Black Ops Valdez Heli Skiing Location

Black Ops is based just outside the town of Valdez at the opening of the beautiful Prince William Sound, surrounded by the towering eastern Chugach Mountains. The lodge is located 10 miles from Valdez and the renowned Thompson Pass is just a few minutes further on.

Valdez is 300 miles by road, east of Anchorage. There are multiple options for flights into Anchorage Airport (ANC) and then you can catch an early evening flight (40 minutes) with Era Aviation to Valdez Airport, where a BOV rep will drive you to the lodge (10 minutes).

Alternatively you can rent a car at Anchorage Airport and take the 5 hour picturesque drive to get to Valdez. Another option is to take a shuttle 40 miles south of Anchorage to Whittier and board a ferry to cruise across Prince William Sound to Valdez.

Heli Skiing Terrain

The Black Ops Valdez heliskiing area is massive with over 2,500 square miles (647,000 hectares). The terrain is largely in the alpine and there are also spruce and alder treed areas for low visibility days. The heli ski runs average between 3,000 and 5,000 feet and range from mellow slopes to the gnarly extreme terrain that Alaska is renowned for. The minimum required ability level is strong/advanced intermediate, and BOV will group guests according to ability.

The terrain has the advantage of a maritime snowpack which increases the likelihood of being able to tackle the steeps, and with over 1,000 inches of snow (25.4 metres) annually, powder hounds definitely won’t need to sniff for powder.

Inclement Weather Days….

No matter what anyone says or claims, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Alaska is a very rugged and unpredictable place.

Each and every year people come to Alaska to go skiing and snowboarding and are shut down by weather. It’s just the reality. Some people come year after year with great luck and ski their whole trip. You never know. Why take the chance?…because when it is good there is no place in the world like Alaska, and more specifically Valdez and Thompson pass!

Although BOV average 80% fly days, the same storms and incredible snowfall that make this place amazing, do occasionally prevent them from flying. When weather prohibits safe flying, with Black Ops Valdez, you’ve got options. If relaxing and enjoying the lodge isn’t of interest, they offer a variety of activities including Snowcat Skiing, Sled Skiing, Boat Tours, Snowmobiling Tours, Snowcat Tours, Ski Touring, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing, Massage, Hot Tub, Sauna, Shopping & Museums.

Also, BOV is the only operation in Alaska to offer firearm Shooting as a down day activity. Their staff have years of experience in safe firearm handling practices and BOV offer a variety of firearms and shooting options. What Alaskan adventure would be complete without blasting a few rounds off? Valdez has several shooting ranges and areas designated for just that. Prices depend on firearm choice and current price of ammunition. A safety briefing and instruction are required.

Black Ops Valdez Guides

BOV guides are some of the top professionals in their field. Some are local Alaskans who reside here much of the year, and others have returned for over a decade to guide each year and witness the formation of the snowpack, and how the changing seasons affect our playground.

All guides hold US Avalanche II or III certifications or Canadian Level II certifications, have WFR, OEC, WEMT, EMT or other medical certifications, have been trained in rope skills and crevasse rescue, and are familiar with safely traveling in mountainous and glaciated terrain. All BOV guides are “lead” or senior guides who will have you skiing fresh tracks and untouched runs throughout the day.

BOV can safely say they all have the skills, training, and experience to provide you with the best day of skiing or riding in your life!

Black Ops Valdez Booking Terms & Conditions

Deposit & Balance

We require a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of reservation, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to arrival.

Cancellation Policy

A credit is available only if weather or mechanical issues prevent a scheduled activity. A credit is only available for the skiing or snowmobile related portion that was not used. No credit value will be offered due to injury, illness, or any other reason for not completing an activity during your stay.

For unused Hobbs time, snowcat, sled skiing, ski touring, or snowmobile tours credit is available in the following amounts: 100% credit to be used in the same season, 50% credit to be used in the next season, 25% credit to be used in the 2nd season following.

The value of unused activities (such as sled/snowcat skiing, touring or snowmobile tours) can be rolled UP to heli time if seats are available. However, the value of unused Hobbs time CANNOT be rolled down to other activities. For heli skiing, in the event that we are unable to fly, but we can snowcat or sled ski, additional charges will apply to participate in those activities.

No credits or refunds will be made available for lodging or meal portions of a package. No credits or refunds will be made available if the trip is canceled prior to arrival for any reason. Unfortunately we are unable to offer cash refunds. Any compensation will be in the form of credit only. Trip/travel insurance is also recommended to cover any unforeseen events.