TR: Turnagain Arm AK 2-22 & 23

**col_surfer** · 02-26-2007, 02:56 PM

The response to Kellie`s most excellent Valdez TR has convinced me that you guys really dig the AK stoke, so here`s some pics from my most recent days touring near Girdwood. It hasn`t snowed in awhile, so maybe this will help.

TB and I headed up a familiar drainage we`d been exploring earlier this season, just looking for decent snow and fresh terrain. Highbush Peak was on the agenda, if not today, then very soon.

TB and Maggie climbing up with Turnagain Arm behind us.

A cold climb in the shade had us seeking the sun up high.

I commented sarcastically this would be the only good pow we`d find.

Ah, the sun! CPG cat-skiing terrain through the pass in the background.

Great lines for future touring. Also CPG heli terrain.

Skiing in the sun from the top of Bearberry.

Second run with better snow and alpenglow.

Sunset over a chilly Turnagain Arm. We weren`t looking forward to the tour back through the trees below.

Next day I hooked up with Ryan for more exploring in the area.

Tracks from the day before.

On top of Bearberry with Highbush shown behind Ryan.

Dropping in on the N. side of Bearberry.

Second turn across the slope.

And then it released.

Okay to ski now though.

Slide still moving downslope, hitting the rocks below.

Watch the plume build.

The expanding powdercloud below. The debris pile was inconsequential, however getting knocked down and stopping on an icy 45 degree slope was not an option.

Ryan coming down, the fractured face above right.

Our day continued higher in the sun.

On top of Highbush with the line we skied on Bearberry in the distance(sunlit ridge behind Ryan).

Peering down at a classic line; steeper but with better snow than our first run.

Me dropping in with Ryan on photo duties.

I can still do pedal turns with mid-fats. Ryan says sorry for the camera strap.

The snow held good and only sloughed a little, yet skied a bit funky due to recent wind events.

Taking a break while Ryan skied down to a spot for the camera exchange.

The snow was better after exiting the couloir.

A 4500' summit to sea run!

Alaska-sized cornices.

Light fading in the valley.

This debris was caused by temps 40 degrees warmer two weeks prior.

The best ski runs end by the ocean.

**GBB** · 02-26-2007, 03:02 PM

that's gorgeous.

looks like quite a slide you guys set off, glad you are both ok. thanks for the stoke!!

**TBski** · 02-26-2007, 03:03 PM

yeah that was a fun day, shit we need more snow.
"Funky snow"is another term for breakable/variable/semi crap in case you're wondering.

**Camel Toad** · 02-26-2007, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by TBski

we need more snow.

I concur. Nice TR, we decided this weekend was better for kiting.

**HikeforTurns** · 02-26-2007, 03:09 PM

fantastic pics man! I love the low angle sun shots.

**Karl Stall** · 02-26-2007, 03:11 PM

sweetness indeed - you guys are so lucky

**Phatstix** · 02-26-2007, 07:24 PM

Why in the hell is this on the second page? Come on Maggots, we're falling asleep at the wheel here!

bump

**Particle** · 02-26-2007, 07:33 PM

Oh hell yes. I might have to make the missus take that jawb in Anchorage in a couple years after all...yummmy. Love the light!

**my_alta_ego** · 02-26-2007, 11:11 PM

Whoa, I can see that`s some badass ski touring in less than ideal snow. Guess it`s not always fat pow up there. Nice avi shots too!

**yesIsaidyes** · 02-26-2007, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by my_alta_ego

Guess it`s not always fat pow up there.

Um yeah, that's an understatement.

**Mofro261** · 02-26-2007, 11:35 PM

Great AK stoke!!!

**Kellie** · 02-27-2007, 11:50 AM

Hooray for the beginning of TRs from col_surfer! I definitely vote for a "1st half of the season in review" TR. I'm jealous that you guys are skiing cool stuff without me . . . maybe it'll snow by the time I get back

**Sutter** · 02-27-2007, 11:57 AM

sweet AK stoke!

**HotCarl** · 02-27-2007, 12:20 PM

Thanks for the early morning boner. I'll be there in 12 days,bitches!!

**nhtele** · 02-27-2007, 12:23 PM

WOW!!! I had no idea you could day tour to terrain like that from town.

How's your snow depth? I reckon my May trip could be pretty fun...

**powders** · 02-27-2007, 01:22 PM

Wow, amazing shots, thanks for sharing!!

**TurnEarner** · 02-27-2007, 01:32 PM

yeah, really digging the ak stokes! spent a couple of weeks there in the summer, but these are definitely convincing me that a winter trip is in short order.

**Mirmel** · 02-27-2007, 01:41 PM

Truly inspiring and PURPLE trip report.

**IridePow** · 02-27-2007, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by col_surfer

Nice AK stuff..... and that's an amazing shot.

**ArmadaBC** · 02-27-2007, 02:39 PM

Beautiful TR, AK is just insane

**col_surfer** · 02-28-2007, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by nhtele

WOW!!! I had no idea you could day tour to terrain like that from town.

How's your snow depth? I reckon my May trip could be pretty fun...

Oh yeah, and the long spring days are still weeks away. Snowpack is generally pretty deep, though there`s a hard surface due to past wind and warming events. May should be awesome!

Kellie- we had even more wind on Mon, so now we`re desperate for snow. Hope it comes wet and heavy. Okay, half season TR will be forthcoming.

**HukIt AK** · 02-28-2007, 11:33 PM

Hella nice photos, sometimes I take for granted the killer stuff we have around here. Reading what the others wrote make me smile knowing its in my back yard.

NOW WHERES THE POW... It hasnt snowed since V-day.

**snowburns** · 03-01-2007, 03:04 AM

and it's still hella cold out, it'd be nice if we got a decent low pressure system moving in

**HyRUPz** · 03-01-2007, 07:59 AM

Zooohweee ! ! !

A to the motha friggin K !

**TBski** · 03-01-2007, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by HukIt AK

Hella nice photos, sometimes I take for granted the killer stuff we have around here. Reading what the others wrote make me smile knowing its in my back yard.

NOW WHERES THE POW... It hasnt snowed since V-day.

go explore your backyard if you want to find the pow..put in some sweat and toil and Ullr will return....ohhh burn some nice skis too, it always helps.