FAQs
Also known as snowmobile-assisted backcountry skiing, sled skiing is the most efficient way to access the terrain we want to ride. Think of it as your own private, high-speed chairlift. We use high-performance snowmachines (sleds) to access the same technical faces and "honey holes" as the helicopters. You get the same Chugach vertical, more laps, and a much more "core" Alaskan experience.
What exactly is sledskiing?
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Why CHOOSING sledskiing?
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It is very effective. It eliminates the hours of uphill hiking (skinning) required in traditional ski touring, allowing for many more "laps" in a single day. Also, It opens up massive amounts of terrain that are unreachable by foot or chairlift. Moreover, it is cost efficient. it is usually more affordable than heli-skiing or cat-skiing trips. Furthermore it is not as intensive as heliskiing. you get to have breaks as you please, and ride at your own pace.
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what is the basic equipment REQUIRED?
A backpack with a transceiver, prove, shovel, and a climbing harness with a carabiner. We also recommend you to carry extra water, snacks, clothing, and sunscreen besides the usual ski atuendo. And finally a Ski/Board
OG EXCELLENCE: Guided by a 2010 King of the Hill Veteran & Tailgate Alaska Original. Up to date AAA Pro1 and WFR Certifications
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS: We operate on Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays—the days the big birds are banned.
CHILEAN SOUL, ALASKAN STEEPS:International pro-guiding with local Valdez roots.
MAX VERTICAL: High-speed sled laps on the same technical faces the heli-ops claim as theirs.
Full Department of Natural Resources Compliance.
Chilean Connection: Come ride with us during August www.sledskiingchile.com
The Only Way To Ride The Pass When The Birds Can’t Fly!
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why ski/ride with us?
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Do I need to know how to ride a snowmobile?
Not at all. For our sledskiing sessions, you are the passenger. Our pro guides handle the driving while you sit on front “ Alaskan Style” a proven and trusted way to safely carry customers. We drop you at the summit, you rip the line, and we meet you at the bottom to do it again.
Yes. Sled Skiing Alaska is a licensed Alaskan business. We operate under a DNR Commercial Day Use Registration and are fully compliant with all State of Alaska land-use regulations. We pay our visitor fees and support the local Valdez economy.
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is this legal? are you PERMITTED?
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what happens in “no fly” weather days?
This is our specialty. Sleds can operate in "flat light" or lower ceilings that ground helicopters. If the clouds are too low for a pilot to see the peak, we can often still navigate the terrain safely. We are the "Strike Mission" experts.
You’re riding with a Chilean-American pro who’s been in the Chugach since the legendary Tailgate Alaska days. With a podium history in the Return of the King of the Hill, our Lead Guide knows these mountains better than the corporate ops—because he helped build the culture here. AAA Pro 1 & WFR Certified
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who is the lead guide?
where do we meet?
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Look for the Big Banners and the Chilean & American flags at the 19-Mile or 26-Mile turnouts on the Richardson Highway. We are the "Mobile Basecamp" at the heart of the action.