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Event Details

Join us for the 12th annual World Freeride Festival in Alaska from March 39th - April 7th, 2019 in the heart of Thompson Pass. People from all over the world come to ski and snowboard the best mountains on earth. Using ski planes, snowmobiles, helicopters, and skins to explore the great Chugach mountains.

Tailgate Alaska Presents the 12th Annual
World Freeride Festival!

The festival provides basic amenities at it’s basecamp like wifi, bathrooms, and trash service. There is a beer garden with concerts and speaker panels. Contests like the Valdez Banked Slalom. We also negotiate deals with Great Alaska Holidays (an RV rental company in Anchorage) and local helicopter companies, snowmobile rentals as well as have a ski plane setup for glacier touring.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tailgate Alaska was founded eleven years ago with the idea of making the world's best mountains attainable to riders from all different backgrounds. Over the years the event has evolved with the growing Thompson Pass snowboard scene that the event helped ignite. Today the ten day event gives participants basic amenities - as well as a large group of riders who have gained real world experience in the area over the years. It is designed to provide both an affordable way to ride Alaska while providing the camaraderie of the diverse community that make up participants. 100% of ticket sales proceeds go to put on the event - permits, lot plowing, toilets, garbage service etc.


WHERE IS IT?

Mile 29.5 on the Richardson Highway in the heart of Thompson Pass on a historic airstrip.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Most people choose to fly into Anchorage and get a rental car or RV there. The drive from Anchorage to Thompson Pass is about 5 hours. There is also direct service into Valdez by air.

HOW COLD IS IT?

Not very cold. Generally daytime temps are between 20-30 F (-5C).

When the sun is out, it feels much warmer. It is not so much the cold, but how long you are out in it. Many daily missions last 8-12 hours, so plan accordingly. Temperatures at night can drop below zero.

AM I GOOD ENOUGH TO RIDE ALASKA?

This is probably the most misunderstood aspect of riding in AK. About 80% of the terrain is intermediate. With plenty of rolling terrain for even novice skiers and riders. There are definitely risks involved with riding here like any other place you would ride in the backcountry and some risks that are unique to Alaska e.g. glaciated terrain. The goal of Tailgate Alaska is to provide a starting point for all skill levels of backcountry users to access these mountains.

DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL GEAR?

You will need an avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, harness, and locking carabiner (for glacier travel). Airbags are also recommended.

For basecamp we recommend having a good pair of warm, waterproof boots and extra layers for the long hours outside.

DOES IT GET TRACKED OUT?

One year after 8 days of clear weather, there were less tracks than at Squaw Valley at 10am on a powder day. No matter what you hear Thompson Pass is never tracked out.

SHOULD I STAY ON THE PASS OR IN TOWN?
This is personal preference. Town offers a ton of convenience - food, showers, supplies. On the pass, it is more challenging to dry your gear each day and showers are few and far between. The advantage of staying on the pass is no daily commute and waking up at 3am to the hoots and cheers that accompany the Northern Lights up at basecamp.

WHAT IS TICKET MONEY USED FOR?
Putting together Tailgate Alaska is an expensive undertaking. Clearing the lot, getting permits, insurance, porta-johns, staffing, beer garden etc. It adds up quick, especially in Alaska.


Venue Information

Thompson Pass
Northeast of Valdez
Thompson Pass, AK 99686
+1 (406) 491-0187

Organizer Information

Tailgate Alaska


7450 Bravo Cir
Anchorage, AK 99507
+1 (406) 491-0187

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