Thompson Pass Airport - K55 in Anchorage, Alaska

Thompson Pass Airport (K55): Mountain Gateway to Prince William Sound

Thompson Pass Airport (FAA identifier: K55) serves the dramatic Thompson Pass area of the Chugach Mountains along the Richardson Highway between Valdez and Glennallen, approximately 25 miles north of Valdez. Thompson Pass is one of the snowiest places in North America — the pass holds US records for single-season snowfall (974.5 inches, season 1952-53) and single-storm snowfall — making the airport's operational environment uniquely challenging. The strip supports access to the Chugach backcountry, helicopter skiing operations in the Tsaina River corridor, and limited general aviation access to the Richardson Highway corridor where road travel can be interrupted by avalanches and severe winter conditions.

The airport provides an alternative access point to the Valdez and Copper River areas when the Richardson Highway is closed or hazardous. Bush pilots using Thompson Pass must be thoroughly familiar with mountain flying techniques: rotor turbulence from the surrounding peaks, rapid weather changes that funnel through the pass, and the potential for complete whiteout conditions during winter operations create a demanding environment even for experienced Alaska aviators. Alaska DOT&PF recognizes Thompson Pass Airport as part of the essential Southcentral Alaska transportation network, providing backup access for emergency and utility operations in this remote but scenically spectacular corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thompson Pass Airport

What is Thompson Pass known for in Alaska?

Thompson Pass holds US snowfall records — 974.5 inches in the 1952-53 season — and is renowned for extreme winter conditions, helicopter skiing, and dramatic mountain scenery in the Chugach Mountains.

What are the main flying hazards at Thompson Pass Airport?

Mountain rotor turbulence, extreme snowfall, rapid weather deterioration, whiteout conditions, and high terrain surrounding the pass make this an airport for experienced mountain pilots only.

What aviation activities use Thompson Pass Airport?

General aviation access for backcountry recreation, helicopter skiing support operations, and emergency/utility access when the Richardson Highway is closed are the primary uses.

How close is Thompson Pass Airport to Valdez?

The pass is approximately 25 miles north of Valdez by road (Richardson Highway). By air, the approach and departure routes traverse some of the most rugged terrain in Southcentral Alaska.

Thompson Pass Airport: Mountain Flying in the Chugach

Pilots considering operations at Thompson Pass Airport should approach with a high level of preparation and mountain flying experience. The FAA Alaskan Region strongly recommends that pilots new to Alaska mountain flying complete specialized mountain flying training before attempting operations in passes like Thompson. The surrounding terrain reaches elevations exceeding 6,000 feet, and the pass itself channels winds that can exceed 100 mph during major storm events. Winter operations require snow landing experience and appropriate aircraft equipment including skis or oversized tundra tires.

Despite its challenging character, Thompson Pass draws aviation enthusiasts and backcountry travelers who seek access to some of Alaska's most spectacular and least-disturbed wilderness. Alaska DOT&PF maintains awareness of Thompson Pass Airport within its statewide aviation inventory. For Valdez-area planning purposes, the Valdez Pioneer Field Airport (VDZ) in Valdez proper is the primary commercial and general aviation facility for the area, while Thompson Pass serves as a specialized high-mountain access point for those specifically working in the pass corridor. Weather briefings from the FAA's Anchorage Aviation Weather Center are essential before any flight into or over the Chugach Mountains.