The Final Approach: Tailgate Alaska 2010

Tailgate Alaska and the King of the Hill are fast approaching.

We already have 150 people signed up for the event. If you are planning on attending Tailgate Alasaka, please contact us.

Please feel free to contact us anytime with questions about your arrangements for the event.

Please contact Mark Sullivan for information on Tailgate Alaska at 801.897.4369 or at mediaknievel@gmail.com

or Nick Perata at 208.629.6307 or nperata@yahoo.com for more information.

Or contact Dave Geis to make sure you are on our schedule snomardave@mac.com

What to bring:
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Climbing Harness
- Locking Carabiner
- Radio (Motorola Talk About type)
- Camera (not required)
- Helmet (not required)
- Ice Axe (not required)
- longer board (We recommend going +5-10CM)

Also, it is a good idea to call ABA or another heli operator to find out about availability during the event. We have special rates worked out with the heli companies to give you the best deal on accessing the world's best mountains.

ABA
Official Sponsor/Host of Tailgate Alaska and King of the Hill
Full Day Rate: Tailgate price: $725
Half Day Price: Tailgate price: $350 plus fuel surcharge
Rate Per Run: Tailgate price: $141

ABA is unique among the Valdez operators in that they offer the most affordable heli access on the pass. When Mac Dawg films came to Alaska, they accessed the mountains with ABA. The heli takes your group up with a guide and you ski back to the road were you are picked up by a van. They will also end their 3 and 6 run days in the same fashion. This allows them to save money and accounts for the difference in price. ABA offers a lot of good terrain and experienced guides. The ABA scene also has very laid back feel that is different from all of the other operators and is home to the Tailgate Alaska basecamp.

Pros: Close to the Tailgate base camp, flexible packages, affordability.

Cons: Access to fixed amount of terrain

Click on story title for more information on heli operators...

Valdez Heli Camps
Full Day Rate: List price $1099, Tailgate price $989
Punch Card: 12,500 Vertical for $599

Offers a much different product, they specialize in all inclusive packages (meals, lodging, and heliskiing). They also offer snow cat skiing on days the helicopter cannot fly. Another option they offer is the “punch card” its reminiscent of the chip system employed by ABA in the early days of Alaskan heliskiing. With the punch card you buy vertical feet and fill in seats on helicopters that are not full. Sundays are the best fill in days due to his scheduling. Punch cards start at 12,500 vertical feet and costs $599 and go all the way up to 500,000 vertical feet for $12,999. These cards have lots of rules so be sure you read and understand the agreement before you buy.

Pros: Punch card is flexible and even the cheap ones roll over to next season. Snow cat skiing.

Cons: He has sold a lot of cards before you. Tough refund policy for short 2/3 day packages.

H20
Full Day Rate: List Price: $1250 Tailgate Price: $925

H20 have the largest amount of terrain of any heliski operator in the world, approximately 2.6 million acres. This terrain has been featured in movies by Standard Films and That's It, That's All.. The “Forest Service” is insane and its location in the range seems to protect it from wind events. If your pre booked days turn out to be weather days, they will fill you in later in your trip.

Pros: Forest Service Terrain aka “the permit” it’s epic lines and snow quality.

Cons: Pre-book not a lot of space left. More expensive than other options.

Valdez Heli Ski Guides
Full Day Rate: List price $925, Tailgate Price $850

Formally owned by Doug Coombs. The original operator at the infamous Tsania Lodge, is now owned by Scott Raynor. VHSG is well known for taking strong groups to big hits and steep terrain conditions permitting. They also make use of a lot of the range and are not afraid to fly to get the best possible conditions. VHSG will work with you if the days you book are weather days, filling you in whenever possible during your stay. This may include afternoon sessions too

Pros: great guides, great terrain.

Cons: pre book not a lot of space left.

ALASKA RENDEVOUS GUIDES

Owned by Theo Meiners one of Doug Coombs original guides. ARG has it all; Hotel, restaurant, bar, pool table, morning espresso, $5 dollar hot showers, Rv bathrooms, and HELICOPTERS. Head chef Mike Trombetta produces incredible food. All of this on the pass at 45 mile. ARG Home circuit consists of huge runs like Billy North, Happiness, Blue Corn and Triple Jeopardy. Any one of these runs will change your life forever.
ARG base location is known as the “Blue Hole” due to its unique weather pattern. This allows more flyable days during most seasons. ARG will work with you if your reserved days are weather days this may mean some afternoon sessions. ARG is a great place to do 3 or more hits in the afternoon as a walk up, but don’t wait until the last minute to show up.

Pros; They have it all great guides, big terrain, possible afternoon sessions, bar, RV showers ect..

Cons; Pre book for priority flying, although walk-ups are still possible.