HAPPY VALLEY SNOWMOBILE FIELD GUIDE
Happy Valley Lifted: Snowcat and Sled Skiing into Alaska’s Backcountry
A Black Ops Valdez outing that ferries skiers and snowboarders uphill by snowcat, snow kitten or snowmobile for an average of six runs—this guide explains what to expect and what’s provided.
Happy Valley Lifted: Snowcat and Sled Skiing into Alaska’s Backcountry.
Snowcat/Sled skiing with Black Ops Valdez uses motorized uphill access—enclosed snowcats, tracked side-by-side snow kittens, or snowmobiles—to deliver riders to the top of runs in the Happy Valley backcountry; you ride as a passenger, are dropped at the top, and the driver returns to pick up the next rider or riders.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Multiple machines, single goal: uphill access
The operator uses a range of motorized vehicles—snowcat, snow kitten and snowmobile—to provide uphill transport; the specific machine in use on any given day is not guaranteed.
Guided access with safety kit included
Trips include safety gear issued to participants: beacon, probe, shovel, harness and airbag pack are provided as part of the outing.
Per-person rate with multiple runs
The outing is priced at $350 per person (all ages) and includes an average of six runs delivered by motorized uphill access.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The flow is mechanical and efficient: load into a tracked or tracked-UTV vehicle, ride uphill as a passenger, get dropped at the top of a run, then ski or ride down while the driver returns to ferry the next rider—repeat across an average of six runs.
THE ACCESS
Multiple machines, single goal: uphill access
The operator uses a range of motorized vehicles—snowcat, snow kitten and snowmobile—to provide uphill transport; the specific machine in use on any given day is not guaranteed.
THE SAFETY KIT
Guided access with safety kit included
Trips include safety gear issued to participants: beacon, probe, shovel, harness and airbag pack are provided as part of the outing.
THE PACKAGE
Per-person rate with multiple runs
The outing is priced at $350 per person (all ages) and includes an average of six runs delivered by motorized uphill access.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing is best for—and what the booking looks like.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The operator meets participants in Valdez, Alaska as the primary meeting location for departures.
Safety gear—beacon, probe, shovel, harness and airbag pack—is provided as part of the outing; bring personal layers and whatever you normally carry for a backcountry day.
Rate is $350 per person; pricing is the same across all ages.
Trips include an average of six runs delivered via motorized uphill access.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What kinds of vehicles are used for uphill access?
The operator uses snowcats (enclosed tracked vehicles), snow kittens (tracked side-by-side UTVs) and snowmobiles (sleds); any of these may be used on a given day.
Is the type of vehicle guaranteed when I book?
No—the specific vehicle used is not guaranteed; Black Ops Valdez may utilize any of the listed machines on any given day.
What is included in the trip price?
The outing includes an average of six runs and safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel, harness, airbag pack).
Where do participants meet?
Participants meet in Valdez, Alaska.
How much does the outing cost?
The rate is $350 per person; the listing indicates this applies to all ages.
How does the pickup/drop system work during runs?
You ride as a passenger to the top of the run, are dropped off to ski or ride down, and the driver returns to pick up the next rider or riders.