Fall 2008 Newsletter
Greetings from Valdez Heli-Ski Guides!
This season VHSG is proud to be celebrating our 15th anniversary! As most of you know, I bought VHSG from Doug Coombs back in 2000; I’ve now owned Alaska’s
pioneering heli-ski company for eight of the last 15 seasons. It’s been exciting to see the company evolve over the years. 
During that time we’ve introduced thousands of skiers to the Chugach Mountains. Many have been skiing here since
the company’s inception. Others come to us fresh to be trained by and to ski with VHSG’s experienced guides in the most exciting terrain in the world!
In 2009 our operation continues to expand. We will be operating with three helicopters and a dozen guides. While the company has grown over the years, one thing has not changed—our commitment to making your skiing adventure safe and seamless. Whether it’s guiding you down your lifelong ticklist or simply making a reservation, we keep you informed about what to expect on your Alaska adventure. Customer service is our priority, both in and out of the field. As both owner and guide, I work intimately with all aspects of VHSG. In the off-season from our office in Utah, our staff and I are here to speak directly with you to ensure you are ready for the experience we provide. This direct communication also prepares us to provide you with the experience you are looking for.
2008 was a great season overall, with excellent snow stability and skiing conditions. At times there was challenging weather to deal with, and for all of you who were patient and played the “waiting game,” thanks! We’ve already received our first snowfall in the Wasatch. Meanwhile in Alaska the color of the leaves and tundra are changing; the rain and snow are coming. Let’s all hope for another great heli-ski season to mark VHSG’s 15th anniversary!
VHSG on the Web
www.valdezheliskiguides.com is the place to find the latest news and info about VHSG. Every few weeks you will find new pictures and videos highlighting our off-season adventures. During the ski season, check out the What’s New page every other day to see what we’re hitting in the Chugach.
Our Summer Adventures
Throughout the year our guides travel extensively to ski, climb and raft the rivers and mountains of the world. Kirsten Kremer was in Alaska, rafting and establishing new climbing routes near her home in the Matanuska Valley. Jed and Doug Workman spent the summer guiding in the Tetons, which included two ski descents of the Grand with VHSG-trained clients. Jeff Zell, Jamie Weeks and Dylan Freed were on the rivers of Wyoming and Montana, casting flies. Scott Raynor heli-ski–guided
K2 Skis
K2 Skis has sponsored VHSG since the beginning. Many of you may remember the days of the original all-mountain ski--the AK Launcher, followed by the AK Axis, then the
Apache Chief. Each of these was designed for big mountain riding in Alaska. K2 continues to set the standard for big mountain skis with the Coombas and the Pontoons, two of the most popular skis on the market today. If you open any of this year’s
ski magazines’ gear guides, you’ll find these skis winning awards left and right. Be sure to check them out at your local ski shop or at www.k2skis.com.
2009 Reservations
Despite challenging financial times across the globe, VHSG’s services continue to be in high demand. In 2009 we’ll be flying three A-Star B2’s; two of these are private ships and most of their weeklong packages are already booked. We’ve also booked many spots in the public ship so don’t wait much longer before reserving your trip! Please contact us at info@valdezheliskiguides.com or 907.835.4528 for more info.
VHSG European Promotional Tour
During the last two weeks of October, VHSG will be in Europe on a promotional tour! Find us here:
Zurich, Switzerland Oct 16
Albstadt-Ebingen, Germany Oct 20
London, England Oct 22-25
If you are interested in joining us for “An Evening with Valdez Heli-Ski Guides”, please email us at info@valdezheliskiguides.com for specific times and locations. These social events with food and beverages are always a great way to learn more about us or to share your VHSG skiing experience with others.
We are still looking for a host for our London dates. If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting a promotional evening, either in a private home or public venue, please contact us at info@valdezheliskiguides.com. Benefits for the host include special discounted prices for heliskiing (it’s a great deal!) Custom informational gatherings are also available upon request.
This newsletter can also be found on our What's New Page.
PO Box 3281
Valdez, AK 99686 USA