0 degrees (18 C). Bring your layers to prepare for both sides of the temp range and you should be just fine! Click here for more information about Valdez's weather [link to weather]!

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• Am I good enough to do this?
  The skiing and snowboarding opportunities found at Valdez Heli-Camps are second to none and offer much variety. For those that enjoy the freedom of wide-open slopes and skiing side by side with friends, our pilots can easily fly to less technical slopes. In fact, these less technical slopes can offer a higher level of security allowing us to achieve larger amounts of vertical for those with a preference for this type of experience. This can happen on the same day in areas directly adjacent to groups working the high angle terrain. Quite often you can watch other groups from across the valley challenging the Chugach while you are doing the same at your level or, mix it up bit, with some steep challenging runs and some powder cruisers of your own!!!! 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. We also recommend 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.
  
  Your alternative is to sign up for a Big Mountain Clinic! We offer one or two of these each year led by the most famous names in our sport Like Dan Eagan and Gordy Peifer. Contact us if you want more information about our Ski Clinic Offerings!

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• When Should I Come?

  The best time to come is really any time we’re open – from the first week in February to the second week in May. If you are a first time heli-skier, we recommend that you consider February or early March. If this is your first trip to Alaska, we definitely recommend you come as early as possible anyway! It’s the best chance you’ll get to see the Northern Lights!

  The bright sunny days, the lightest powder of the season and the longest runs are all to be found during the earliest part of the season. As an alternative thought process for you, if you were speaking to one of our tenured Guide Staff members, he’d probably tell you that he liked April the best! Long, sunny days couple with a choice of snow conditions (Cold pow on north facing slope and the chance to be a “superhero” on corn as each day progresses).

  The end of March and early April is when many Ski areas close, thus we see folks from the Ski Industry come and get some turns in. This can transition Valdez from a group of “Hard Core” skiers with a narrow focus of getting runs on the best steeps in the world, to a carnival atmosphere as old friends (and some of the best professional skiers in the world!) come to see us! Later in the season is also popular for folks because of the level of difficulty involved! Many focus hard at their local ski area to get in as many runs as possible so they’re on their “A” game when the come to Valdez!

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• How Large an Area do you Ski?
  Here is the location of our base camp.
  Longitude 145.8139640547402
  Latitude 61.05418426523577
  
  We access to an approximate 650 Square Mile box of terrain around this point,
  
  We use "Google Earth"� to check out the area. The USGS has mapped the entire area, so a variety of hard-copy maps should be available from them or another map vendor.

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• Will you arrange for photos of my experience?
  We do not officially provide a photo service. Do to the nature of the activity, it's just too tough to arrange and guarantee without an outrageous expense to the client. Most folks have remarkable luck passing their equipment to the others in their group (and their guide). Be sure to discuss your desires with your guide, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Our lodge has high speed internet access, so you can send clips home to your (jealous) friends who couldn't make it. Many folks bring their laptops/cameras to dinner so we can watch and share the day's adventure!

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• What is your Cat Ski Terrain like?
  Our cat terrain is in a 5 square mile radius area, accessed directly from our base camp. The terrain varies between a 20 degree pitch and 45 degree pitch. The runs vary, but the longest is about 3,000 vertical feet. The snowcat terrain rises from 500’ MSL to 4200’MSL. The runs vary, but the longest is about 3,000 vertical feet (this is longer than the longest runs at most local ski areas!). The lower protected portion (2000’) of our terrain offers tree skiing for low light conditions and the upper portion is much like a large portion of the heliski terrain which is expansive open gladed skiing.

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• What's included?
  If you have selected one of our All-Inclusive packages, just about everything!
  
  Your lodging, three meals daily (an American-Style Breakfast, and on-mountain box lunch, and a hearty, dinner snacks and non-alcoholic beverages – all with an Alaskan Flair), ground transportation (including Valdez Airport transfers) and Safety gear (transceiver/transponder, probe, shovel, harness).
  
