Rigging training in the Ruth

Words can't do it justice.

Brandon attending the patient on a multi-pitch lowering exercise.

The Sheldon Mountain House.

Ski run of the year

Cody and I took advantage of perfect conditions to ski the north face of Pioneer peak.  I didn't think it was possible to have snow this good from 6400 feet to sea level.  The miracle of the internet meant that other skiers also knew of the conditions from a first hand account a few days previous.  We shared the route with two other groups, probably a first in the history of this mountain.  We can't complain.  It was the absolutely the best ski run of the year. 

Cody topping out.

The upper 4000 feet looms above.

More photos here.  picasaweb.google.com/alaskabackcountry/PioneerPeakNFaceSki

Alyeska 09-10

It's always a little bittersweet this time of year to be leaving Alyeska and moving on to summer work.  I move to my office in Talkeetna while the patrollers I leave behind enjoy the best skiing of the year.  The season for me ended on a high note with superb skiing off the headwall and everything open to both boundaries.

Geoff Jans ripping slowboy 1

 

Andy Dietrick in Silver bowl

Go Alaska! Vancouver 2010

Holly Brooks

 

James Southam

 

Holly

Alaska Range Aerials

I joined my Dad on a photography assignment for Conoco Phillips Shared Services aviation department.  We photographed two 737 jets from a smaller jet with the Alaska range as the backdrop.  It was an incredibly unique experience, something I will never forget.  The pics turned out pretty good too.

Check out a few more here:  http://picasaweb.google.com/alaskabackcountry/

December backcountry

 

 December around Anchorage has been pleasantly mild.  We have plenty of snow, and the backcountry is excellent at elevations above the rain crust.  The high country of the Kenai mountains is ripe for some big descents. 

This little cornice chunk was kicked loose by some skiers on the ridge.  It was a good size for testing the slope.

Cody skiing the south face of Tincan.

Paula hiking up peak 3 on a balmy inversion afternoon.  Temperatures at the top were probably in the high 30s with single digits in town.

Bird creek packrafting

We faithfully followed Cody up to the lower canyon of Bird Creek. It was the last week of October, getting cold but perfect conditions for a low water run. Everyone nailed the drops. Zero swims with 4 people.