You can get it at Costco???
Sorry for the lack of posts recently – I’ve been having some computer problems but am now back up and running. In the truth is stranger than fiction department I received an email this morning with the following subject line: “Valdez Heli Camps – Costco joint press release”. Apparently Valdez Heli-Camps has teamed up with Costco to bring Alaskan Heliskiing to the masses. Jay Nierstheimer of Costco.com says; “After buyer introductions at a Seattle market event, Matt (Matt White of Valdez Heli-Camps) was inspired to produce some unique and exciting options for our membership that fell well within our mission of providing high quality products at low cost to our members through our online outlet and tickets and gifts program.” Those formerly spurned by the high price of the sport with costs topping well over $1000 per day at most operations throughout North America, now have opportunities with Valdez Heli-Camps through Costco.com. The introductory Costco item offers (3) nights lodging, meals, airport transfers, local transportation, and 25,000 vertical feet of heliskiing for just $999 (taxes included). (And if you act now they’ll throw in one of those 24 roll packs of toilet paper). VHC President Matt White chuckled; “At first I was shocked, and then thrilled to be a part of the adventure travel innovation Costco was proposing. Reaching out to niche markets and recruiting products like mine that certainly have never been considered mainstream, motivated me to produce a product for the Costco team and the greater skiing public. Costco.com offered us a unique opportunity to reach snow riders that may not have considered heli skiing in Alaska as an option for them; skiers or snowboarders that have more time to dedicate to their sport than money. For those that have thought heliskiing in Alaska was out of reach this year, Costco has helped us find a way to make their skiing and snowboarding dreams come true even in an economic climate that is almost as challenging and exciting as big mountain skiing in Alaska can be…” For more information check out http://www.valdezalaskaheliskiing.com/. Will wonders never cease…

![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/04/springtime-in-the-rockies/">Springtime in the Rockies</a> - [/caption]
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When I was up in Alaska, everyone kept telling me that I would now be ruined for skiing anywhere else. But for me the exact opposite seems to be true because as with any true addiction, a good dose just makes... Springtime in the Rockies](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/vlcsnap-2011-04-27-16h54m41s167-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/04/haines-the-video/">Haines – the video</a> - [/caption]
One thing there was no shortage of on my Haines heli trip was helmet cams. Every one seemed to be sporting one in every shape, size and manufacturer. Because of safety issues, there was no setting up for shots so unless you had a super ... Haines – the video](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/UK-Ripper-4-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/04/alaska-the-last-frontier/">Alaska – the last frontier</a> - [/caption]
For years I've been hearing epic tales of heliskiing in Alaska and seen numerous film segments of mind boggling terrain. I always assumed that terrain would be off limits to me as while I've spent a lot of time on a snowboard I'm cert... Alaska – the last frontier](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P1040119-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/03/helmet-cam-fun-berthoud-pass-32311/">Helmet Cam Fun – Berthoud Pass 3/23/11</a> - [/caption]
Got to admit I've been slacking lately on updating this blog. It's been a combination of less than epic conditions and spending time breaking in new gear. I finally broke down and bought a split board (Voile Mojo RX 66) after one too ma... Helmet Cam Fun – Berthoud Pass 3/23/11](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/vlcsnap-2011-03-25-17h38m39s98-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/02/hail-to-the-wolf-presidents-day-2011/">Hail to the Wolf – President’s Day 2011</a> - [/caption]
It's been a tough season for Wolf Creek. Their ski patrol director died in an avalanche back in November and seemingly in remorse the snow gods have been withholding their usual bounty from the area. Although I did not know him personal... Hail to the Wolf – President’s Day 2011](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/P1010982-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/01/an-east-vail-powder-tale/">An East Vail powder tale – 1/20/11</a> - [/caption]
After the first big snow of the season I saw a blog post about skiing at Berthoud by Joel Bettner that both warmed my heart and made me jealous. Since then I had seen several of his videos that were posted on everyone's favorite forecas... An East Vail powder tale – 1/20/11](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/joel-powder-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/12/long-live-the-king-monarch-mountain-12212010/">Long live the King – Monarch Mountain 12/21/10</a> - [/caption]
Your mom probably told you this but it's worth repeating - don't believe everything you hear. Take for instance, this last storm that's been making headlines for ski resorts around Colorado. While it's true that several feet of snow has... Long live the King – Monarch Mountain 12/21/10](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/vlcsnap-2010-12-22-21h22m07s225-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/12/striking-gold-at-copper-mountain-1272010/">Striking gold at Copper Mountain 12/7/10</a> - [/caption]
I knew the day had potential when I heard the sound of someone texting me at 5:40 in the morning. After looking at numerous snow reports calling for 3-6 the night before I had gone to bed thinking Tuesday would be a work day but kept th... Striking gold at Copper Mountain 12/7/10](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IMG_0822-1024x764.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/11/a-snovember-to-remember/">A Snovember to Remember</a> - [/caption]
Alright - I'll admit it - I've really been slacking on the blogging thing. After three years where the I didn't get out in November due to poor snow conditions, this year has been a very refreshing change of pace. Steamboat set a snowfa... A Snovember to Remember](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/P1010755-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/11/hells-half-acre-heavens-more-like-it/">Back in the saddle again – Berthoud Pass 11/12/10</a> - [/caption]
As much as I enjoy summer and mountain biking in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, I'd be hard pressed to not trade it all for one good powder day - that's why they call it an addiction. So when I saw shots of knee deep snow from a late O... Back in the saddle again – Berthoud Pass 11/12/10](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/P1030149-1024x768.jpg)