Located just outside Valdez, Alaska, at mile 45.5 on the legendary Thompson Pass, Alaska Rendezvous caters to everybody from the wandering ski bum to those looking for a high- class adventure in the Chugach Mountain Range. World-renowned mountain guide and snow scientist Theo Meiners founded the operation in 2001 after a number of years working just down the road with his friend Doug Coombs. Since then, the run-down old lodge and tract of land that he purchased has been molded into an upscale bar and restaurant, and expanded to include an on-premise hotel with a top-notch staff all around.

With Meiners at the helm until 2012, the operation earned an esteemed reputation for safety. In addition to the snow science education among the staff, Alaska Rendezvous “has a very strict safety protocol around the aircraft and while moving in the mountains,” explains Alexandra Meiners, daughter of the late Theo Meiners who has taken over the operation. “Upon our guests’ arrival, they sit through a full seminar on snow and aircraft safety.” Once they are fully educated on the ins and outs of the helicopter, they’re also given training for the provided safety equipment.

With safety protocol in the bag, it’s time to tackle some terrain. Standing in the parking lot of the lodge, you can look up to Mount Billy Mitchell right across the street and a run called Happiness just beyond that—both staff favorites and yet just a taste of the seemingly endless terrain out there. No matter what your skill level, there is something that will get your heart racing and have you dreaming about it for years to come.

The northerly location of Alaska Rendezvous allows you to get into that terrain more often with some of the best weather patterns of any operation in the state. In Alaska, weather often breaks to the north, providing beautiful blue holes to fly in. In 2014, Alaska Rendezvous flew 51 out of 54 days of operation—that’s a 94-percent fly rate in an industry that’s often plagued by down days.

Those looking for the all-inclusive experience can book seven nights at a time and enjoy up to 36 runs of legendary Chugach laps throughout the week. If that’s not enough, simply add on more runs or days and pay as you go. Morning and night, you will feast on expertly prepared food in Teddy’s Fine Dining and Pub Fare, which stands up to fine dining establishments in any city. And for those looking to indulge in some libations, a full-service bar is also available.

If you’re not the all-inclusive type, Alaska Rendezvous will still welcome you (and your RV) with open arms, allowing you to book on a half- or full-day basis for three or six runs. This is a great option for those who don’t have enough cash flow for the entire week but want the full Alaskan experience. Park your RV in the lot, and for just $25, you can plug in, enjoy hot showers in private bathrooms and relish the amenities and atmosphere that the lodge has to offer along with affordable food and beverages.

Whether you’re a millionaire from New York City or a ski bum from Crested Butte, you can count on the Alaska Rendezvous experience to foster camaraderie among everyone in the lodge and deliver a ski trip you won’t soon forget. In the words of Theo, “Tonight we party, tomorrow we ride!”

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