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Third Annual Beartooth Summer Third Annual Beartooth Summer Session Presented by ON3P Ski Company

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

The Third Annual Beartooth Summer Session is set to occur from Wednesday through Sunday, June 5th-June 9th at Beartooth Basin Ski Area, formerly Red Lodge International Summer Ski Camp, and in the surrounding backcountry.

The little ski area, near the top of Beartooth Pass on the Montana/Wyoming border, features two high-speed poma lifts, steeps, chutes, cornices, and a terrain park at the bottom. The ski area was first opened in the 1960s as a venue for summer ski race training. During the late 1990s and early 2000s the ski area saw an influx of newschool skiing. Mickey Price, Tony Gilpin, Glen Plake, and Donovan Power trained and coached alongside Tanner Hall, Wiley Miller, Paul Cotter, and many others. Prominent film companies such as Teton Gravity Research, Team 13, and Toy Soldier Productions have featured footage from the Beartooth Basin Ski Area in their films.

The Second Annual Beartooth Summer Session brought approximately 100 skier visits and 40 competitors from all around North America. Writers from Teton Gravity Research, Sking Magazine, Bomb Snow Magazine, and Explore Big Sky covered the event.

ON3P Ski Company and other sponsors will be working with the ski area to host the session and build a quality terrain park and competition course. The event, terrain park, and ski area will be open to the public as well as to invited riders and photographers. In addition to world-class, lift-accessible summer skiing, the surrounding area has excellent backcountry access, including day-long tours, boot packs, and car shuttle laps.

On Saturday, June 8th, a big-mountain/slopestyle competition will take place at Beartooth Basin. Competitors will take top-to-bottom runs and be judged on style, technique, amplitude, and consistency.

ON3P will have its fleet of demo skis available free to the public. Tickets to the ski area will be discounted for session attendees to $40 per day. Half day tickets for $35 will also be available.

More details including group lodging options, competition registration, and a roster of invited riders will be published at www.beartoothsummersession.com . View the rest of the media gallery here. We hope to see you next month in the Beartooths.

Get ready for the summer season with awesome gear deals here.
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Go! A Snowboard Road Trip Epis Go! A Snowboard Road Trip Episode 2 - The North Face

From: thenorthface
Description:

GO! A Snowboard Road Trip Webisode 2 Jackson Hole. Meet up with the Go! Boardin crew of Lucas DeBari, Blake Paul, Alex Yoder and Kael Martin as they head to Jackson Hole, link up with Jackson legend, Bryan Iguchi to ride some deep and awesome snow.

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1 week ago
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TGR Explores the Kootenay Rock TGR Explores the Kootenay Rockies, BC - Almost Live Season 5 Episode 8

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

Follow the TGR team through the Kootenay Rockies, as they work their way north from the eclectic ski town of Rossland, BC. Along the way, their stops include the powder caked slopes of Red Mountain, the steep lines of Stellar Heli Skiing and the endless pillow lines at Selkirk Wilderness Skiing. Living in the mountains in this region of British Columbia truly defines a Way of Life.

Music: Jeff Cormack & Play PLus Record playplusrecord.com

Watch Almost Live episodes HERE

Shop TGR Merchandise as seen in this episode of Almost Live HERE

Check out Red Mountain HERE
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Stevens Pass: More Snow Than H Stevens Pass: More Snow Than Hype

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

Words and Images by Joey Mara

The Cascades are loaded with underrated gems—and Stevens Pass is definitely one of them. Not only is the resort peppered with steep terrain, it also enjoys massive storms that make the mountain a freerider’s dream. Only eighty miles from downtown Seattle, Stevens Pass has been slinging lift tickets for seventy-five years. In that time, it’s been responsible for more than a few people calling in sick to sample the latest storm. With ten lifts serving 1,125 acres spread between the mountain’s front and backside, the resort accommodates skiers and riders of all ability levels. Nonetheless, the mountain is best known for its expert terrain.

No one disputes that the snow in the Pacific Northwest is deep, yet its quality is often up for debate. A few locals will come clean, however, and reveal that labels like “cascade concrete” are misnomers designed to keep tourists away. The snow at Stevens is premium—and thanks to receiving over 450 inches of snow annually, there’s plenty of pow to go around. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the mountain to see upwards of 650 inches in a season.

