About us
Gear you can trust
Handpicked equipment for safety, performance, and deep powder.
Our philosophy
No sponsorships. Just the best gear.
At Valdez Heli-Ski Guides, our focus is safety and performance. We don't accept equipment manufacturer sponsorships - we prefer the freedom to choose the best equipment available for our conditions, based on extensive experience and rigorous testing in the field.
Zero sponsorships
Every item is here because it earned its place in the Chugach - not because a brand paid for it.
Ridden by our guides
The skis and boards we hand you are the exact models our guides, staff and owners choose for the steep and deep Valdez is famous for.
Tuned at the lodge
All gear is meticulously maintained by ski technicians at each of our lodges, ready for you every single morning.
Included with every trip
Your base kit is on us
Every trip booked with Valdez Heli-Ski Guides includes the complete base kit you need to heli-ski the Chugach:
- Powder skis or snowboard, tuned for our terrain
- Avalanche airbag backpack
- Avalanche transceiver
- Radio
- Climbing harness & carabiner
- Probe
- Shovel
You are welcome to bring your own safety gear instead of ours. We limit avalanche airbag packs to 15 L or less, and will suggest our equipment if yours does not meet our standards. The helicopter is equipped with everything necessary for an expedition.
What to bring
Essential items for your heli-ski trip
Ski / snowboard boots
Bring the boots you want to wear for the best ski days of your life.
Goggles
We like Glade, Shred, Smith and Anon for their easy-change magnetic, photochromic lenses. Bring multiple lenses - they will fog up from face shots. Remember: two is one, and one is none.
Helmet
Please bring a helmet. We wear them because it's an OSHA requirement - and you are worth it.
Ski jacket & pants
A high-quality ski jacket and pants. We use Arc'teryx because it has outperformed and outlasted every other brand.
Lightweight puffy jacket
A warm but lightweight down jacket to stuff in your pack and hopefully never take out. It gets very cold on top of these big Alaskan peaks while you wait for your turn on a 4,000+ vertical-foot run.
Mid-layer clothing
Mid-layers similar to what you would wear for resort skiing. You won't be hiking.
Base layer
A Merino wool or other high-quality base layer. For men, bottoms with a fly are more functional when wearing a climbing harness.
Gloves
Warm gloves or mittens - a personal choice. Pick a model that fits ergonomically, is supple and waterproof. We like Hestra, but use everything from Kincos with Sno-Seal to electric gloves. Liners dry out more effectively overnight.
Ski socks
Merino or other high-quality ski socks. Lenz electric socks* or heated boots are useful early in the season.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is essential during an intense day of heli-skiing. We supply the food and snacks.
Outdoor boots
Comfortable, waterproof boots for walking around the lodge and the surrounding snow.
Bring anything else that makes you comfortable while skiing - and if you have any question about what to pack, contact us anytime.
* Avalanche transceiver manufacturers have issued statements about signal interference caused by phones, electronic clothing, smartwatches, rings and satellite equipment. Wear your transceiver as far away from other electronic devices as possible, and minimize their use when you can.
The gear we love
Handpicked for the Chugach
The exact skis, boards and safety equipment waiting for you at the lodge - plus the personal gear we recommend bringing.
Skis
Included in your trip
Salomon - Warden 13 MNC
Adjustable toe height and a sliding AFD make these bindings compatible with both touring and alpine boot sole standards.
www.salomon.com
Snowboards
Included in your trip
Jones - Flagship
- Sizes:
- 158, 159W, 161, 164, 165W, 167 cm
- Dimensions:
- 29.9 / 25.4 / 28.6 cm
Safety gear
Included in your trip
Mammut - Removable Airbag 3.0
An avalanche airbag system built around a square, brightly-colored airbag that deploys behind the wearer's head within seconds - safe, easy to use, lighter and smaller, and attachable to all Removable 3.0-compatible backpacks.
www.mammut.com
Blue Ice - Choucas
- Sizes:
- S, M, L, XL
VHSG provides each guest with a harness and carabiner for riding in glaciated terrain. Your guide will ensure proper sizing and fit during the initial safety briefing.
www.blueice.com
Recommended gear - not included
Bring your own
Glade Optics - Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses that adapt to changing light conditions, thoroughly tested by our guides. Choose the blue tint for optimum performance: Reveal Photochromic Blue.
www.shopglade.com
Atomic - Redster CS 130
Light years ahead of the rest for AK steep skiing. Boot stiffness should match your weight and ski aggressiveness - the Redster comes in various stiffnesses and last widths for a fit calibrated to you.
www.atomic.com
Arc'teryx - Upper body clothing
The ideal layering system combines lightweight, synthetic or wool, moisture-wicking base layers with one puffy insulating jacket and one waterproof-breathable shell such as Gore-Tex. We've found Arc'teryx consistently delivers superior durability and performance.
www.arcteryx.com
Gore-Tex layers - Lower body clothing
One silk-weight and one medium-weight base layer give you options for warm and cold days (combine both on the coldest ones), topped with a waterproof-breathable shell such as Gore-Tex.
www.gore-tex.com
XTRATUF - Men's 6 in Ankle Deck Boot
A great choice for staying dry and comfortable around our lodges - waterproof, easy to slip on, and useful any time of the season.
www.xtratuf.com
Pack like a local
Download the full Packing & Preparation List, or ask our team anything about gear.