Spring Skiing in AK

April 18, 2024

"Powder Powder Chicken Chowder" 

-Evan 

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: There’s no place I’d rather be than Alaska during the Spring! This April, my good friend and teammate Evan Nichols was able to fly up from Lyme, New Hampshire to experience the famous Alaskan spring. Our goal was to ski as much as possible before our legs gave out.... he was here for two weeks, and we skied every single day. Here is a little photo dump of all the shenanigans, and a little recap of all the skiing we did!

Hatcher Pass: Valley of Sin, Microdot, SNOWBIRD GLACIER (highlight)

• We hit Hatcher pass on the first two days. Flat light and heavy clouds left us waiting around at our Fishhook Parking lot base, but eventually got some runs in!

•  Snowbird Glacier was absolutely incredible. Although it was only one night in the Snowbird Hut, it was probably the highlight of the trip. Stumbled across some great company while at snowbird among others: Rosie Brennan, Hailey Swirbul (US XC Team athletes), and Nat Herz (writer for Faster Skier).

Chugach Mountains + Turnagain Pass: Wolverine, Honeybear, Tele Hill, Sunnyside Ridge, Tincan

• Sketchy Snowpack in Turnagain only allowed for one day of low angle skiing, but the Chugach Front Range delivered with fresh powder and stable conditions

• • Huge thank you to the Rennard Family for letting us crash at your Girdwood cabin!

XC Adventures: Arctic to Indian, Denali View Chalet, Independence Mine, Government Peak, Girdwood Ski Trails, Hillside Ski Trails

• Obviously we had to strap on the skinny skis a couple times! (If my coaches are reading this, it was every day I promise) NSAA absolutely killing it with the late season grooming! (Shout out Kikkan Randall!) 

• Huge thank you to Frederique and Erik who welcomed us into the incredible Denali View Chalet (DVC) for Easter. A blizzard made the ski in a bit of an adventure, but thanks to some fresh grooming by Erik we found our way. 

• Also decided to conquer the Arctic to Indian 40km traverse ending at the infamous Brown Bear Saloon. The traverse was somewhat of a spur-of-the-moment decision, but 100% worth it.  

Sadly, the fun couldn't last forever and Evan had to head back to New Hampshire. Of course, he couldn't go without leaving us a classic Evan gift:

I feel obligated to mention he also left behind some incredible home-made maple syrup. Spring skiing is still going strong here in Alaska with no end in sight, and I can't wait to see what the rest of this spring holds! Thanks Evan!