Black Ops Valdez, Alaska Named Best Destination For Heli Skiing Adventure Vacation By National Geographic
For adventure seekers looking for an exciting vacation, heli-skiing has become a top choice allowing access to some of the steepest slopes in the most remote locations. While the European slopes offer an exotic option for the extreme sport, the world's best destination for heli-skiing is right here in the U.S. According to National Geographic, the top location for a heli-skiing adventure - famed for its steep slopes - is in Valdez, Alaska.
The Chugach Mountains, which surround the Valdez area, receive huge dumps of maritime snow every winter, which is plastered onto some of the steepest slopes on the planet. The thrill of soaring to the highest peak in a helicopter and speeding down to the bottom is sure to scratch the itch of adrenaline junkies looking for an exciting vacation. The other lure of heli-skiing is the opportunity for avid skiers to get away from crowded slopes, allowing visitors to ski fresh powder from top to bottom without crossing a single track.
While Valdez is the number one spot for a heli-skiing adventure, there are only a few operations in the area. Many of these are working to offer the best experience to meet the growing popularity of heli-skiing vacations. With a number of operators in the Valdez area and surrounding Chugach mountains, there's one that clearly stands out. Black Ops Valdez, a family-run heli-skiing operation, has numerous all-inclusive options for thrill-seekers to ski and snowboard the best slopes on the planet while also experiencing all that Alaska has to offer.
"Our operation is the only one in Alaska run by locals," says Tabatha Swierk, the co-founder of Black Ops Valdez. "Our guides were the original pioneers of the area. They have been guiding for over 30 years and have unsurpassed experience and knowledge which provides our guests with the best experience in Alaska."
The growth in popularity of heli-skiing and the diversification of its customer base have contributed to a new demand for more personalized heli-skiing experiences. For this reason, Black Ops Valdez's all-inclusive experiences offer a small and more exclusive environment to ensure both safety and a tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime adventure for its guests. Groups are no larger than 16 visitors, or four groups of four, each with a professional guide. Heli-ski runs average between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, and with smaller groups, there is little to no waiting time for the helicopter between runs which ensures that every moment is enjoyed. Additionally, the all-inclusive experience at Black Ops Valdez provides many other Alaskan activities and adventures to ensure "no down days."
Even though Valdez, Alaska, is home to some of the steepest slopes in the world, the terrain is versatile, which allows adventurers of all skill levels to experience the excitement of heli-skiing. From first-time heli-skiers to seasoned experts, having a personal guide provides equal opportunities for everyone. This is also why small and personalized groups are the superior option for heli-skiing adventures.
With the growing popularity of heli-skiing, many visitors have been seeking small-group experiences with their friends and peers. This way, expert skiers are not held up by the slower members in a large group, and less experienced skiers don't have the pressure to keep up. The smaller skiing groups at Black Ops Valdez allow a wide variety of skill levels to enjoy the slopes while ensuring the safety of all participants before taking flight.
"Great skiing is the highlight, but safety is drilled into your head by the best and most experienced guides in the business," says Tim, a former guest of a Black Ops Valdez all-inclusive stay. "They have by far the best setup and operation I have been with. I'm going back and am hoping for another great trip."
Black Ops Valdez was started by Tabatha and Josh Swierk in 2008 after having moved to Alaska in 2004for the snow, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. They began doing snowmobile "snowmachine" skiing in and around Thompson Pass and Valdez. The Swierks started their own operation and soon after built the Robe Lake Lodge, where they offer heli-skiing adventures as all-inclusive packages. Since opening, they have continued to grow and expand to half a dozen cabins alongside the lodge.
The lodge is located in the middle of the eastern Chugach Mountains surrounding Valdez, Alaska, and Thompson Pass, boasting over 2,500 square miles of mountains and glaciated terrain. Over 1000 feet of snow each year, combined with a maritime snowpack, provides world-class skiing and snowboarding conditions for visitors. Whether you are experienced on the slopes or are just getting started, Black Ops Valdez has options for all skill levels and has packages to accommodate all riding styles, abilities, and budgets. It also offers the largest number of land and sea down day activities to ensure no vacation moment is wasted.
As a smaller and family-run business, Black Ops Valdez offers an exclusive and personalized experience for visitors led by experienced and professional guides. This provides guests with the best and safest skiing possible on the vacation of a lifetime.
For those looking to give heli-skiing a shot, Valdez, Alaska, is the number one destination for a thrilling vacation adventure. To start planning a personalized and all-inclusive trip of a lifetime, visit blackopsvaldez.com.
