# Valdez Heli-Ski Guides (VHSG)

> Heli-skiing in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska since 1993. Founded by
> two-time World Extreme Skiing Champion Doug Coombs and Emily Coombs.
> Snowiest mountains. Greatest guides. Finest lodges.

## Key facts
- Location: Thompson Pass, Valdez, Alaska, USA (Chugach Mountains)
- Two lodges: the legendary Tsaina Lodge (base of Thompson Pass) and the
  Alaska Rendezvous Lodge (a few miles away on the Richardson Highway)
- Season: weekly trips from late February to the end of April
- Memberships at Tsaina Lodge: Single Load, Double Load, Joining a Group
- Memberships at Alaska Rendezvous Lodge: Classic, Single Load, Double
  Load, Joining a Group, Semi-Private
- Solo guests welcome: a Joining a Group membership places single riders
  into a group matched on ability and personality, with no single supplement
- Ability: suited to advanced, expert and professional skiers and riders.
  In steep terrain riders descend one at a time, so guides can pick terrain
  for the least experienced member of the group
- Booking: online at /book - request a week, the team confirms after
  contract and waiver are signed
- Phone: +1 913-530-5688 - Email: sonya@vhsg.com

## Main pages
- /book : compare packages and book a heli-ski week
- /chugach-mountains : why the Chugach is the best heli-ski terrain on Earth
- /guides : the VHSG guide team
- /tsaina-lodge : the Tsaina Lodge
- /alaska-rendezvous-lodge : the Alaska Rendezvous Lodge
- /activities : what to do on a down day (ski touring, ice climbing, kite skiing)
- /equipment : what to bring and what is provided
- /faq : frequently asked questions
- /community : the VHSG community and partners
- /sustainability : our approach to operating in the Chugach
- /tipping-guide : guidance on tipping guides and lodge staff
- /travel-protection : trip insurance guidance
- /contact : contact the team

## Blog
- /blog : trip reports, press coverage, guides and Alaskan snow science

### Guides and explainers
- /blog/best-heli-skiing-in-the-world : where the best heli-skiing in the world is
- /blog/travel-leisure-solo-heli-skiing : can you heli-ski alone? (Travel + Leisure)
- /blog/why-skiing-alaska-beats-every-other-mountain : what makes Alaskan snow different
- /blog/snowiest-day-in-alaska-history : the snowiest day in Alaskan - and likely U.S. - history
- /blog/history-of-the-tsaina-lodge : how Alaskan heli-skiing began at the Tsaina Lodge

### Press coverage
- /blog/cnn-worlds-best-heli-skiing-chugach : CNN, the Chugach among the world's 12 best
- /blog/bloomberg-heli-skiing-chugach-alaska : Bloomberg, a top global heli-ski destination
- /blog/outside-best-trips-2022-valdez : Outside, best trips to take
- /blog/mens-journal-serious-downtime-alaska : Men's Journal on the VHSG experience
- /blog/ski-magazine-tsaina-reborn : SKI Magazine, "Tsaina Reborn"
- /blog/ski-mag-alaska-are-you-good-enough : Ski Mag, "Alaska - are you good enough?"
- /blog/new-york-post-ski-slopes-worth-the-schlep : New York Post, chairlifts to airlifts
- /blog/moneycrashers-best-heli-skiing-north-america : ranked among North America's 10 best

### Riders and guides
- /blog/amie-engerbretson-heart-of-alaskan-heliskiing : Amie Engerbretson on VHSG
- /blog/kirsten-kremer-living-your-passion : guide Kirsten Kremer
- /blog/freeskier-skiings-sisterhood : two VHSG guides in Freeskier
- /blog/rescue-mission-austin-nelson : a rescue in the Chugach