Day One of Winter: April Bowl, Hatcher Pass

It feels like it has been raining for days, with the dreary white clouds just smothering the mountains...Ryan and I have been skiing Hatcher Pass super early season for a few years in a row, so this pattern was our cue to go check out the conditions....

And Then There is the Snow Line!

 

The decision to not go to the Lane glacier was easy since the gate at Archangel Valley road is already locked tight, seems early, usually we get at least 1-2 days out there...

Things looked white and muted in the snow storm, but after about 30 minutes of skinning we saw the light...and it was magnificent.

Skinning to the Blue Hole

 

Ryan and I at the Top of April Bowl

 

After a few phone calls Raina and Brody decided to motivate out of the gloom in Anchorage and joined Ryan and I in the sun.

Raina and Brody Skinning Up

 

There was about 2-12" of beautiful powder up there. Its still very early season with a lot of rocks, and not really much of base to speak of yet....the turns I got without hitting rocks were smooth and creamy. I am super excited that I bought a new ski helmet that is comfortable...if there is a time and place to wear a helmet skiing, this is it.

Me Making Powder Turns
Photo: Ryan Campbell

 

Slide Show!