2025 we are going back to Valdez! Alaska’s Finest Roadside Ski-Mountaineering live from Thompson Pass, including heli-assists to get deep and one of Seattle’s finest chefs to keep everyone fueled! We roll deep as our accommodations include a sauna and bar….  Ian Nicholson will headline this program with 50+ days touring we have your questions covered. The plan is to fly into Anchorage by midday and drive to Valdez on the 30th and tour six days with 3 or 4 possible heli-bumps to get out deep into hard to reach zones.

2025 Dates: March 30-April 6 ; April 6-13
Duration: 8 Days( Sat-Sat with 6 Days of Guided Ski Touring)
Level: Expert
Client Ratio: 3:1
Cost: $3,900 TOTAL Based on 3 Skiers/Splitboarders- $500 Deposit/the balance due January 15th
Included:

  • Transport in Alaska-RT from Anchorage to Valdez and daily trips to Thompson Pass
  • 6 nights accommodations in Valdez, Double occupancy;
  • 6 days of guided ski touring by certified AMGA/IFMGA guides
  • Sauna, drying room, duvets and sleeping linens

Not Included: Gratuities, transportation to Anchorage, personal equipment, meals & alcohol, Heli bumps

Book Online Now!

Get ready to access it with the expertise of Ian Nicholson and Matt Schonwald and throw in a few heli-bumps to get us off the road and deep into the backcountry so we can session some of the most famous zones! Thompson Pass deserves its reputation as one of the best roadside touring destinations in North America with dozens of zones and hundreds of classic lines to explore. Mixing up some days to use the helicopter to drop us off and save 3-5 hours to access some truly epic peaks and lines.

Group ability -Advanced and ready to average 4,000’+ daily, the terrain is just that big..The plan, arrive in Anchorage as early as possible on the 30th so we can make the 5.5 hour drive to Valdez in time for dinner.

Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage mid-morning and drive to Valdez, group meeting to go over the trip and answer last minute questions.

Days 2-5 3,500′- 5,000′↑3,500′- 5,000‘↓, 4-6 Miles, 6-7 hours
Drive to Thompson Pass and ski tour a number classics with conditions and heli availability driving our choices. The budget of 3-4 helibumps give us some flexibility

Day 6 2,500′↑2,500′↓, 2-3 Miles, 2-3 hours We will go for a half day tour then drive back to Anchorage and celebrate another week of adventure with great memories and new friends!

Day 7 Fly home

 

Climbing/Ski Gear

  • Adjustable Ski poles with powder (big) baskets*
  • Skis or splitboard.Skis should be equipped with alpine touring bindings or telemark bindings. We prefer splitboards w/ skins because you do not need snow shoes.
  • Alpine touring, telemark, or snowboard boots
  • Skins with glop stopper (skin wax)
  • Avalanche Beacon This needs to be Triple Antenna.
  • Shovel Small collapsible style
  • Avalanche Probe 265cm or longer
  • Helmet for riding and climbing adjustable to fit over hats
  • Ski Crampons Required for all ski mountaineering trips
  • Alpine climbing harness  Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing and can be put on with ski boots
  • Ice axe  Lightweight
  • Crampons with anti-ball plate * Must be fit to boots prior to trip,
  • 2 Locking carabiners Large, pear-shaped carabiner is best.
  • 2 Regular carabiners lightweight
  • 1 Single Length Runner/Sling

Upper Body

Lower Body

Backpack

  • Internal frame pack 2000-2500 cubic inch capacity able to carry snowboard/skis, Airbag packs can be refilled in Anchorage, one spot to do it via mail or instore is Dive Alaska (907) 770-1778, info@divealaska.net 

 

Miscellaneous Equipment

  • Goggles and Sunglasses 100% UV protection
  • Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, spare parts for bindings and batteries etc.
  • Lip balm At least SPF 20
  • Sunscreen At least SPF 40
  • Headlamp lightweight LED
  • 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
  • Hydration bladder With drinking tube and 1 Nalgene bottle
  • Bowl and spoon Plastic, small Tupperware works well. Lexan spoons are best.
  • Toiletry kit Be sure to include WAG Bag or toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
  • Bandana
  • Hand wipes
  • 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional)
  • Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds)

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?
You will receive an introductory email with the guide for your course. We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with AIARE & AMGA. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $15-20 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?
No, trips like this we recommend owning your equipment due to the length of the trip.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
You will carry 10-15 pounds, which will include everything on the equipment list.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
Payable when you make your reservation by check, or credit card.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
90 to 22 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost
30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATES OF MY TRIP?
Schedule changes are subject to a $50 fee per person up to 2 weeks out and $100 less then 14 days from the start of the trip and may not be possible. If conditions or circumstances preclude running a scheduled program we reserve the right to make the decision as to whether the program will be canceled, rescheduled, or an alternative provided.

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE?
BCAG highly encourages the purchasing of trip cancellation and travel insurance on domestic trips and requires it on International trips. Europeans and Canadians use it because travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses and emergency assistance.
Several options include Travelex or Travel Guard International at (1-877-248-8992) & www.travelguard.com for protecting your investment, however there are many companies to choose from and you may wish to do some individual research regarding which policy is right for you.

WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE A RETURN HOME?
We often get this question because most people need to know how much total time they need to take off work. We fly to Anchorage on the 30th and plan to fly home on the 6th.