Economy of Valdez

Valdez is connected to the interior of Alaska by the Richardson Highway, and is a port of call in the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. Just north of Valdez on the highway is Thompson Pass, which has spectacular waterfalls and glaciers next to the highway. Thompson Pass is also known for treacherous driving conditions during the winter.

The Valdez Airport, also known as Pioneer Field, is serviced by two airlines, Grant Aviation and Era Alaska.

Valdez hosted the World Extreme Skiing Championship (WESC) in the early 1990s. There are five heli-ski outfits based in the greater Valdez area