Best time to go to Valdez?

[yesIsaidyes]

I am planning a trip to Thompson Pass with some out of town buddies who are chomping at the bit to lock in a date - I had thought about President's Day Weekend but some have suggested the weather and snow in March may be better for Valdez - anyone have any experience or comments on this?

[Shredhead]

Yes, Feb is too early. Most ops aren't even flying then and the weather is iffy.
Late March, thru April would be the prime window, but you just never know.
My suggestion is too just wing it at the last minute.

[Alioops]

April is good.

[wstdeep]

Why not Girdwood and CPG....if the weather sucks you can still ski at the resort or in the cat.

[yesIsaidyes]

Why not Girdwood and CPG....if the weather sucks you can still ski at the resort or in the cat.

good suggestion wstdeep - I think we are planning only AT though because no one can afford the Helis - I live in Anchorage so while going to Girdstock may be cool for my homies, I want to go to T.Pass! (I know, totally selfish but whatever, they won't know the diff.) - plus we have a kick ass cabin to stay in gratis outside valdez where at Aly we would have to pony up for accomodations too..

[col_surfer]

Feb is the best time BECAUSE there are no helis, or very little rotor activity. I`d go at this time for touring, but in March the circus comes to town. Too bad because the ski-mountaineering potential is staggering. I could afford to heli-ski, but would much rather go back and explore Norway. It`s similar to skiing around Valdez with the fjords as a backdrop, just less glaciated. PM me if you want more info or someone to break lots of trail.

[Alioops]

Feb is the best time BECAUSE there are no helis, or very little rotor activity. I`d go at this time for touring, but in March the circus comes to town. Too bad because the ski-mountaineering potential is staggering. I could afford to heli-ski, but would much rather go back and explore Norway. It`s similar to skiing around Valdez with the fjords as a backdrop, just less glaciated. PM me if you want more info or someone to break lots of trail.

I disagree with Feb. being the best time. Weather sucks. Just too windy for my taste (at least in Valdez). I thought it would be a circus also, especially with 5 ops in one town, but with so much terrain it is surprisingly peaceful.

[col_surfer]

Good point about the weather. One thing i`ve realized after a dozen or so trips to Thompson Pass is the weather can suck at any time. I`ve seen it blow 50mph-plus for a week in March and downpour in April. I`d rather take the chance on getting a fat high pressure ridge after a big storm cycle earlier before the helis are out and the `bilers come from Glenallen and Fairbanks during spring break. Also, the annual ice climbing festival takes place in Feb and the gathering is usually more comprised of backcountry-oriented folks. A bro asked when the best time to go for non-heli skiing, hence my $.02.

[Hicks]

Have been to Valdez way back when operations started up there early 90s. It was mid of March and the weather was skiable/flyable each day but frequent changes between sun and low visibility/snowfall even during the day. Snow was great though so I'd think around end of March is the best time.

[DaWiz in AK]

Right now we have by far the best snow in the state, and have yet to have a big wind event that f*cks our snowpack up. We have been skiing amazing powder over here all season...As far as travelling here, March and april are definately the best for weather and snow, combined with long days and lots of sun. If you get tired of dealing with the heli's all over the place, bring a snowmachine. In about an hour of riding, you can get out farther in the range than the heli's will fly. Then, park the machines (or set up a camp), and start skinning from there. Just make sure to come prepared for glacier travel and rescue, but its the best way to get away from the Heli's and see the range...go deep!

[Camel Toad]

"If you get tired of dealing with the heli's all over the place, bring a snowmachine. "

tips on where to go? i always end up at the same couple of roadside areas for my turns. that's the problem with only getting to valdez 3 or 4 times a season...don't know the terrain very well. looking forward to matt's book.