  Essentially, everything is included except your ski/board rental, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.
  
  For those of you on a daily (unpackaged) heli/cat trip, lunch is included if you have booked at least seven days in advance. Punch card customers may purchase lunch or bring their own.

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• What about Safety Gear?
  No matter if you choose an All-inclusive Package, Daily Heli/Cat, or a vertical Punch Card, safety gear is always included as part of your trip. This includes, as necessary:
  
  * Avalanche Probe
  * Shovel
  * Two-way Radio
  * Safety Harness
  * Avalanche Beacon
  
  
  We will require you use one of our Avalanche Transceivers as part of your personal safety gear. While many folks have their own transceivers, we test ours and know they work at the level we expect!

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• Tipping
  Tipping is always optional and a personal decision on your part, based on your overall experience. A guide is rewarded by the opportunity to show you a beautiful area and to share your vacation with you, and our support staff that Fly, Cook, Serve and Drive you are pleased to help make you comfortable when you are not out Skiing. However, a financial gesture of appreciation will be well received! The industry standard is 10-20% of your total trip cost, or about $35-$75 a day. It is appropriate to pass this daily to the guide that has supported you, or if you would like, to direct it toward the trip leader who is responsible for distribution (many provide a note to assist with whom they would like to tip). Management does its best to stay away from this process, so cash is certainly best. If you would like to arrange a different payment method, it is best to discuss it with your guide or the trip leader.

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• Will you arrange for a roommate to save me money?
  Occasionally we have guests looking for a roommate. This does not happen often. If another guest is sharing the same time period is looking for a roommate, I will alert them to your position. Alternatively, If you are able to find a roommate before your arrival here, I will refund the difference between the single and double occupancy rates back to you. A great place to look for a roommate is on our VHC Community Page. There you might be able to find the roommate you need!

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• Do I want (or Need) A private Helicopter?
  The answer is, it depends. The Private Helicopter option provides ultimate flight flexibility for those well seasoned heli-skiers. With our Semi-Private/regular ski packages, we tend to go to the best snow closest to base and if that snow and terrain works out to be just as we anticipate it to be in the morning Guide Meeting we will work that area for the day.
  
  If it is not what we expect we will mobilize to a different area. We know this by the first run with the first group of the day. Once the first group’s guide reports in and based on what he finds, we will make the call to bring the other groups out to that area in the semi private or instruct them to go to another zone that we feel will have even better conditions for the day.
  
  The areas we go to and the terrain we ski do not necessarily change from semi-private to private. The main difference is this, and it is the same for all operations that run both types of service:
  
  The semi privates have vertical guarantees. We manage those trips to get maximum skiing with minimum helicopter time utilized as the company pays for the helitime. Of course, if conditions for flying and skiing exist anywhere in the terrain most operators will go no matter how far it is but will go to the closest quality zones.
  
  With the Privates an operator may choose to ski those same areas as the semi private if conditions dictate or more likely encourage sending that aircraft to more far reaching zones (not necessarily better, just further away) to spread out terrain utilization and save (the closer in) snow for the Semi-Privates on future days. Since the Client is paying for the helitime, the efficiency issue is not critical for the company and in fact, the company is in a better position the more the helicopter flies regardless of the skiing provided with a private charter. Those are simply the business incentives of any operator.
  
  Now that you understand this model. It is our opinion that if you are not filming or trying to ski first descents of the season on ultra challenging terrain you are better served in the Semi-Private ship. The other issue is that if conditions are so marginal that we feel launching a heliday from the Semi-private will be essentially futile or the early morning conditions delay a launch we will immediately go Cat skiing and switch out if the conditions improve or complete the day in the cat. We have found being in the cats, already skiing, makes our reaction time to improving conditions second to none.
  
  With the Private ship, window shopping (flying around looking for a potential hole in the sky or to just look around) is an option as that heli-time will be billed to the client either way based on a cumulative minimum contract similar with any operator.
  
