Nestled deep in the Chugach, Thompson Pass Mountain Chalet provides guided day trips into the Chugach. We specialize in small group, low impact skiing for the best touring and sometimes steepest runs around.  As a year-round operation, we ski the first flakes in October through the mega dumps of December and into July in some summers.

   There are excellent ski routes from the Chalet.  It's also only 10 minutes to Thompson Pass and 30 minutes to the Valdez Arena trailheads.

    If you just lodge at the Chalet and ski on your own, that's great. Matt will share his snowpack information to help you find the untracked snow.

    The Chalet has DSL/WIFI. 

    Matt Kinney is your guide. For nearly 30 years Matt has called Thompson Pass his training ground. He has freeheel-skied his way across the Chugach.  Matt is well trained in avalanche awareness, providing daily avalanche and weather forecasting for the area since 1996.  Matt recently updated his experience with the Emergency Trauma Technician and CPR/1st Aid Certifications.  He regularly skis 120 days a year in the Chugach.  This will give you the edge in Valdez when looking for the best, safest, and untracked snow.
    He also operates the National Weather Service observer station as a volunteer, providing daily snow totals and weather for various entities in the area including the Alaska Department of Transportation, recreational skiers and other commercial ski operations.
 Matt's book,  Alaska Backcountry Skiing; Thompson Pass and Valdez , released in 2006, continues to educate backcountry skiers around the world with its innovative and practical approach to skiing some of the steepest terrain in the Chugach.

   As backcountry skiers visiting the Chugach you provide your gear, skis, skins, including repair kits.  Rental gear is very limited in Valdez.  Each skier must provide her/his own beacon, probe and shovel. We recommend skiers bring helmets.  Skiers should provide their own meals for the trail.  Skiers are expected to be Intermediate rated or better and in fit condition for the Chugach Range of Alaska. 

   We are non-denominational, thus welcome all disciplines, Telemark, Alpine Touring and Snowboard.

   Day trips typically depart at 8:30 a.m. after a safety meeting and trip planning.  Most day trips last 6 hours or more depending on a variety of factors.   If weather is poor for backcountry skiing, low angled touring to canyons and icefalls will keep you on your skis.
    The Chalet is within minutes of abundant icefalls for those who bring ice-climbing gear.  All guided guests will be required to sign a Waiver of Liability prior to a ski trip with the Chalet. 

    Backcountry skiing is the fastest growing segment of the ski industry for good reason.  It's good for your health and it's good for the environment.   Hopefully you and your friends will come and experience the best in Alaska's winter recreation.