Tailgate Alaska: The World Freeride Festival presented by Alaskan Brewing returns to Thompson Pass this March for another round of riding the best mountains in the world.

The event kicks off Friday, March 26th, with an orientation meeting in the town of Valdez, followed with a concert by Salem at the Pipeline Club. On Saturday, March 27th, we will host our annual town Fish Fry, bringing together the people of Valdez and Tailgate Alaska participants in a unique social gathering and chow down.

April 3rd, marks the return of the King of the Hill snowboarding competition, bringing modern freestyle to the most challenging terrain in the world. Travis Rice, Mark Landvik, Seth Wescott, Scott Lago, Martin Cernik, Mike Basich, Kevin Jones and others will face off for the first time in the Chugach, for what was once and may again be considered snowboarding’s ultimate crown. (stay tuned for details…)

Tailgate Alaska will wrap up April 10th with our Rap’Em Up party held at the Rendezvous Lodge—45.5 mile on the Richardson Highway. The final party will feature a bonfire and rap battle featuring Jesse Cross, Shaun Farmer, Rob Kingwill and any others that step to the mic in a winner-take-all format.

Tailgate Alaska brings together the legends of the sport with the most dedicated athletes, media and participants. RVs, rental cars and camp sites spring up around the Tailgate Alaska village for a unique environment of die-hards, in an event that promises the experience of a lifetime.

Riders spend downtime around the Tailgate Alaska village; barbecuing, taking snow science classes and participating in events. When the sky clears, riders head out in all directions to ride the big peaks in prime conditions, with some help from Alaska Backcountry Adventures heli service, Big Mountain Taxi snowmobiles, CMRC snowcat and others.

With more than three feet of deep pow this week, Valdez’s surrounding peaks are getting blanketed for the this year’s tailgate party.

For more information, check out www.tailgatealaska.com.