After a storm, however, the snow at Stevens is typically measured in feet thanks to a unique weather phenomenon known as the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. West of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains split incoming storm tracks, forcing their wind and moisture to divide to the north and south and collide again when they converge at the Cascades. This concentrates precipitation in the vicinity of Stevens Pass. Consequently, storms may hammer the mountain while other resorts in the state receive only a fraction of this snowfall. Needless to say, the storms at Stevens make dreams come true—just come prepared with a snorkel. In December of 2012, for example, a storm dropped 39 inches at the base of Stevens and sixty inches at its summit in just a twenty-four hour period.

Stevens Pass lacks the glamour (and excessive amenities) of a mega resort—and that’s fine with those who call the mountain home. For the courageous, Stevens has plenty of steep lines—perfect for those who like to push limits and occasionally piss their pants. Pillows, chutes, steeps, cliffs, and spines all litter the mountain, while the tree skiing is also world class. It might be worth befriending a local when you come to Stevens, as much of this terrain can be elusive to the uninitiated. To further maximize your time at Stevens, be ready for some serious storm riding. Locals revel in the free refills provided by Steven’s heavy snowfall. The mountain’s night skiing can also add a new dimension to chasing powder. And if you’re fortunate enough to catch a bluebird day, Cowboy and Rooster Ridges provide an ample canvas for laying down creative lines. It should come as no surprise that skiers and riders can explore Stevens season after season and continue to find new zones.

Stevens Past to Present Celebrating 75 Years! from Joey mara on Vimeo.

For those prepared to venture outside the access gates, the backcountry at Stevens Pass is the real deal. Due to the high amount of snow and steep terrain, avalanches occur frequently. Adding to the danger, visibility can change rapidly. That being said, a wealth of ridges, back bowls, and peaks can be accessed via the lifts or by touring from the highway or nordic trails. Much of Steven’s backcountry dumps skiers at the highway, enabling them to easily hitch a ride back to the resort.

In addition to its natural terrain, Stevens Pass boasts a solid park. The Top Phlight park crew spends its days prepping dozens of rails and kickers of all sizes. Stevens also has one of the few halfpipes in the state of Washington. Thanks to the diversity of its terrain, the mountain is a breeding ground for well-rounded rippers.

Stevens has remained under the radar thanks, in part, to a lack of accommodations at its base. For those wishing to stay close to the slopes, a variety of rental cabins are available on both sides of the pass. Most visitors, however, stay in or around the town of Leavenworth on the east side of the pass. Located forty-five minutes from Stevens, Leavenworth sports a Bavarian theme and offers plenty of entertainment for those looking to kick back and slip off their boots. During the winter months, the town is lit up with Christmas lights and the streets are packed with Seattleites hoping to escape the city, shop, and enjoy some food and drinks at German pubs. For those looking for no-frills lodging, the small towns of Skykomish and Gold Bar on the Seattle side of the pass offer affordable options.

Stevens will never be a Whistler or an Aspen—and it does not want to be such a resort. And while the scene is mellow, the mountain is not. Needless to say, Stevens has no shortage of challenging terrain—and good company with whom to explore it. The people are friendly and the snow is deep. If you measure your seasons in faceshots and high fives, Stevens might be your soulmate.
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Go: North Cascade Heli Go: North Cascade Heli

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

North Cascade Heli from Joey mara on Vimeo.

Words And Video By Joseph Mara

In a cut-off corner of north-central Washington State, a little known heli-skiing operation has been flying under the radar for nearly thirty years. North Cascade Heli (NCH), located in the town of Mazama, operates in a 300,000 acre permit area just south of North Cascades National Park. Pioneered by Harris Sanford in the early 80’s and then named Liberty Bell Alpine Tours, the outfit is now run by owners and guides Paul Butler and Ken Brooks. Their multifaceted operation now offers several different experiences ranging from a single heli-day (seven guaranteed runs or money back) and private flight time charters, all the way to extended guided touring trips at their two-story backcountry yurt. Planning a longer trip is recommended because weather conditions in the North Cascades vary drastically from day to day. The operating season is short, only seventy days from mid-January through March. Space fills up quickly so plan months in advance if you can.

