Black Ops Valdez

Overall Rating

Black Ops Valdez

Black Ops Valdez4.5/55
Black Ops Valdez4.5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews
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Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska small group heli skiing
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska small group heli skiing
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska gets over 25 metres of snow each season
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska gets over 25 metres of snow each season
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - is famous for its steep, steep terrain
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - is famous for its steep, steep terrain
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - push yourself to new limits (if that
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - push yourself to new limits (if that's what you want)
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - with over 2,500 square miles of terrain, the options are endless
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - with over 2,500 square miles of terrain, the options are endless
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska uses B3 A-Star helicopters
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska uses B3 A-Star helicopters
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - there is also a lot of terrain for strong intermediate skiers
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - there is also a lot of terrain for strong intermediate skiers
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - the powder in Valdez can be deep & dry
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - the powder in Valdez can be deep & dry
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - accommodation is in Robe Lake Lodge or Cabins
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - accommodation is in Robe Lake Lodge or Cabins
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - views from your balcony
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - views from your balcony
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - dinner time at the lodge is very social
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - dinner time at the lodge is very social
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - the hot tub can also get deep!
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - the hot tub can also get deep!
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska also has a substantial cat skiing operation
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska also has a substantial cat skiing operation
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - stand on some incredible peaks
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - stand on some incredible peaks
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - as steep as you are willing to go
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - as steep as you are willing to go
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - runs are from 3,000 to 5,000 feet of vertical
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska - runs are from 3,000 to 5,000 feet of vertical
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska northern lights show
Black Ops Valdez Heliskiing Alaska northern lights show

Black Ops Valdez

Overall Rating

Black Ops Valdez4.5/55
Black Ops Valdez4.5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews

Black Ops Valdez Heli Skiing

Alaska Heli Skiing is completely inimitable with stunning wilderness, mountains that will blow your mind, and an abundance of steep pow! Heli Skiing in Valdez is world renowned and it’s for good reason that there are a few AK heli skiing outfits that base themselves in this amazing part of the world. The Chugach is legendarily vast to say the least, the copious snow drapes the mountains, and the heli skiing lines are incomparable.

Black Ops Valdez Heli Skiing is a relatively new player in the AK heli skiing market (although the staff are veterans of the business), and they are the next big thing. Black Ops Valdez (BOV) is very quickly gaining a reputation for doing it better than the other guys and exceeding every guests’ expectations. Should you go heli skiing in Alaska with Black Op Valdez? Heli yeah! Make a dream come true!

Aircraft

BOV operate the top of the line B3 A-star Helicopter. Many operations use the standard B2. For this reason they are able to average more runs per day and per hour with the B3’s additional horsepower than other operations and their B2’s. The difference is clear! The overall weight capacity is not increased, but the performance and speed at max weight is obvious when flying. Nearly 200 additional horsepower help our rate of climb and thus the number of runs per hour vs. the B2. Not only that, but when landing in the mountains and the type of environments encountered, having additional power if and when needed, greatly increases the overall safety of the operation.

Pilots

Your safety is BOV's top priority and you can rest assured that your pilot is one of the best in the industry. Their pilots also have thousands of hours and years of experience flying in numerous scenarios. Most have years technical mountain flying experience and fly year after year, right here in the Chugach for heli-skiers. With experienced pilots from Alaskan operators, you can be sure that they have the training and skills needed to operate in rugged mountain terrain and remote locations. And with on-site mechaics, you can be sure that your helicopter is safe and ready to go.

Black Ops Valdez Heli Skiing Location

Black Ops is based just outside the town of Valdez at the opening of the beautiful Prince William Sound, surrounded by the towering eastern Chugach Mountains. The lodge is located 10 miles from Valdez and the renowned Thompson Pass is just a few minutes further on.

Valdez is 300 miles by road, east of Anchorage. There are multiple options for flights into Anchorage Airport (ANC) and then you can catch an early evening flight (40 minutes) with Era Aviation to Valdez Airport, where a BOV rep will drive you to the lodge (10 minutes).

