Black Ops Valdez

If booking a multi-day heli skiing package, Black Ops Valdez will provide accommodations at Robe Lake Lodge. Owned by the operator and established in 2008, this lodge is a quaint and comfortable place to call home while ripping up the Chugach Mountains. With two double rooms and four single rooms, Black Ops Valdez considers their lodge best for groups of 6-10 people.

Some amenities that can be expected include:

• Hot tub and sauna
• Satellite TV and high-speed internet
• Gourmet dinners with locally sourced, fresh ingredients
• Massage therapist available upon request

In addition to the main lodge, there are a variety of cabins available.  The Eagle’s Nest Cabin can sleep up to eight people divided into four rooms, and the additional cabins can sleep two. They make for an excellent, private lodging accommodation for tight-knit groups of friends and couples.

BOV operates exclusively in the Chugach Mountains surrounding Valdez and Thompson Pass. They have over 2,500 miles of terrain available in their tenure and receive an astonishing amount of snowfall. The region can receive over 1,000” of snow every single year, making it one of the snowiest places in Alaska and in the world. This ensures that every run you take will be caked in fresh, light powder that hasn’t had time to solidify in the sun.

Catered towards all ability levels and ages, Black Ops provides three different levels of terrain that any skier can enjoy. This includes:

• Low Angle Terrain: Generally in the range of 20-30 degrees, low angle terrain is extremely forgiving. You won’t gain as much speed on this terrain, but it’s the perfect introductory course for skiers just getting into powder or the backcountry. The slow nature allows you to really nail down your turns and adjust to the different skiing style that comes with deep powder.
• Medium Angle Terrain: At 30 to 40 degrees, this is where most skiers thrive, and how most of your runs with BOV will be. You’ll be able to go at full speed through the powder with this angle, while not being overly challenged. Few correcting actions are needed.
• High Angle Terrain: 40-65 degree angles make for extreme and challenging lines. These will most commonly be experienced at the tops of the glaciers and require advanced skills to navigate. Wrong moves can result in falling and injury, so this should only be attempted by competent skiers.

Black Ops flies with an A-Star 350 and H-125 helicopter, only accommodating up to 16 guests at a time. Your guide will always be in tune with your skiing needs, and they’ll be able to provide personalized runs catered to the group’s ability level. Black Ops also includes Hobbs hours in their packages, rather than vertical guarantees. You’ll know exactly how much skiing you’ll get on your trips. On average, one Hobbs hour is equal to 6-10 runs.

Package options include:

• Individual 7 Day: Booked Sunday through Sunday, you’ll receive 7 nights of accommodations at Robe Lake Lodge, including all meals. 5 Hobbs hours of flight time is included.
• Individual 3 or 4 Day: Includes the same accommodations and amenities at the 7-day package, except flight time is limited. 4-day trips will receive 3 Hobbs hours, and 3-day trips will receive 2 Hobbs hours.
• Individual Single Day: Includes 1 hour of flight time with safety gear provided. No accommodations or lodging amenities are included, meaning you’ll need to source these yourself. Totem Hotel & Suites is a popular option.
• Private: Private weeklong packages included up to 14 hours of flight time, room for 8 individuals, and two appointed guides. You can also choose to stay aboard a Yacht out on the sound, with 2 Hobbs hours provided for every day aboard.

A huge differentiating factor between Black Ops Valdez and other operators is there assortment of alternative activities. Originally a cat skiing operator, if you ever experience no-fly days due to bad weather, this operator can still bring you up to the same awesome runs. Cat skiing is slower paced but still provides unparalleled access to jaw-dropping terrain.