South Fork, Chugach State Park; Powder Day!!!

After a really long drive from the house (15 minutes), we were in the back country, skinning up for some turns in fresh powder.
After a 1.5 hour hike up to the summit of this unnamed peak at 3985ft, we spotted a nice run down the backside, into an area sometimes called "the North Pole".

Above photo looking south down Indian Creek Valley.

Above photo looking west out the Arctic Valley.

Gretchen getting pumped for some turns!

Temptation Peak.
Gretchen visualizing her run. Unfortunately, some one else got first turns today, I'd say we got thirds...

Gretchen ripping it up!

TELE TURN!!! Yeah!!! Drop the knee, free the heel!!!

About half the run.
Nearing the end of the run, and the day. Sunset in Alaska, around 4pm. Sunrise, around 9am; not saving very much time for skiing....

Jacks First Ski-Jouring Lesson

It was a gorgeous, crisp, clear day up at Hatchers Pass. A perfect day for Jack's first skijouring lesson. We discovered Jack can pull, and pull, and pull really hard. Jasper on the other hand, needs some re-training...
A round trip of 7 miles, approx. 3.5 miles out and back on the Gold Mint Trail. Snow conditions were quite decent, considering we havent seen any new accumulation in almost two weeks.

All Hallow's Eve