Above It All Once Again In AK 2.28.12
(Last Updated On: July 3, 2012)
Alyeska reported over 2′ on the 27th, so I pounded laps until my legs couldn’t take it anymore. The snow quality was incredible, but if you’re looking for things to jump off of at Alyeska, this might not be the season- they’re buried this year. Of course, the snowpack is also pretty amazing, so we went on a nice tour just 24 hours later, with moderate trending towards low conditions. Coastal snowpacks can be pretty amazing.
I found myself in the same vicinity as my first tour up here, this time with new friend Dana and a buddy of his. And once again we found ourselves skinning in the clouds.
Once again, we ended up above it all, and began a short bootpack up a ridge.
The light up here in Alaska seems to always fall into one of two categories- murky milky clouds or spectacular lighting thanks to the latitude. Up above the clouds, the light was once again in the latter category. Scenic and line-scoping overload:
A friend of ours from Colorado was this week’s special guest guide at Chugach Powder Guides, and we were able to watch them cruising around the area…
Keen eyes will see the top of Alyeska’s chair 6 in this shot:
Anyway, on to the skiing. First off, a video. For those of you who haven’t skied in super flat light with no trees/rocks/etc to light the way, be sure to watch the second half as well. It’s a wild feeling skiing in that kind of light.
And a few shots:
Now you see him…
Now you don’t…
It’s a bit of a broken record, but man has it ever been a good 10 days or so. So sad to have to leave soon…
Frank Konsella
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