What is Tailgate Alaska?
Tailgate Alaska was founded in 2008 as a way to honor the pioneering spirit of riding in Valdez, while giving access to a whole new group of riders in an affordable way. The first year went off amazingly well. Mark Carter, Scotty Lago, Shayne Pospisil and Mason Augirre joined AK legend Nick Perata and an assorted crew of dedicated riders for a new kind of event - one without any kind of competition. We webcast daily shorts from our adventures, seen around the world through international distribution.
This year we return offering two options. Both will get you to the goods, but they are totally different in execution.
The first is a heli package that gets you a seat on MTNOPS private ship. You will get the goods when the weather clears. We will be able to fly to spots that people who fly on public helis dream about.
The second way is Ghetto Fabulous. Bring your splitboard, skis and skins, and some gas money for sleds and you will have access to some of the best runs of your life.
We will also be able to set up heliing on a daily basis to pick and choose which days to fly to make your budget go the furthest.
Tailgate Alaska is your opportunity to come ride the most compelling peaks in the world at their best. Tailgate Alaska is arranged in 10 day sessions to allow you enough time to get the most out of your Alaskan experience. Sit out the downtime in our heated, wi-fied basecamp or take in some of the activities that will keep you riding and show you Alaskan culture firsthand.
Packages include:
-Transportation from the airport and to the basecamp.
-Lodging in Alaskan run hotel. Enjoy the only indoor pool and hot tub in Valdez after riding.
-All meals are taken care of. Breakfast is served at the lodge. Healthly lunches are provided including your choice of snacks. Dinner is served at the basecamp - fresh fish, steaks and burgers on the grill.
-Professional guidance and advice to help you acclimate quickly to the conditions.
-Avalanche class to prepare riders for the conditions.
-Guiding provided by veterans of the Chugach with hands on experience in the hills we will be riding.
-Awesome riding options for downdays including the resort sized "Road Run" access to the Chugach Mountain Recreation Center, Kicker to the Gods.
-All the things you might expect - shooting guns, drinking it blue, eagles everywhere - and some things you might not - like the AK Bommer snowboard factory, avalanche education and the Valdez museum.
-Snowboarding legends to hang out with on a daily basis.
You have numerous options when choosing who to trust with your ultimate snowboarding vacation. MTNOPS is committed to facilitating a riders ultimate challenge.
We offer the ultimate destination for snowboarders. With 900” of snowfall annually, Valdez gets not only some of the most snow, but the most stable, allowing riders to get on terrain not possible elsewhere. Every peak surrounding the basecamp offers epic, life changing lines.
* MTNOPS caters to advanced riders. Tailgate Alaska is geared towards riders who want to challenge their ability in bottomless powder. This is the same terrain featured in countless films.
* Run by one of the first and most legendary Alaskan riders, Nick Perata.
* Groups organized by ability and experience in this terrain. You will ride terrain that you are comfortable with and build confidence to ride more challenging slopes.
* Our guides are experienced, knowledgeable and mature. All of our guides have over 10 years of experience leading groups in the Valdez area. These guys are legends on and off the hill.
* Our adventure is small and personable. With a maximum of 16 guests per session, you will get to know everyone on the trip.
* All accommodations and transportation is included. Breakfast will be served at the hotel with snacks, beverages and barbecues at the Tailgate basecamp.
* Our camp spot is prime! Located at the helipad, in the throat of Thompson when the skies clear, you be ready for launch. The snow will be deep and close by.
* Organized down day activities will expose you the real deal. Intimate local knowledge provides plenty of options including riding the road run (1000' + vertical), kicker session, cat boarding, snowmobiling, the AK Bommer snowboard factory and taking in the local culture.
* We use small, Alaskan-owned establishments for dining, lodging and transportation whenever possible.
* We strive to minimize the impact on our great state, both in terms of respect for the environment and for the lifestyle choices of the people who make Alaska their home.
* Ride alongside some of the most experienced riders in Alaskan terrain.
* Our itineraries feature options for a variety of price points – there are many ways to access this terrain – helicopter, snowmobile and skins. Each package allows riders to get into the terrain and get a real Alaskan riding experience.
* We don't charge a "forced" single supplement. If traveling singly and willing to share, there's no extra charge, even if you end up with your own room.
MTNOPS is committed to a standard of quality we believe to be the highest. From the clients we serve to the individuals and destinations we visit, this is more than a job, it is our life and joy. We hope that you allow us the privilege of sharing our experiences with you.
