It gets pretty cold, dark, and lonely in McCarthy come January, so I usually pack up and head to Valdez. I've always considered Valdez as part of my back yard. It's like the right arm of the mountains that I live in and it offers a lot. One of the best things that it offers for me is its ice climbing. Keystone Canyon is just a short drive away and many other routes are near by. In my opinion, it is one of the best places in the world to go climbing. So I offer an introductory and advanced ice climbing clinics. There's everything you can think of around here so you can't go wrong.
Another event that happens around here that I get very exited over is the 'Extreme Skiing and Snowboarding' with over 500 inches of snow falling on the pass this year the conditions are incredible. There are many ways to experience this (Helicopter, Fixed wing Aircraft, or Snow cat). I can help you chose the best one that will fit your needs. Please contact me for an interview so I could point you the right direction.
When you get here one thing you'll notice is the amount of glaciers "hanging" around. Glaciers are incredibly beautiful and they could also be extremely dangerous. Thats why I offer a basic glaciology with an in depth crevasse rescue course. In this course I go over anchor placements , crevasse extraction, and I also have an advanced rescue course specially designed to pull out disabled skiers. The first course goes for 90$ per person. The advanced one goes for 100$ per person per day.
If you want to spend some time in the backcountry I also offer a base camp skiing and mountaineering trip. The mountaineering in Valdez is phenomenal. This is an awesome way to learn or practice some good skills to summit peaks so you can ski down (if you want). This trip includes a local guide who knows where the goods are, plus good hearty food, 'peeps' practice (if your skiing or boarding) with good base camp support , so you don't have to carry a heavy pack every day. For a 5 day event it goes for 700$ a person. For a 7 day event 950$. 2 people min. Ask for group discounts. On those bad weather days when you can't fly or if you just want to try something different I also offer dog sled rides. This is a great way to experience the great outdoors and a unique form of travel. This is only a half day event and goes for about 75$ per person.
And for those who want to just watch and take photos I could make sure your in the right spot. With access to all the winter events, the people and the players, I could make a big difference in your photo session. This goes for 200$ a day plus expenses (flight time). If you just want some info, contact me and I'll help you out as much as I can.
Thanks - See ya in Valdez!
Richard Villa
