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Ski tour zone · Valdez & Thompson Pass

Thompson Pass ski touring

Roadside ski terrain north of Valdez. Read the Valdez Avalanche Center first.

Ski tour zoneWinterValdez & Thompson Pass
Season
Winter and spring
Distance
Varies, so check the source.
Elevation
Varies, so check the source.
Huts
None that we've verified
Fees
Check the land manager. We haven't verified any.
Avalanche center
Valdez Avalanche Center (VAC)

Overview

The Valdez Avalanche Center forecasts for Valdez, Thompson Pass, and the Copper River Basin, and runs avalanche classes for the region.

We haven't verified route, parking, or land-status details for Thompson Pass well enough to publish them. This page points you to the center that covers it. Treat it as a pointer, not trip beta.

Rules, permits, and etiquette

  • Check land status and any motorized rules with the land manager before you go.

Access, trailheads, and fees

  • Access: Along the Richardson Highway north of Valdez. Check VAC and Alaska 511 for road conditions.

Hazards

  • Avalanche terrain. This is big alpine terrain. Read the VAC forecast, and check which days it's issued.

Avalanche: before any snow-season trip, check our avalanche conditions page and the full VAC forecast.

Skills you need

  • Avalanche training and companion rescue
  • Big-mountain ski touring

Gear

Every person needs a beacon, shovel, and probe.

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