The East Francis area has a much longer approach than its neighboring west side, but features even more terrain and options. The incredible upper Sulphide Gulch drainage can be reached from this zone, as well as it being the standard approach for summit attempts at Mt. Francis and descents of the mountain’s striking east and west couloirs.

The lower section of the East Francis basin, above the Trans Alaska Pipeline Service Road, affords incredible views of the Port of Valdez and the Lowe River Valley while offering mellow touring options through old growth temperate rainforest and wide open terminal moraine slopes that feature long ~35º runs.

Whether you’re seeking wide open powder slopes, chutes, incredibly steep and long couloirs, ramps, or exposed extreme skiing terrain; the East Francis area has it all.