SKI THE CHUGACH ALASKA

BOOK THIS TRIP

2008-10-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

DATES: MARCH-MAY 2009

CONTACT

climb@markallenalpine.com

CUSTOMIZE YOUR BACK COUNTRY TRIP

2008-10-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

One of the many tour venues the Chugach has to offer. ~Photo Mark Allen

*INTRO TO BACK COUNTRY SKIING
*INTRO TO SKI MOUNTAINEERING
*GUIDED DESCENTS FROM BEGININER TO EXTREME
*PEAK ASCENTS AND DESCENTS
*OVER NIGHT TOURING
*NON MECHANICIZE SKI TOURING VIA ROAD ACCESS
*HELI TOURING

I can accommodate multi-day packages for one or the whole group. Expeditions Northwest's network of local guides with Alaskan Alpine Adventures will be able to accommodate any trip that you have in mind or we help you design.

INTRO TO BACK COUNTRY SKIING

This program is designed for downhill skiers who want to break away from lift-lines and venture into big terrain skiing.This multi-day program will be at a relaxed pace. However, if you feel strong and capable enough to handle large vertical feet everyday, then you are welcome to sign up for the more challenging program. During your introduction to ski-mountaineering I will teach you in how to handle avalanche and ski-touring safety equipment and also assist you with how to use climbing skins, how to dress properly and how to pack the back-pack. If you don't own ski-mountaineering equipment, there are shops will a large selection of ski-mountaineering boots and high-end powder-skis equipped with special ski-mountaineering bindings for rent and purchase.

INTRO TO SKI MOUTNAINEERING

A great introduction to ski mountaineering covering the basics: hazard assessment, route finding, glacier travel, equipment selection and use, snow and ice anchors, ascending and descending techniques, plus lots of powder turns in new terrain. Participants must have some backcountry ski touring experience, be comfortable and confident in advanced terrain [black diamond runs] in a variety of snow conditions, and be physically fit. No mountaineering experience necessary. Skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers welcome.

NON-MECHANIZED TOURING

This put simply, under your human power only. This is the most tranquil and rewarding way to ski in the hills. No heli, sno-mo, or plane. We have several spectacular areas to operate that fall into these categories. Not to mention the most affordable! So cancel the 2 days of heli skiing and come for week with me.

HELI TOURING

This approach to the terrain is gaining popularity. This style is far more affordable that heli-skiing maximizes the tour by cutting hours of the first ascent. We are landed on our first objective fresh and start off by making powder turns. How about a couple 1,000ft after your mornings coffee. We then stay in the high upper bowls and ridges for the day making as many laps as we can under our own power. If we are so inclined we can get a mid-day bump to another location or peak. After we have had enough we can either ski out to the valley or get a ride from the bird. It doesn't get any better than this.

WHY THE CHUGACH

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Looking into the endless possibilities. ~Photo Mark Allen

CHUGACH RANGE

The Chugach Mountains rise out of the water of southern Alaska and are the northernmost of the mountain ranges that make up the Pacific Coast Ranges making the western edge of North America. The range itself is about 300 miles long, running generally east-west. Its highest point is Mount Marcus Baker, at 13,176 feet (4,016 m), but most of its summits are not especially high around 5000-6000ft. Its position along the Gulf of Alaska and the Jet stream passing the Bering Sea ensure more snowfall in the Chugach than anywhere else in the world; an annual average of over 800in making the perfect maritime snow pack for Back Country Skiers.

A crew of skiers on top of the Granddady Coulior. This Is a prized lines of the Turnagain Pass and reachable during a day tour from the The Seward Highway. ~Photo Mark Allen

HOW YOU GET THERE!

You will fly into the Anchorage International Airport 30 miles away from the range. In the Western Chugach the acsess is trival. The range can be acsesses via road, snow mobile, Helicopiter, or ski plane. The Richardson Highway, Seward Highway, and the Glenn Highway run through the Chugach Mountains allowing access to the massive range of objectives. Because of the size of the range the guide can work the range to find the best conditions. The tunnel from Portage on the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet to Whittier on Passage Canal also provides railroad and automobile access underneath Maynard Mountain to the Prince William Sound. THis roads give us more skiing that you can do in a lifetime.

The World Extreme Skiing Championships are held annually in the Chugach near Valdez or in Girdwood. It is popular to oppperate out of Girdwood for it provides several vacation lodging opptions, resturants, and pubs in walking distance. If the conditions are too much for Back Country Skiing the Alyeska Resort Gondola in Girdwood is moments away.

Bellow Skiers enjoy trackless powder. A common occurance since this range receives 600-800in of snow a year. During 5 weeks of March and April 2008 the Chugach recived 120in. Every day was a powder day. ~Photo Mark Allen

ACCOMMODATIONS

Anchorage is a major resource for skiers and can provide any gear, rental, or supply needs that you have. Most programs will be operating out of resort town of Girdwood. This is a small quaint town with it unique local AK spice of powder hounds. I can help you arrange your lodging in a hotel or one the affordable Vacation Home rentals in my network.

ALTA HOUSE-DISCOUNTS FOR CLIENTS!!!!

Link to www.thealtahouse.com ABOVE in the ACCOMODATIONS TOOL BAR

Stay in one of the highly accomnidating ALTA HOUSES : "Starting at $55 per person, we offer some of Girdwood's most luxurious yet affordable vacation rentals, which accommodate couples, groups and everyone in-between. All of our lodging is private and newly renovated with private baths; and some include hot tubs, charcoal grills, full kitchens and washer and dryer, offering a more intimate experience than that of a typical hotel. And we are pet friendly!"
Go to their web site and select a size and style of accomidation that you like. All of my clients are discounted here to the already reasonable pirce. These fully fernished homes can Once you are all set in we can walk down to Chair 5 for a beer and get filled in on our first day out!

DATES: MARCH-MAY 2009

Make contact with Mark Allen directly to get your group on the calander for this spring via e-mail:

mark.allen@mountainguides.com