Valdez's isolation means untouched backcountry terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see, and it's what makes Alaska one of the snowiest states to visit for skiing and snowboarding.

Sometimes known as "The Little Switzerland of Alaska," Valdez receives about 325 in/825 cm of snow a year, offering plenty of opportunities for extreme skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling ...

Catskiing is the leading choice offered by the outfit—Black Ops Valdez patrons probably came to Alaska to ski, after all—but other off-day activities include ice climbing, snowmobile touring ...

The group was traveling with guides from a commercial heli-skiing operation, which escorts backcountry skiers via helicopter ...