Perfect April 20th Ski

It was a perfect sunny day as Heather and I toured to the top of peak 2.

 

We sat in the sun, then had a nice ski down. Short and sweet, I love skiing in the front range.

 

One Last Snowmachine Ride to Eklutna Glacier

Rapheal and I got to be the very last snowmachine allowed back on the Eklutna lake trail. We felt pretty lucky and happy that Rapheal had called ahead before the sign was technically flipped closed. Outside of one spot there was still plenty of snow on the trail. We parked the machine and skied up to the base of the Mitre and Eklutna Glacier

 

The Eklutna Glacier is shrinking really fast!

 

Rapheal and I

 

Relaxing by the Creek

 

Some Time at Crosswind Lake

Crosswind Lake is a quiet oasis that looks out onto the gigantic Wrangell mountains. It was extremely relaxing out there.

 

Rapheal taught me how to make sky lanterns, and once we launched the first one I was totally hooked. They are seriously fun.

 

We lit them off during the day and at night, but I think I like the night ones best.

Rapheal tried a little ice fishing, but either we weren't patient enough or  there weren't any fish around.  Mostly just a way to pass the day and an excuse to be in the sun.

 

Last Day of Skiing in Valdez

It got pretty windy the night before and although we tried to remain optimistic about the snow conditions on our intended line, it just wasn't that good of snow. But it was an awesome trip to Valdez!

 

A Couple Soft Turns

 

More Skiing in Valdez

It started out as a beautiful bluebird day with light winds...toward the top was a whole different story.

 

It got ridiculously windy and cold toward the top of the peak, so we bailed down off the windy ridge and looked up an inviting glacier bowl.

We ended up finding a 1000 ft untracked powder run that we lapped.  It was pretty awesome.

Yum!

 

More Valdez Skiing

A beautiful sunny day with no wind is a special treat in Valdez.

 

Touring is super fun, but its amazing how long it takes to get to the tops of peaks around here!

 

Ryan

 

Boot Packing the Steep Bits

 

Beautiful Powder! So worth the effort to get up there!