Alternatively you can rent a car at Anchorage Airport and take the 5 hour picturesque drive to get to Valdez. Another option is to take a shuttle 40 miles south of Anchorage to Whittier and board a ferry to cruise across Prince William Sound to Valdez.

Heli Skiing Terrain

The Black Ops Valdez heliskiing area is massive with over 2,500 square miles (647,000 hectares). The terrain is largely in the alpine and there are also spruce and alder treed areas for low visibility days. The heli ski runs average between 3,000 and 5,000 feet and range from mellow slopes to the gnarly extreme terrain that Alaska is renowned for. The minimum required ability level is strong/advanced intermediate, and BOV will group guests according to ability.

The terrain has the advantage of a maritime snowpack which increases the likelihood of being able to tackle the steeps, and with over 1,000 inches of snow (25.4 metres) annually, powder hounds definitely won’t need to sniff for powder.


Inclement Weather Days….

No matter what anyone says or claims, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Alaska is a very rugged and unpredictable place.

Each and every year people come to Alaska to go skiing and snowboarding and are shut down by weather. It’s just the reality. Some people come year after year with great luck and ski their whole trip. You never know. Why take the chance?…because when it is good there is no place in the world like Alaska, and more specifically Valdez and Thompson pass!

Although BOV average 80% fly days, the same storms and incredible snowfall that make this place amazing, do occasionally prevent them from flying. When weather prohibits safe flying, with Black Ops Valdez, you’ve got options. If relaxing and enjoying the lodge isn’t of interest, they offer a variety of activities including Snowcat Skiing, Sled Skiing, Boat Tours, Snowmobiling Tours, Snowcat Tours, Ski Touring, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing, Massage, Hot Tub, Sauna, Shopping & Museums.

Also, BOV is the only operation in Alaska to offer firearm Shooting as a down day activity. Their staff have years of experience in safe firearm handling practices and BOV offer a variety of firearms and shooting options. What Alaskan adventure would be complete without blasting a few rounds off? Valdez has several shooting ranges and areas designated for just that. Prices depend on firearm choice and current price of ammunition. A safety briefing and instruction are required.

Black Ops Valdez Guides

BOV guides are some of the top professionals in their field. Some are local Alaskans who reside here much of the year, and others have returned for over a decade to guide each year and witness the formation of the snowpack, and how the changing seasons affect our playground.

All guides hold US Avalanche II or III certifications or Canadian Level II certifications, have WFR, OEC, WEMT, EMT or other medical certifications, have been trained in rope skills and crevasse rescue, and are familiar with safely traveling in mountainous and glaciated terrain. All BOV guides are “lead” or senior guides who will have you skiing fresh tracks and untouched runs throughout the day.

BOV can safely say they all have the skills, training, and experience to provide you with the best day of skiing or riding in your life!

Black Ops Valdez Booking Terms & Conditions

Deposit & Balance

We require a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of reservation, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to arrival.

Cancellation Policy

A credit is available only if weather or mechanical issues prevent a scheduled activity. A credit is only available for the skiing or snowmobile related portion that was not used. No credit value will be offered due to injury, illness, or any other reason for not completing an activity during your stay.

For unused Hobbs time, snowcat, sled skiing, ski touring, or snowmobile tours credit is available in the following amounts: 100% credit to be used in the same season, 50% credit to be used in the next season, 25% credit to be used in the 2nd season following.

The value of unused activities (such as sled/snowcat skiing, touring or snowmobile tours) can be rolled UP to heli time if seats are available. However, the value of unused Hobbs time CANNOT be rolled down to other activities. For heli skiing, in the event that we are unable to fly, but we can snowcat or sled ski, additional charges will apply to participate in those activities.

