Setting Up Basecamp in Valdez

Located twenty-nine miles from ABA’s base area, Valdez, AK is situated on the Prince William Sound and is surrounded by towering mountains and hanging glaciers in nearly every direction. Alaska Backcountry Adventures partners with the locally owned Totem Inn and Suites to offer well appointed accommodations conveniently located within walking distance to downtown Valdez and the picturesque small boat harbor. Guests can take advantage of a daily roundtrip shuttle to the top of Thompson Pass geared around full day flight times.

For guests opting to rent a car or RV, we suggest doing so in Anchorage, AK as rates are considerably cheaper. Arrangements can be made with ABA to deliver either a car or RV to Valdez for an additional fee. Flights are available directly into Valdez but tend to be cancelled due to marine weather. There is also a seasonal ferry service into Valdez via Whittier, AK; however, this service does not tend to be reliable during the winter months. For more information on getting to Valdez, refer to the “Getting to Alaska Backcountry Adventures” section on our Location webpage or visit the Valdez Convention and Visitor Bureau webpage.

Things to See and Do When not Drooling Over Deep Powder

Although somewhat quiet during the winter months, Valdez is situated directly on the Pacific Ocean and has just the right amount of every tourist amenity to keep our guests occupied for a one or two week stay. As for restaurant options, the Totem has a great breakfast menu available right in the hotel lobby. For lunch, The Harbor Café (affectionately known as THC) is a must including its Alaskan Halibut fish ‘n’ chips baskets and views of the spectacular harbor. As for dinner, be sure to say hi to our friends at Fu Kung restaurant with the freshest of seafood and sushi options along with a bottle or two of the finest sake. Kung Pow! And of course, no evening is complete in Valdez without a stop by the Pipeline Club for a little local flavor

With the tagline “Even Mother Nature plays favorites”, Valdez offers plenty of other diversions during the off chance of a down day including halibut/salmon fishing, snowmobile rentals, ice climbing, snowshoe and cross-country skiing options or simply a stroll around the town’s shops and storefronts. ABA can help with any necessary arrangements.