Alaska Backcountry Guides - Valdez, Alaska

Pete Cane

I spent Week 9 2024 with Joey and the team at ABG, and it was a fantastic experience, 10/10 would recommend.
I've done a lot of riding in Alaska in both Cordova and Valdez, and the experience that ABG offers is absolutely top-notch.
I rode some of the lines of my life with ABG this year. We were a long time out from the last new snow, and the team just kept finding huge runs with cold pow day after day.
Their experience (guides have decades of skiing/riding in AK), and professionalism are a big stand out in Valdez. I was very impressed with the attention to detail and safety.
The semi-private setup of two groups per helicopter, with a lead and tail guide, means that you can be flexible, get to the lines that you want, and maximise your Valdez/AK experience.
On top of that, the setup of having a hanger right at Valdez airport is really unique and cool. You eat dinner on a mezzanine with your helicopters sitting right below you. Food is brilliant, prepared on site by a skilled and friendly kitchen staff. I've got some dietary restrictions, and they were helpful and considerate of everything I needed... and it was delicious.
Finally, the small group size and team of staff makes this place feel like a family. I came away with new friends, both staff and guests, and can't wait to get back there next year, and every year after that, because ABG is now permanently in my calendar.
As my friend Jeremy said in another review, book it right now! If you don’t go to Alaska this year, you’ll just be another year older when you do.

Brenden Smith

This place is unreal. It's the final frontier, the hangar, the staff, the food, the town, the scale of it, and the quality of the skiing all are so phenomenal. The people who run the facilities are truly awesome and care about your experience. One of a kind experience in Valdez.

Creighton Green

Just wrapped up a week in Valdez. First time with ABG and if I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Our week was unforgettable! I've been heli-skiing before in Valdez and I will only be coming back to ABG. Every single element of our trip was top notch. Incredible skiing, the best guides in the industry, food that blew our minds, and a level of top-notch service that felt so real and genuine. The ABG team feels like family. We'll be back.

Tom Telford

? dream-week! What do you say about a company that made my childhood dreams come true just as I had envisioned them 35+ years ago. Joey, Stan, Mike and the entire team at ABG nailed this experience. If we never set skis on the snow, the heli views, off the charts food experience and high-touch service would’ve been worth the week. BUT we did ski…we skied the %#^* out of the Chugach. Our guides, Stan, Mike and Joey couldn’t have been cooler about line choice and vibe. Perfect balance of cruisers and puckers. Go to Valdez and do it with ABG!

Neil Tonkon

So much fun getting to experience Alaska with this incredible group ! Every detail from safety , communication, food, to incredible guiding was the best you could get. 2 groups per heli meant personal attention and maximizing time in the Chugach! Very cool to be around such a passionate and professional staff….already ready to come back 🙂

New Riderz

First Heli trip I’ve made and was blown away with the quality of service and quality of guides. This operation has some very smart and dedicated folks to make sure you trip is exactly what you are wanting in the Chugach Mountains. They will keep you riding the lines of a lifetime. Thank you ABG for a trip I will not forget. Show up when it’s Blue!!

Jared Flitton

We had an absolutely amazing trip. Alaska is special by itself, but Joey has created a team and culture that rivals anything out there. The guides, the chefs, and the attention to detail made our trip unforgettable. We will be back for sure!

Oh and did I mention the pastries!!!

Mark

I admit I am a little torn about leaving this review but, it is all for selfish reasons lol....I don't want the secret out. However, it is only right to share this with others who are looking for an epic heli experience.

Joey and his whole staff are amazing. Every detail was spot on and the exceeded expectations. From the time you arrive to the time you leave, they have it all covered. I know that is an easy blanket statement but, it really is spot on. The hanger itself is located right at the airport and is a very well done in so many details big and small. You roll in to a super tight little locker zone with all guests names printed on each (pro touch!). There are boot dryers galore on the wall, easy ski storage, countless skis to demo and an amazing loft where meals are served that overlooks the heli’s below. That, in and of itself, is badass!

Although the set up is ultra pro, it is absolutely the staff that makes ABG so special. Every single member of their team, from the operations manager, chefs, masseuse, mechanics, pilots, guides and to Joey himself, the whole team is just rad. In addition to be very pro at their individual jobs, they all rip on snow and they are genuinely cool people you want to hang around at the end of the day.

I could go on and on about he professionalism of the guides, the zones the got us to, the good snow they always found but that would take the whole page. But, in short they are exactly how you would want your guides to be in every aspect.

If you are looking for a help trip that is not trying to shuffle a ton of guests everywhere and give you the best experience for the money, then ABG is it. Well worth every penny!

See you next year!