 Valdez is home to 5 glaciers in the Valdez area that can be accessed by cruising, flying, walking or driving. Other summer activities include fishing, hiking, biking, and glacier trekking and rapelling. Watch the past come alive while visiting the local museums and collections displaying Alaska Native artifacts and area history from early to recent days of the previous century.
The surrounding Chugach mountains receive between 600-900 inches of fresh powder each year. Helicopter and snowcat skiing and snowboarding are the best in the world ranging from intermediate to extreme. Backcountry, telemark and cross country skiing provide more options. Snowmobiling near Valdez is also a world class experience with endless peaks, valleys, and glaciers to explore. Cold temperatures serve to freeze waterfalls around Valdez, providing unparalleled ice climbing opportunities.
The seawaters near Valdez abound with sea otters, Dall porpoise, harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, & Humpback and Orca whales. Coastal mountain cliffs are home to mountain goats, and the surrounding landscape boasts black and brown bears in addition to many other smaller animal species. Valdez takes flight with area bird viewing opportunities. Bald eagles are abundant and scores of ducks and shorebirds can be identified through most of summer and fall. Please be sure to observe wildlife and their dens, rookeries, and nests with respect. |