NCH offers a wide variety of terrain for all ability levels. Their longest run is 3,800 vertical feet, touring through high alpine peaks, glades, and trees. Bowls, couloirs, and slide paths are also on the menu. Snow? Yeah, they have plenty of that. The Cascades receive huge deposits of white gold every year and boast some impressive totals, including the single season world record snowfall of 1,140 inches held by Mt. Baker, situated just west of the helicopter permit area. The Cascades are the most glaciated mountains in the lower forty eight and are one of the few mountain ranges in North America with active volcanoes, including Mt. Rainier rising to over 14,000 feet. This makes the Cascades one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the world, and there is no better way to experience them than by helicopter.

You will be in good hands at NCH with some of the most experienced guides in the business. Pilot Seamus O’Daimhin, a Vietnam Veteran who flies for logging and fire-fighting operations in the summer, has eyes in the back of his head. You will buzz low over mountain peaks and watch the bottom drop out as you cross ridges between runs. With such a large permit area and a max elevation of 9,000 feet, NCH can always find the good snow, even after a big warm up. conditions. If you get lucky, your guide just might take you to Stair Step, and Seamus will drop you off on a tiny mountain peak landing that may test your faith in him.

The typical one day trip begins in the heli-barn at 7:30 AM with a review of the day’s schedule and backcountry safety protocol, followed by weigh-ins and outfitting of all guests with the necessary safety equipment. Afterwards, a short review of proper beacon, shovel, and probe use takes place outside. Once everyone has completed the safety training, the pilot will go over the dos and don’ts of riding on board the A-Star B2 helicopter. Around 9:00 AM, up to three groups of four guests each will take turns loading the bird and flying out to their first run. Seven runs with lunch provided is a typical day, and additional runs can be purchased on the spot with time and weather permitting. Expect to arrive back at the heli-barn by mid-afternoon with a huge grin and a hankering for cold beer (BYOB). If you will be enjoying an extended stay with NCH, you will be shuttled to the Barron Yurt to begin your multi-day backcountry tour. The touring packages can often include an extra “heli-bump” or two.

NCH’s location in Mazama is why it’s one of Washington’s best-kept secrets. Mazama is relatively isolated during winter months due to the closure of the west side of the North Cascades Highway. The Washington State Department of Transportation cannot maintain the road because of the massive amounts of snowfall. Most guests come from the Seattle area and make the four and a half hour drive around. Lodging can be found in Mazama at the Freestone Inn, or The Rolling Huts if you are looking for a more rustic experience (outhouses and no sink). Nearby Winthrop is a charming old western town which is well worth a stop for lodging, hot air balloons, the oldest legal saloon in Washington State, city girls on vacation, or the rusty old cowhands and their classic cars. Make sure to check out Kelly’s restaurant at The Rolling Huts outside of town for the best Irish food around, not to mention Steve’s signature cocktails which may or may not include real absinthe (ask for the “Aviation”). For anglers, this is prime steelhead country as well. The nearby Methow River offers excellent fishing and the latter half of NCH’s operating season coincides with the start of the fishing season. The cross-country skiing is also world class possibly more popular here than alpine skiing (if you happen to know someone who is into that). This seldom seen corner of the country is more than worth a visit. Combine the skiing, the natural beauty of the North Cascades, the uniqueness of Mazama and Winthrop, and NCH’s nearly three decades of heli-operation experience and you might just leave with a new annual tradition.
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Rahlves' Banzai Tour Finishes Rahlves' Banzai Tour Finishes Strong

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

Truckee, Calif. (March 12, 2013) –Throughout the past two months, skiers, snowboarders and spectators alike have descended upon the Tahoe area to compete in and watch the rowdiest race in the Sierra. Rahlves’ Banzai Tour brought in tough competition from across the country to four renown Lake Tahoe resorts for the ultimate test of ski and riding skills. The tour also entertained guests with quintessential pre and après ski parties, exciting results, and photo finishes.

Starting at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, athletes were challenged by “The Wall,” which proved to be one of the most challenging races to date, as competitors had to drop into an intimidating 20 ft. vertical wall right out of the gate. For the second tour stop hosted at Alpine Meadows, athletes were tested with fast and rough terrain, while spectators were entertained with the closest and most dramatic photo finish in Banzai history. With warm spring-like weather on the first day of the Squaw Valley tour stop, and formidable conditions on Sunday, Squaw tested the resilience of Rahlves’ Banzai Tour, as well as the dedication of tour participants. However, with fresh snow in the forecast, Rahlves’ Banzai Tour rallied for the final tour stop at Sugar Bowl Resort, home of the original Silver Belt Banzai.