  This type of flying around is really at client’s and his guide/advisor’s option and of course at the flight safety discretion of the pilot. The company is not concerned if you get to ski or not because the helitime is paid essentially either way.

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Competitive FAQ's

• What's the Difference between Valdez Heli-Camps and Mike Wiegle's or Canadian Mountain Holidays?
  Two Words tell the main difference between us and the British Columbia (BC) Operations: The STEEPS. The terrain is significantly different between what is available from BC and the WORLD Famous terrain of Valdez. The unique weather conditions of Valdez and the Chugach mountains allow snow to stick to the sickest verts you have ever laid your eyes on. Remember the term "extreme skiing" was coined from the pioneer free-style skiers in Valdez!
  
  Another difference between BC and VHC is a focus on the quality of your skiing experience. We take and approach of skiing challenging and diverse terrain seeking out new and exciting runs over more than 650 sq miles of the Chugach Mountains. Sometimes this means skiing or snowboarding one at a time to preserve a high level of safety. We do this with A-Star helicopters in groups of four riders as apposed to BC Operators using Bell 212 helicopters with groups of as many as 11 people. What this means is small well-grouped teams skiing exciting and diverse terrain in fast state of the art helicopters in the most spectacular heliski terrain in the world. We have 20 staff for only a maximum of 32 guests. Although the BC Operators may be considered more luxurious in the accommodation, We do not believe the experience will leave you with the impression of what heliskiing should be to you, that of an adventure among skilled friends and one that will beckon you back for more exploration of yourself and your skiing abilities. Everything you have done is preparation for a visit to Valdez!!! We guarantee an experience you will never forget and a chance to meet others who share your sense of adventure and desire for the mountains.
  
  We recently called Mike Wiegele's, since they are now listing two packages (a deluxe and an "Elite") that include using the A Star Helicopter on their Web site. We attempted to get prices for the A-Star Deluxe package (on the phone), which guarantees 80K vertical feet, and is very similar to our package. I was told this package was not available, and that only the 212 was operating for the Deluxe package. The deluxe 212 package is CAD 9,534.42 - including 3.5% tax. (Or about US$8,110 at today's exchange rate). We were hoping to compare "apples to apples" price wise, but cannot. We offer a better skiing experience (more challenging terrain, smaller groups) for about $3000.00 less!
  
  Questions to Ask a BC Operator:
  What Size Group will I ski in?
  What level of Skier do you usually cater to?
  Do you ski the super steeps?
  How long does it take to do a run of 3500 Vertical Feet when there are 12 people in the Helicopter?
  How Much Does it cost?

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• Why Shouldn't I buy Skiing by the Run?
  For many on a budget, "By-the Run" skiing seems to be a great way to hit the Chugach inexpensively. At least one operator has a rate of $109, a run with a ten trip ticket ($1000.00) bring the price down to $100.00. That is, plus a fuel Surcharge of at least $8.50 a run. Ok so for $1085.00 for ten runs or $108.50 a run (with the fuel surcharge at the current rate - it could go up) you get to go heli-sking. But what is a "run"? How long is it? It's not specified, so you may have dropped over $100.00 for a five minute ride. Oh, and by the way, that "run" just goes down to the road where you are picked up at the bottom by a Van (or perhaps forced to walk back to base camp)
  
  So what's the alternative? A Punch Card from Valdez Heli-Camps! How about 25,000 vertical feet for $999? That's about 10 2,500 vertical foot runs. But because the nature of the punchcard being a "seat filler" You ski in the same place our clients paying $6000 a week go (and with them)!
  
  Absolutely no one has a better deal than that in the world!
  
  Questions to Ask about "By the run":
  
  How long is a run?
  How much is it per run?
  Do you ski the super steeps on a per run deal?
  Are there any additional charges I should know about?

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• Do Heli Ski Companies have Hidden Charges?
  Well yes, many of them have additional Charges. So when you are comparing Services based on price, make sure you have all the facts!
  
