Central Chugach Backcountry Skiing & Ski Mountaineering
Guided Trips & Instruction
Tiekel Valley, Alaska
Chugach Ski Guide
The Tiekel Valley area is the least known, most remote terrain and snowpack in this region of the Central Chugach Mountains. It provides incredible adventure for those seeking a wilderness backcountry skiing, snowboarding, or ski mountaineering experience. Few humans visit this area, so it’s relatively empty and quiet (even in the spring when people from all over the world come to ski and ride on Thompson Pass). It is traditional Ahtna indigenous land of significant historical importance to this region of Alaska.
The Tiekel region is the coldest and driest of Chugach Mountain Institute’s core ski and snowboard areas. Often, when it’s snowing in the Valdez and Thompson Pass zones, it’s not in the Tiekel Valley. It can be the best place to go for visibility and the lowest density powder. While the terrain is the least glaciated and may be the least complex, it has the most challenging snowpack (interior-continental) and limited access.
No other ski guide has as intimate knowledge of Tiekel terrain and snowpack as CMI. Few, if any, have explored the Tiekel more extensively on skis. CMI is in these mountains on a regular basis throughout the year. CMI knows this terrain with an incomparable depth of knowledge and experience: the only ski guide service based and residing in this area full-time, year-round.
Whether you’re interested in human-powered touring from the road or a fly-in trip (round trip and fly-in, ski out day and multi-day trips available), CMI can help you experience the best snow and terrain the Tiekel area has to offer.
Plus, CMI doesn’t just guide. As a Master’s-level outdoor educator and American Avalanche Association approved avalanche education provider, CMI will help you build the knowledge and skillset to be more self-sufficient with avalanche safety and snow-season backcountry travel. CMI will help you develop the ability to experience the “freedom of the hills” on your own.
Booking information is available here. Call 907-831-9686 or email Info@ChugachSnow.org for inquiries and availability.
This zone is 50-60 minutes drive on a well-maintained highway from the town of Valdez where there are breweries, a cannabis shop, restaurants, a supermarket, and many options for lodging. There are also extensive vehicle camping opportunities outside of town and through Thompson Pass and the Tiekel Valley, which is an excellent way to cut down on expenses. Hot showers can be had in Valdez at the Harbor.