The Sugar Bowl Final and Super Final concluded the tour in true Banzai style, complete with strong competition paired with music, barbecue, libations and the beloved Banzai atmosphere of camaraderie and healthy competition. Banzai veterans Johnny Bochenek, Kyle Coxon and John Lange took the top spots for men’s skiing during the Silver Belt, which also qualified Lange as the final athlete to compete in the Super Final. Men’s snowboarded Chelone Miller raced to first in the Silver Belt, while women’s snowboarder Kiana Putman and women’s skier Shannon Rahlves both secured the top spot in their respective categories. The men’s Super Final provided drama and a $5,000 paycheck to Salt Lake City skier Kyle Coxon. “The Sugar Bowl final and Super Final were awesome,” said Daron Rahlves. “It was a beautiful day, fans lined the course and the athletes delivered a great show. I wanted to be skiing in the Super Final, but instead was an excited fan like the rest watching and stoked for Kyle Coxon taking home the 5 grand. I will be back in the Super Final next year so those boys better start training now ha, ha. I’m so grateful to my wife and kids for the endless support, all the sponsors, the fans and athletes for making this year’s tour the best yet. ”

2013 Sugar Bowl Silver Belt Banzai Top Finishers Included:

• Men Ski 1st Johnny Bochenek; 2nd Kyle Coxon; 3rd John Lange

• Men Snowboard 1st Chelone Miller; 2nd Sylvain Duclos; 3rd Lucas Dehmlow

• Women Ski 1st Shannon Rahlves; 2nd Shelly Robertson; 3rd Hannah Jermstad

• Women Snowboard 1st Kiana Putman; 2nd Macy Price; 3rd Carrie Hall

2013 RBT Overall Top Finishers Included:

• Men Ski 1st Johnny Bochenek; 2nd Kyle Coxon; 3rd John Lange

• Men Snowboard 1st Chelone Miller; 2nd Lucas Dehmlow; 3rd Adam DeVargas

• Women Ski 1st Shannon Rahlves; 2nd Shelly Robertson; 3rd Hannah Jermstad,

• Women Snowboard 1st Casey Lucas; 2nd Macy Price; 3rd Anna Weber

2013 RBT total prize purse winnings:

Men Ski

•Johnny Bochenek$14,200

•Kyle Coxon $9,500

•Jesse Maddex$3,900

•John Lange$2,600

Men Snowboard

•Chelone Miller$8,150

•Lucas Dehmlow$2,900

•Adam DeVargas$2,150

Women Ski

•Shannon Rahlves$6,750

•Shelly Robertson$2,000

•Hannah Jermstad$1,000

Women Snowboard

•Casey Lucas$2,550

•Macy Price$1,100

•Iris Lazzareschi$750

For those who are curious about the tour’s name, Banzai is a Japanese term expressed as an exuberant cheer meaning, “Long Life!” or “Hurray!” An apt name for a high-spirited downhill ski and snowboard competition, the Silver Belt Race first took place in the 1940s at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and was re-introduced with the head-to-head action by Daron Rahlves and Sugar Bowl in 2009. The race continued with one event for another year, and then Rahlves decided to take the show on the road, officially launching Rahlves’ Banzai Tour and expanding to stops at four of Lake Tahoe's premier resorts.

The Rahlves Banzai tour is presented by Bank of The West. The Rahlves Banzai Tour is also supported by sponsors such as Red Bull, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Contour, CEP “intelligent sportswear”, North Lake Tahoe Chamber/VCB/Resort Association, Spyder, Atomic, Start Haus Ski Shop, Wend Wax, COAL, SVE/BOSE, The Bar Effect, World Cup Supply, Jagermeister, Snow Fest, Sports Insurance, Technical Equipment Cleaners, Resort at Squaw Creek, ZINKA, 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio, Tahoe TV, POWDER Mag, High Fives Foundation and CRUX Events, thereby creating an alluring $80,000 prize purse. For more information, to check out previous race results, videos and to register, visit www.rahlvesbanzai.com. For up-to-the-minute news, “Like” The Rahlves’ Banzai Tour on Facebook and follow @RahlvesBanzai on Twitter & download the free Official Banzai App on your smart phone at banzai.genzplay.com
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Thunder Glacier - Mountain Man Thunder Glacier - Mountain Man Mission Episode 1

