I was able to take a ski trip to Valdez, Alaska.  The "resort" uses a helicopter to get you to the top of the runs.  It was fun.  Some Pics:



Flying in to Valdez takes you over some bays with ice bergs.



The final leg was on a little puddle-jumper.



Eagles were all over the place.



The hotel was a simple affair.



The lodge was more simple.



But the lift was awesome!  We had to take a training course.



We could scout possible lines on the way up.



If the landing area is too steep, the pilot doesn't land so much as he flies the nose of the helicopter into the hill.



This is what it look like close up.



The guide makes sure the gear is secured and the guests' heads are down before sending the pilot off.



It's gone.



The guide needed to check the snow for avalanche danger.



Then we left some tracks.



A fellow Goldwing rider let me borrow his bike.  He put a car tire on the rear as per my suggestion then added a studded front and studs to the rear.  It handled the snow and ice pretty well.

Another trip is on the list of desired items.  Maybe next year.