Ben Markhart: Ski Touring Thompson Pass in Alaska's Chugach Mountains

633 South Broadway,Boulder CO 80305

22 December, 2022

Description

Thompson pass is only 45 minutes outside of Valdez, Alaska and provides some of the easiest access to big mountain skiing anywhere in the world. Right off the ocean with lots of sticky maritime snow, the pass is known for its coated steep faces and huge ski descents. If done well, trips here can be the best skiing you might ever encounter. There are not many places where a short drive can get you easy access to big mountain Alaskan skiing. We will talk about how to get the most of a trip to this ski-touring and heli-skiing paradise in the middle of the Chugach Mountains. We will get to know the terrain around the pass, talk about the snow environment and avalanche considerations as well as about logistics to set you up for success planning your own trip to this skiing paradise. Ben Markhart is an IFMGA Guide based in Boulder, Colo. In addition to teaching avalanche safety courses he guides ski touring and mountaineering year round. He regularly travels to Alaska in the spring for climbing and skiing expeditions. He has skied extensively around North American has skied over 50 days on Thompson Pass alone. You can see more at his website: benmarkhart.com.