From: johnwellsma
Description:

John Wells and Pete Durr skiing the Thunder Glacier in the North Cascades. Filmed and edited by John Wells

"I have walked by the Thunder for about 10 years on many missions to ski Mt. Baker. Never have I seen the snow bridges and bergschrunds so filled in. This was a moment of exploration, perfect planning, and route finding that all came together in 7 minutes of big mountain fun. Enjoy, many more Mountain Man Missions to come this summer! Stay tuned. Winter has its way of bowing out, gracefully throwing in the towel moving on towards a new season and different weather cycles. With the close-out or shuddering of Winter the mountains are the fullest, the snowpack is settled and locked in for the spring, at these moments you can steal a line from the mountain gods before it is too late and summer is here." - John Wells

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News: Backcountry.com Signs TG News: Backcountry.com Signs TGR Athlete Ian McIntosh To Pro Team

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

Canadian pro freeskier Ian McIntosh is a hard-charging specimen of brute strength, raw talent, and pure style. Today, Backcountry.com, online specialty retailer of premium outdoor gear, welcomes McIntosh to their 34-member Pro Team. No slouch to slashing turns on steep powder faces, electrifying crowds at comps, or bringing his A-game for the camera, McIntosh joins an elite athlete roster that includes some of the most talented professionals in skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

“We are super excited about having Ian join our program,” said Jonny Atencio, Sports Marketing Manager at Backcountry.com. “I've known Ian since he was competing on the Freeride Tour – the guy is a beast. His ability to seek out and ski unique lines is uncanny. We look forward to Ian's contributions to our community, as he will be providing product reviews, answering questions, and uploading photos and video to the Backcountry.com site.”

Growing up in the Kootenays in interior British Columbia, Canada, McIntosh has had skis strapped to his feet since he was two-years-old. As part of a family that was crazy about skiing – his grandfather is still an instructor at age 85 – McIntosh honed his love for speed and technique as a ski racer during his early years. But, as he got older, the big mountains were calling McIntosh’s name – which prompted a move to Whistler in 2004.

“Having an avid skiing family, it was natural for me to gain a huge love for the mountains,” said McIntosh. “I was ski touring with my family from age 10. But, my love for powder quickly overtook my love for racing and I found myself completely addicted to skiing and over the years became a successful ski bum. Many things helped me hone my skills over the years from racing to the Freeski Tour, but I attribute everything to those early years as a kid where my passion for the mountains was born.”
After a few years on the freeride comp circuit, where he took second-place overall on the Freeski World Tour in 2004 and won the North American crown the same year, McIntosh was invited to shoot with leading ski-film company Teton Gravity Research (TGR) – a dream of his. This opportunity opened the door to McIntosh’s ski career as he has become a leading athlete in not only TGR’s annual ski films, but many others including Warren Miller and Red Bull productions. In 2007, McIntosh won the Powder Magazine Awards “Breakthrough Performance” honor.

“My skiing today is evolving as I become more and more focused on going places where not many have ever been and skiing mountains and lines that have never been ridden,” said McIntosh. “Bigger challenges and bigger rewards are waiting. Joining Backcountry.com is super exciting for me because I think that I embody the backcountry spirit as strong as most.”
Consisting of some of the most experienced and respected athletes in the world, Backcountry.com’s Pro Team members are ambassadors – and affiliates – for the site. Through adding product reviews, updating their personal profile pages, and sharing news across their social media channels, Backcountry.com athletes are an extension of the brand helping connect and engage customers and the Backcountry.com community.

For more about Backcountry.com
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Announcing The Further and Dre Announcing The Further and Dream Factory Tour Winners

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

The dust has finally settled from the 2012 film tour, and the grand prize winners have been drawn. Both films this year provided a whole slew of amazing giveaways, and hopefully you walked away with something fresh from our sponsors.

And the winners are…

Jeremy Jones’ Further, presented by O’Neill

Grand Prize: John from Bellingham, WA won the trip for two to ride at Squaw Valley. We connected with John just after his trip, and it sounds like it was a pretty epic adventure. “The bluebird conditions, variety of terrain and size of Squaw Valley were incredible! The mountain is so large that we were having trouble keeping track of which chair went where for the first two days! We're already planning a return trip for next year and will be bringing our friends from our home mountain, Mt. Baker. A big thanks from Belinda and I to Squaw Valley and TGR for making this amazing trip possible!”