No credits or refunds will be made available for lodging or meal portions of a package. No credits or refunds will be made available if the trip is canceled prior to arrival for any reason. Unfortunately we are unable to offer cash refunds. Any compensation will be in the form of credit only. Trip/travel insurance is also recommended to cover any unforeseen events.

Awesome trip

Stephen Warren
28/04/2021
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Rider Ability
    Advanced
  • Country
    United States
  • Month:
    April
  • Admin Rating
    2

Awesome trip

Stephen Warren
28/04/2021
I recently had the chance to go Heli-skiing in Valdez, and it was awesome. I booked with Black Ops and had two great days. Our guide Brian was top notch and took us to explore some awesome terrain. Tabatha, Tyler and company went above and beyond which really made for a great trip. The skiing was incredible and addicting. I plan on going back to Valdez next year with Black Ops.
See our video here

Land of dreams, Black Ops can take you there

Jerry
26/11/2016
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Age
    51-65
  • Rider Ability
    Expert
  • Country
    USA
  • Month:
    April
  • Admin Rating
    3

Land of dreams, Black Ops can take you there

Jerry
26/11/2016
Black Ops Valdez is a family owned and run business. They deliver with heart and soul. You ask anybody Josh and Tab give it their all. There is nobody in Valdez that comes close to the level of experience and knowledge to get you where you want to be. With that being said be careful what you ask for...your dreams can become a reality !!!!!!! book early if you want a seat ,cause I've already booked mine for next season
See our video here

Has potential, but we missed it

Robert C Jones
14/09/2016
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Age
    51-65
  • Rider Ability
    Expert
  • Country
    United States
  • Month:
    April
  • Admin Rating
    3

Has potential, but we missed it

Robert C Jones
14/09/2016
We had lousy weather and only go 2-3 days of skiing in. Those days, however, were awe inspiring. Perhaps the best ski terrain anywhere, and probably has even beter snow when there's no coastal storm. The guides and owners did their best to get us out, and I give them lots of credit, but ultimately Mother Nature won. I'd go back, but it would be nice if there were more statistics on when they get the most ski days in. Its a long way to go to be stuck inside.

The lodging could use some upgrades, but hey, its Alaska.
See our video here

Top Notch Alaska Heliskiing

Jim Leriche
27/08/2015
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Rider Ability
    Advanced
  • Country
    USA
  • Month:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    4

Top Notch Alaska Heliskiing

Jim Leriche
27/08/2015
I have skied with just about all the operations in Alaska over the past 12 years, and by far Black Ops Valdez is doing it right. They have an amazing crew with many of Alaska's held-ski veterans despite being a newer operation. Their lodge and food is amazing and tops all others in Alaska in my opinion. Whats more they offer a 100% Money back Guarantee for no fly days due to weather and mechanical issues. Last year I was unable to fly one of my days and other than taking a few minutes to file the claim, the refund was painless and received within days. Im not sure of anyone else who has this in my experience.

They also use the B3 vs B2 (what most operations use in Alaska) and it shows in the runs and efficiency of the ski days. They charge by the flight hour and we got around 8 runs an hour which was quite good I believe. They also have a plethora of weather day activities including snow cat skiing and snowmobiling.

I think I've finally found my heli home! At least for the next few years in Alaska!
See our video here
Black Ops Valdez Packages
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Black Ops Valdez Mixed Group Packages DETAILS
Price p/p From price based on 7 night package for 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 13,000

MIXED GROUP HELI PACKAGES | VALDEZ
7 nights, 5 hours heli time (approx 40 runs)

Location: USA | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Backcountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p From price based on 7 night package for 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 13,000
Blacks Ops Valdez offer 3,4 & 7 day packages plus single day heli skiing subject to availability. All multi-day packages come with deluxe lodging, gourmet meals & hobbs flight-time (to ensure you get maximum value). More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Feb 25 - Apr 28, 2024
Min Days: From 3
Price: Enquire
Availability: Filling
Custom Booking Period: Feb 23 - Apr 27, 2025
Min Days: From 7
Price: Enquire
Availability: Available
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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