Valdez Heli-Ski Guides Announces Purchase of Alaska Rendezvous Lodge

In a stunning move, two of the premier Heli-Ski guiding companies in Alaska are consolidating ownership, as Valdez Heli-Ski Guides (‘VHSG’) announced its acquisition of Alaska Rendezvous Lodge (‘ARL’) on November 24, 2023. Founded in 1993 by industry legends Doug and Emily Coombs, VHSG offers a cadre of expertly trained and experienced guides, a plethora of untouched powder in Alaska’s renowned Chugach Range, and the luxurious Tsaina Lodge located off of the Thompson Pass less than an hour from Valdez, Alaska.

Alaska Rendezvous Lodge is located a mere 10 miles from the Tsaina Lodge with both locations experiencing the “Blue Hole” weather effect famous in that specific area. Due to the protection of the surrounding peaks, this unique weather pattern results in increased flying days for those booking the heli-guiding services. ARL was founded by Alaskan native Theo Meiners, who began his career in the heli-skiing industry working for VHSG as a guide and later filled the operations and logistics manager positions in addition to functioning as a lead guide. Once Doug and Emily Coombs sold VHSG, Meiners purchased nearly 27 acres of land off Thompson Pass, constructed the Alaska Rendezvous Lodge and bar restaurant, and launched ARL in 2000. Meiners tragically died in an accident at a convention center in Anchorage, Alaska in 2012 at the age of 59.

With the purchase of ARL, VHSG plans to build luxury yurts, a bar and restaurant, and other high-end luxuries in the near future. Booking for the 2025 season is open for both locations, with packages and prices ranging from $9,850 to $115,000 for a standard seven-day program.