Runner up: Karta from Boulder, CO is headed to Japan to shred powder courtesy of Cloudline Tours. After seeing the Japan segments from Further, she couldn’t have been happier, and we can’t wait to see the pictures.

Second Place: Last but far from least, the head-to-toe O’Neill outerwear and a new board from Jones Snowboards goes to Jennifer in Boston, MA.

The Dream Factory

Grand Prize: A heli-skiing trip for two courtesy of Alaska Heliskiing goes to Garrett from Colorado. Pretty sure we heard his screams of excitement all the way up in Jackson Hole. Garrett has yet to take the trip but we look forward to his report and some pictures.

Runner Up: Caroline from Kentucky scored the trip for two to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Unfortunately she is fresh off an ACL tear but Jackson Hole has been awesome in working with her to shift the prize to a summer filled with mountain biking and hiking rehab…Her dream of skiing Jackson’s legendary terrain is going to have to wait another year.

Second Place: Ben in Colorado is getting hooked up with head-to-toe outerwear from The North Face and a pair of skis from Atomic.

From all of us at Teton Gravity Research, THANK YOU for making the 2012 tour a memorable one. The tours reached close to 300 cities combined across the globe, and without your amazing support every year, it simply would not be possible. Enjoy the rest of your season, and see you next fall!
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Wallisch And Laker Street Sess Wallisch And Laker Street Session - The North Face

From: thenorthface
Description:

Team freeskiers Tom Wallisch and Chris Laker take it to the streets.

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Go! A Snowboard Road Trip Epis Go! A Snowboard Road Trip Episode 1 - The North Face

From: thenorthface
Description:

Go! is the story about the travels of Lucas DeBari, Alex Yoder, Blake Paul, and Kael Martin as they rip around the country in a modded out 1993 Subaru Loyale.

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2 months ago
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The Weak 14 By Ian Compton The Weak 14 By Ian Compton

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

I am sorry I been away from my computer for so long. I made a pilgrimage North to Sugarbush VT where I met up with great friend Evan Williams. Fun times were had and laps were taken, thank you Sugarbush for providing us with such an amazing park. Since you all wanted more park skiing I thought a good ol' fashioned rap song would suffice. Enjoy and see you next Tuesday. - Ian

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Best of Xtreme Verbier - Freer Best of Xtreme Verbier - Freeride World Tour Finals

From: freerideworldtour
Description:

Highlights reel of the Swatch Xtreme Verbier 2013 by The North Face, final competition of the Freeride World Tour 2013.

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Teaser Xtreme Verbier - Freeri Teaser Xtreme Verbier - Freeride World Tour Finals

From: freerideworldtour
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Teaser of the SWATCH XTREME VERBIER BY THE NORTH FACE 2013, the finals of the Freeride World Tour 2013. On the mythical Bec des Rosses.

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Best of Fieberbrunn PillerseeT Best of Fieberbrunn PillerseeTal - Freeride World Tour 2013

From: freerideworldtour
Description:

Highlights reel of the Swatch Freeride World Tour Fieberbrunn Pillerseetal 2013 by The North Face® that took place Saturday March 16 2013.

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Cherry Picking – Points North Cherry Picking – Points North Heli “Buddy Love”, the Worm Glacier

From: kimhavell
Description:

Photo: Grant Kaye

Remote, bold, and mostly unknown, some of the dream, big mountain lines lie deep in Alaska's mountains and are accessible only by helicopter. Over the season, we will cherry pick the modern gems of ski descents from one of the greatest places on the planet for big mountain powder skiing: Alaska, The Dream Factory. It will be a display of mind-blowing, inspiring, and intense moments as we ask the heli-guides and owners to cherry pick a run from each of their permit areas. This is a look into what is possible by some of the best operators in the world and their talented guides, clients and athletes.

Buddy Love - Cherry Picking No. 2 - Points North Heli

The Worm Glacier is a Points North Heli (PNH) treasure. Sitting at the Southern entrance of the Chugach mountain range just north of Cordova, Alaska, the Worm zone offers a vast number of options off the peaks lining its valley. Terrain ranges from the 3,000ft warm-up run “Guilt Trip” to spines galore. The stand-out, however, is a peak named “Buddy Love” that, according to PNH Chef and tail guide Nathan Stone, “is undoubtedly the brains and beauty of the Worm Glacier. Flying in, if you can make it past the temptations viewed on approach, your eyes become fixated on this lone peak at the head of the valley.”