  The biggest one is Fuel! Yes there are fuel Surcharges at many operations, adding around $250/week to your costs. Some are “tax extra”. Others charge you for safety Gear, like avalanche, beacons, probes, shovels and a backpack to carry all you stuff in. This can all can add up to extra money when you look at the “bottom line”
  
  With Valdez Heli-Camp, are prices include everything you need for a ski day with us except for Skis or board rental (and lunch is extra for Punch Card Clients). Safety gear is included and we REQUIRE you to use our beacons, because that way we’re sure they work!
  
  Questions to Ask about “Extra Charges”:
  
  Is there tax associated with your trips? What gear is required that I have to pay for?
  Do you have a Fuel Surcharge?
  Are there any additional charges I should know about?

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• Will Heli-Ski Operations Say Anything to get me to come?
  Well, yes! Many operators imply or out right say things that are not true about them or their competitors. The whole reason we have taken the time to prepare this area of our website is to help you cut through misinformation in the industry. Big Lies? Cat Skiing as a back up on down days. Only one other operator we know of owns and operates a cat. That operator also sells Cat skiing (and actually charges extra to use the cat on down days). If an Operator doesn’t sell it, it probably doesn’t operate its own for back-up. Same thing for other “Down Day” activities, if it is more than ice climbing (which most ski mountaineering guides can teach and help with), it is probably going to cost you extra. They will also speak of Exclusive Terrain and Long runs, but if you “travel too far” on a particular day you could loose a half day of Skiing! Questions to Ask about Inconsistent information: Do you offer Cat Skiing as a Back up? How much does it cost? Do you offer just Cat Skiing packages? Why Not if you have a Cat? What other “Down day” activities do you have? How much do they cost? How long have your Guides been working for you? How much heliskiing experience do they have? How experienced are you pilots? How many years have they operated in Alaska? Do you have a Medical Doctor on Staff? Under what circumstances can a loose my reservation and miss my full day of skiing?

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• What about offers that include days of skiing or numbers of runs over a non-specific timeframes? I've seen packages that are less money than yours and allow me to pick 3 days I want to fly in the Heli over a five day period. This sounds like a great de
  At least two of our competitors offer packages that allow you book a trip that provides day you "pick" to fly over a long period. You think you have a "Booked Trip". What you really have is a "Stand by" reservation. You usually do this when you are on a budget and want to maximize your chances to Get your Heli-skiing in.
  
  Alaska Operators all use similar Helicopters with similar capacities. Most ski in groups of four with one guide, with at least one operator running five to a heli group.
  
  It is our experience that running four groups of four out of one Heli is optimum for all involved. Logistically, we can service each group and make sure there is "no" or VERY limited waiting between runs. Most of the time the helicopter is waiting for you as you finish up your run, then five minutes later you begin the next one!
  
  The issue with the 3 "non-Specific Days" is that EVERYBODY wants to ski the BLUEBIRD days. So what happens if everyone else booked for a particular week wants to go when you want to go (especially if the weather has been bad early in the week). There are only two choices:
  
  1. You (or some one else) gets "Bumped" and doesn't get to fly or
  2. The operator attempts to service five or more groups with one Heli that day to accommodate everyone (of course this means you are waiting for some time between runs).
  
  Depending upon how many groups you have to get serviced, one or two runs may be your "day" or your runs may be quite short.
  
  So what are your alternatives?
  
  The least expensive option is our Vertical Foot Punch Card. This is a standby program (but hey, this is what you are considering with the other guys anyway). We can't guarantee you a seat, but we will share with you what our reservations are looking like for a specific period. Since we sell this as a space-filler, we will not guarantee that groups will ski together (but neither will the other guys). Pricing? How about 20 runs of about 2500 vertical feet (around three days of skiing) for about 95 bucks a run?
  
  Also, there's the snow cat! All all-inclusive snow Cat options are relatively inexpensive (start at $1299 per person) and include all your food and lodging. With these packages, you can choose to upgrade to the Heli for around $600 on any day you'd like (and we have space available).
  
