World-Class Location and Facilities

Alaska Rendezvous Lodge is located in the best location of any heli-ski operation in Alaska. You already know the reputation of heli-skiing in Alaska, but you may not know how to make the right decision to have the best chance of realizing your dreams.

Why choose Valdez over other regions in Alaska?

To put it simply, we have more terrain, taller mountains, and better weather.

• We can access three distinct zones covering more than 3,500 square miles of skiable terrain. Other operations have access to as little as 10% of that amount of terrain.
• The mountains surrounding Valdez have the largest vertical relief of any accessible helicopter terrain in Alaska.
• Valdez offers the best weather. We average 85% of flyable days — significantly more than other locations (including the rainiest location in the US).
• Valdez is the home of the original big mountain ski experience. Our heli-ski guides and pilots are a part of the area's vast history, bringing you more than 20 years combined experience of flying and traveling safely in the Alaska Mountains.

Why choose Alaska Rendezvous over other Valdez operators?

Not all operations in the Valdez area offer the same experience.

When you come to Alaska Rendezvous, you come to ski as much as possible. Our helicopters are just steps from your doorstep. The only time you leave the lodge is by helicopter. You spend your time in the air and on the slopes, not on a 75 to 80-mile commute between a heli-pad and your hotel in Valdez.

Because we are a completely self-contained operation, we fly more. Our guests, guides, and pilots eat and sleep at our location. This means that if the weather clears in the afternoon, we can get out and fly — we do not have to make a decision for the day based on the morning's weather. You may not realize that helicopter pilots are subject to FAA regulations for the duration of their shift. Other operations have pilots who begin their shift the moment they begin their long commute from Valdez to Thompson Pass, and time spent driving and waiting on the ground limits their ability to fly. Our pilots do not face that challenge.

We live in the mountains. We forecast avalanche hazard and weather conditions for the mountains. Other operations call us to find out what is happening with the weather. The traditional Alaskan storm pattern clears from the north and allows us to fly while other operators to the south wait.

When we do encounter adverse weather, you have the comforts of a modern lodging facility with world-class food — a first for Thompson Pass. Our lodge enables you to engage with the community and, if you choose, to socialize nightly with guests and guides.

Restaurant & Tavern

ARG employs four magnificent chefs from Telluride and Jackson Hole who will wow you with a delicious, diverse menu. At our on-site, full-service restaurant we serve Continental Cuisine with a Swiss flair, American Steaks, Japanese Sushi made with fresh Alaskan seafood, and more. There is no better place to relax in the mountains of Alaska.

Our tavern has full beverage service with premium select liquor, domestic and imported beers, and fine wines from around the World.

The Lodge

At the end of the day, you'll relax in a custom-built lodge with eight new, large rooms. Every room has 270 sq. ft. of private, warm space, including your own private bathroom. Your room overlooks the heli base and offers a majestic view of Mount Billy Mitchell — the matron mountain of the Alaska Rendezvous Lodge and Heli-Ski Guides.

We are proud of all the hard work it took to create a modern facility in one of the most magnificent mountain ranges imaginable. You can now enjoy the remote Alaskan setting with all the conveniences of home, with:

• Ful private bath
• Zoned heating
• In-room phone
• Sauna
• Laundry
• Massage available

Rates are $240 per night (double occupancy).