The prominent peak of Buddy Love is roughly 2800 vertical feet and a consistent 50-degree angle pitch. It is named after one of Cordova's most respected citizens and good friend of PNH, Bud Jansen, AKA “Buddy Love”. A third generation Inuit tribesmen, Bud is a central figure of the land-locked community. PNH photographer and friend Keoki Flagg explains, “Like most who were born and raised in Cordova, Buddy has made his living as a commercial fisherman. This giant of a man has a gentle, easy-going manner and he is engaged and committed to supporting any and all activities that help the community thrive.” Janson also owns the famous “Pro Shop” in Cordova, and the Worm Glacier and many of its runs are named in honor of him.

When Kent Kreitler put the first descent down Buddy Love it was pre-PNH as well as pre-most heli operations in AK. Kreitler was based off the Maritime Maid boat in Prince William Sound, close to the current Points North base. The first descent was documented in TGR’s film, “Harvest”. The segment opens with Kent charging from the top, airing over a rock outcropping, and then sending it to the bottom effortlessly in about eight turns.

Countless pros and film companies have visited the area over the years and superstar big mountain skier Wendy Fisher calls it the best heli run of her life. Pro snowboarders Mitch Toelder, Flo Orley and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Seth Wescott have also charged multiple routes off its face.

As Guide and Co-Owner, Jessica Sobolowski-Quinn shares, “Buddy Love used to be a peak I often skied with Kevin (Quinn – husband, guide, & co-owner). The landing zone is small and the adrenaline I would feel on the toe-in would stay with me for the first three turns skiing down. It’s exciting! Dropping onto the massive spine is intimidating, but as soon as you’re a quarter of the way down the run appears, the rollover fades away, and you are skiing a beautiful, consistently steep slope to the bottom.”

Sobolowski-Quinn adds, “It was a special moment when one of our guests, KC, skied it. She is a mom of three and in her forties. I was overcome with pride and awe. It's not often you see a lady just ripping the you-know-what out of a line like Buddy Love and doing it just for the sheer joy of doing it.”

Photo: Court Leve

PNH company man Stone describes the run:

“On the west aspect there are fluted spines, top to bottom. The apron is littered with gaping crevasses that catch your eye like an S.O.S distress signal from a pocket mirror. Due to its sun exposure, this aspect is rarely skied. But in the right conditions, it will be what you dream about.

Panning around to the northwest aspect, Buddy Love proper, is a beautiful A-framed layout. The tip of the peak is rarely landed on by helis as it occasionally can have wind scoured rock formations and a miniscule landing area; so about fifty percent of the landings are in the saddle just below the summit. This is where I set out for the quick climb to the top.

Once on the summit, as I double check my gear, the bass drum in my chest is increasing in velocity and depth. Peering over the tip of my board, the view is peppered rock and small cliffs scattered about the entrance. Beyond that, the only visual is the valley floor 3,000 feet below. Classic AK roll.

There are safe points. But if you are caught in the wrong area, it's taking you top to bottom in a hurry.

With a consistent 50-degree pitch, I have no problem finding the accelerator in the first turn. From there it offers several routes—my personal favorite being fall line. I work the mountain from right to left. A third of the way down, a distinct rib just calls for turns. Shedding snow forms rivers on both sides of me, and yet more concentrated on either side of the spine. I make a few surf-style turns, whipping the tail while scrubbing speed in the same motion. A smooth lip. Take off!

Airing a small cliff band, I am now in the gut. The belly of the beast. I have two choices at this point: wait out the slough train, or, my choice, hammer down, working left toward the shoulder, letting the snow fall away from me.

Getting to the bottom third, the thought of pointing to the finish line comes to mind. But keeping one step ahead, I lock onto the open seracs and depressions on the left side of the apron. All of the snow I've been avoiding is now catching me and its destination is the danger zone. Smashing the pedal to the floor, I exit right, just before the slough nips at my heels to pull me back fall line. Arms raised, yelling in ecstasy, I realize that I made it. And I rode it how I wanted.”

Be safe in the field, shop for all your avalanche saftey gear online at Backcountry.com

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