Founded in 1993 ....

Valdez Heli-Ski Guides was founded in 1993 by World Extreme Ski Champions (WESC) Doug and Emily Coombs. For years, the Coombs’ skied first descents on the immense peaks of the Chugach with the help of legendary Alaska West Air Taxi pilots Chet Simmons, Doug Brewer and Tom Tibideau. Recognizing the need for a professional guide service to mitigate the dangers of these daunting peaks, Doug and Emily founded the first heli-ski guide service in Alaska: Valdez Heli-Ski Guides.

First to guide the steeps ....

While exploring the eastern Chugach Mountains, Doug Coombs and VHSG were the first to develop innovative techniques for guiding some of the steepest runs in the world. Skiing the most first descents than anyone in the area, Doug and VHSG named most of the runs still in use today.

into the future ....

With the advent of fat skis and snowboards, demand for steep and deep terrain is at an all time high. VHSG started it all and continues to be a pioneer in the field. In 2000, Doug Coombs sold VHSG to Scott Raynor, its current owner. VHSG now operates two helicopters and services up to 24 guests a week, keeping the operation small and personable. VHSG remains one of the largest and most respected heli-ski operators in the United States.

Doug Coombs died in 2006 while descending Couloir de Polichinelle in La Grave, France. For information on how to donate to The Doug Coombs Memorial fund, please visit its website at www.dougcoombsmemorialfund.com.