VALDEZ ICE: Check out your atlas. Water makes ice. Valdez is surrounded by canyons full of waterfalls and rivers. Valdez is home to over 100 frozen waterfalls with easy access. Even with heavy snowfall, there are many climbs available without avalanche hazard. There are 600ft. tall Grade 4 and 5 frozen waterfalls within 10 minute walking distances from the Richardson Highway. There are numerous canyons farther off the highway full of ice for a more remote feel. The Keystone Canyon is only 11 miles from town and offers all levels of climbing including great mixed climbs as well. Unlike many of the other world class ice climbing destinations, Valdez is not crowded with climbers. The frozen waterfalls are natural and not full of pick holes. Another excellent reason to come to Valdez is the awesome ski touring as a balance for a whole body workout. There is unbelievable ski touring in the Chugach Mountains. The elevation is low and the average ski runs range from 3000 to 5000 ft. of vertical ski terrain from the highway. We can arrange heli supported ski touring with a knowledgeable guide through VHSG. Another good reason for women to come to Valdez is there are 5 different Heli Ski Companies operating within 38 miles of town with lots of wealthy men that want to buy you drinks. :) The end of March is a perfect time to visit Valdez, Alaska. The days are getting longer, but there is still enough darkness to see the Northern Lights. The temps are getting warmer, but still cold enough for ice climbing.

ALASKA ICE PIXIES:

Like Alaska, this is an eccentric and experimental gathering that will be formed 100% by those who choose to participate. Our goal is to create a forum that works for all levels of women climbers and can accommodate different price scales.

We want women who already know how to climb to come and celebrate a week of sending and sharing with other women. We want women who have never climbed before to come and learn and make new friends in the climbing community. We want intermediate climbers to come and work on their skills with us and improve their confidence by climbing with other women. We want to encourage students from the local schools to take a week off for a "higher education" in the outdoors. We want women skiers to come play in the snow, even if they don't want to ice climb.

We want as many women as possible in the small town of Valdez and in the mountains to share their skills, ideas, energy and love for the mountains.

So put on your wings and live the dream. Join us for the second annual Alaska Ice Pixies Celebration of Women in the Mountains. Bring your dreams, your adventures, and your free spirits to this special event created for all of us. You will learn new skills; you will laugh; you might cry; and you will certainly come away with something, whether it's good memories, swollen knuckles, good turns, a cool T-shirt, or a tattoo from Valdez.