  Questions to Ask Operators Offering "pick the day" packages:
  
  How many Groups will be serviced with one Helicopter?
  How many groups will you book for this week?
  How long is a "run". Is this length guaranteed?
  How many Runs in a day? Are daily runs guaranteed?

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• What about options that charge per seat on an hourly basis based on flight time in the helicopter?

  At least one of the operators in Alaska sells there helisking by the hour. This operator prides itself by having its Heli pad right out side the lodge so there are no “transit” times to the helis each day. That’s fine, but there are transit times to the area where they ski, AND YOU PAY FOR THAT! A lot. Figure if it takes 10 minutes to get to where you are going to ski and 10 minute to get back, that’s twenty minutes a day or two hours over a six day ski week. That’s about $1300 just to get to skiing. If you average six runs a day, at about 5 minutes of lift between runs (another 30 minutes or so) means another 3 hours over six days or another $3900. This makes your Ski week $5200 (just for skiing). And these numbers are conservative!
  
  The alternative? Our Six day/Seven night all-inclusive packages (learn more here[link] include 80,000 vertical feet of skiing. You are charged by what you ski, not how long it took you to get there! If you get more vertical in than the package guarantees, you pay simply $25 per vertical foot (hey, if you don’t achieve your vertical, we credit you back at the same $25 per vertical foot).
  
  Questions to Ask Operators charging on a “per hour” basis:

  • How many hours can I expect to use to get back and forth to the ski area each day?
  • How much time can I expect to be charged each day?
  • If we go and try to find a place to ski when there are poor conditions, and I don’t ski, will I still be charged?
  • What if I booked a trip and don’t want to go on a particular day, will I still be charged?
  • Will I get to see the hour (Hobbs) meter to see that I am being charged correctly?

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• How do snowcat reserve options work with heliski packages?

  There is only one other operator we are aware of that has Cat Skiing as an option. The difference is that they do not offer the backup as part of the package, If you want Cat Skiing as a back-up with them, it cost around $250 extra, just to have that option.
  
  The alternative?
  
  Priority seating in our snowcats is included with your helicopter skiing package. If we utilize snowcats for a day when helicopter skiing is scheduled your vertical guarantee account will only be charged a maximum of 9000 feet. The rate is $25 per thousand feet. If you do not heliski for an entire day while using the snowcats due to weather, your real cost is $225 for your priority seat. We normally achieve 12,000 to 14,000 vertical feet on a full day of snowcat skiing! The snowcats are used to keep our groups skiing and are the best alternative to waiting around for the weather to break for flying. Only Valdez Heli-Camps can offer this combination of incredible terrain and access by helicopters or snowcats. Our Snowcats are at your disposal and require no additional commitment or cost to you to have this option for skiing or riding on days when others are “stopped in their tracks. “ The fastest reaction time to improving flying weather takes you to the helicopters at the first available opportunity right from your snowcat in just minutes.
  
  Questions to Ask Operators Offering Snow Cat Reserve options:

  • Is my seat guaranteed?
  • How much does it cost?
  • What if I don’t need to use the Cat?
  • Do I get a refund?

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• What about permit areas and land use?
  While each operator in Alaska has some "excusive" terrain, the majority is open to General Use by permit. Essentially this means that most of the areas are open to all the Operators, and that, for the most part, all the operators can ski everywhere. That's not to say that each of us doesn't have our own favorite places to go! Also, with 650 square miles in the permit area, it's probable that you won't see anybody sharing your heli with you, let alone another operator. The Chugach offers a wide-variety of terrain that can suit most ability level and desire for Super Steeps. Most of the most desirable terrain (and where everybody skis) is in the "Generally Allowed Use" area. Which means that claims of "we have the longest runs", by anybody, is just darn untrue!
  
  Questions to Ask Operators about Terrain:
  
  Do you have a State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR)?
  Do you have a US Bureau of Land Management Permit?
  How much of the terrain you advertise is actually exclusive to you?
  How often do you actually use this exclusive terrain?

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