Thompson Pass, connects Valdez to the rest of Alaska's road system, and averages about 500 inches of snow per year. Even in the middle of summer, it's not uncommon to be driving through snow banks on the side of the road. Although it's a popular spot for heliskiing, snowboarding, hiking, ice climbing and camping - the easiest of these is of course driving through it. With incredible mountain & glacier views, beautiful canyons & waterfalls, it's one of my favorite drives in Alaska. (In the winter, the road often closes or becomes dangerous to drive. I recommend going in the summer.)