Valdez, Alaska — A small city that was once defined by an environmental disaster has now become known by something else entirely for passionate skiers and riders.
On August 27th, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a draft environmental assessment regarding heli-skiing in Valdez. BLM is currently accepting comments regarding the renewal of four heli-skiing operators in the Chugach Mountains around Valdez.
In addition, they’re reviewing the proposal of two operators to be able to access the Valdez and Thompson Pass region: Majestic Heli Ski and Silverton Mountain Guides. The new permit would allow operations from 2026 to 2035. Additionally, it would allow up to eight operators in the area, meaning an additional two businesses could be approved. The benefit of these additions is continued economic growth, which has been a goal for the city to achieve since the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. That was the worst oil spill disaster in US history until BP said “We’re Sorry” in 2010.
Out of all the BLM land around Valdez, 150,000 acres are suitable for heli-skiing. Some of that land is closed to protect wildlife, leaving 133,800 acres available for recreation.
Criticism Of Valdez Heli-Skiing
However, operations are facing more criticism from locals, skiers, and environmentalists in recent years. Some of the issues raised by skeptics include environmental costs and a tense relationship between uphill athletes and heli-skiers.
There’s obviously an environmental cost to heli-skiing, with some of the issues being noise pollution from helicopters, impacts on the lives of wildlife near the helicopters, and the potential of leaving trash behind. However, the main negative effect is the CO2 emissions from helicopters. Heli-skiing is regarded as the most environmentally harmful way to go skiing on the planet.
The rise of uphill skiing is also impacting the heli-scene. With there being more backcountry skiers, there are more interactions with heli-skiers, and the relationship isn’t positive.
In a video shared in 2023 by Chugach Mountain Institute, they expressed frustration with heli-skiing operations in Valdez. The backcountry ski guide company explained in the video how heli-ski crews were interfering with their operations, and were scoping lines that were easily accessible by those who want to earn their turns.
There’s also the human risk and consequences to these lines as well, as fatalities do happen from crashes, falls into crevasses, and avalanches. This can lead to expensive and time-consuming rescue operations, which sometimes struggle to find the bodies. With human-triggered avalanches in particular, these situations not only put the users at risk, but also the wildlife.
One consideration brought up during comments is the creation of a no-fly zone, which would create less tension between the two sides. The idea would have a portion of the terrain along the Richardson Highway be inaccessible for heli-skiers. However, it’s unclear whether this will be part of the new 2026-2035 BLM agreement.
How To Comment
If you have an opinion on this proposal, you have until September 25th to submit your comments. Comments can be submitted here. Alternatively, you can mail them to the following address:
- Bureau of Land Management
- Attn: Thompson Pass and Valdez Guided Helicopter Skiing
- P.O. Box 147
- Glennallen, AK 99588
History of Heli-Skiing In Valdez
In 1987, the first heli-skiing occurred in Valdez. This group was led by pilot Chuck McMahan, who thought of the idea of heli-skiing there while driving along the Richardson Highway. The first heli-skiing operation started in Valdez in 1993, thanks to the legendary Doug Coombs, who won the first annual World Extreme Skiing Championships that happened on Thompson Pass. Founded by Coombs, Valdez Heli-Ski Guides is one of the four companies currently operating in the area. Valdez and Thompson Pass have become known as arguably the mecca for heli-skiing in North America, especially for rugged and aggressive skiers.
Image/Video Credits: Heli, Chugach Mountain Institute, Bureau of Land Management
