Alaska News

Photos: A wintertime romp in Valdez

Those of us in Anchorage bemoan the 100+ inches of snow so far this winter. But let's kick it up a notch: over in Valdez, they've received more than 400 inches. From a practical standpoint, the snow is a necessary evil that falls consistently between inconvenience and disaster. Roofs have collapsed and there is no shortage of overtime for the city's snow plowers.

But for those who love to play in the snow, this winter's "Snowpocalypse" is a dream-come-true. Chris Thoma spends his summers as a captain for Stan Stephens Cruises. Their boats in the Valdez Harbor take visitors out to Columbia Glacier and Mears Glacier all summer long. During the winter, Thoma and his friends spend their days cruising the backcountry all around Valdez on snowmachines.

"Because of the snow cover, we've been able to access areas for the first time in four or five years," he said.

Some of the best riding opportunities are found in the Thompson Pass area, just outside of Valdez. If you just want to watch, be sure and check out the Mountain Man Hill Climb April 20-21. The area around Thompson Pass turns into a small city with trailers and RVs from around Alaska. It's amazing to watch daredevil riders head straight up the mountain time after time.

Read the full article, here.

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his website at www.alaskatravelgram.com. And follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/alaskatravelgrm for breaking updates.

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