Things have been looking pretty good in the Chugach. This year, for
Tailgate, we have had a mixed bag of weather, with the benefit of it
going blue every now and again. This shot was taken on top of Skate
Park, while waiting for a ride up for my riding partner.


Once we drop in it is pow for miles. Untracked, fluffy and rolling.
It is really amazing to see so much wide open, rolling terrain with
so much untracked snow. You can find this at some resorts - at least
for the first 10 minutes after the lifts open. I think I could spend
a whole season just riding the Skate Park lap.


The best way to get "some" is to jump in the heli. Unfortunately for
us, limited budgets had us jumping in only for the 'big hits' hat
directly surround basecamp like Diamond, Python, RFS and the Berlin
Wall..

No matter what is happening, everywhere you point your
camera is a good shot. Here Tony and Nick check their lines on Diamond.


Kinger, Aaron and I hiked from the shoulder of the Berlin Wall to get
a nice afternoon shot. Not being related to a mountain goat, I found
the double exposed hike to be a little more sketchy than I was used
to. Next time I am bringing an ice axe.



Luckily, once on top, it is more familiar terrain. Unfortunately,
once I dropped in, I discovered the shimmering frost hoar was a thin
veil on hard chalk. High speed, steep and sketchy.


After riding, it was time for the "Fish Fry" our first annual social
mixer in Valdez, a part of the
target="new window">Never Summer Snowboards BBQ. After preparing
tons of local salmon fillets with the
target="new window">Snowrev crew, we were ready for action.


As were local band The Moondoggies.


Four grills, 450 Salmon fillets, some moose, halibut and sockeye
later, we were ready to chill and make some new friends over a cold
Alaskan IPA.


Thanks to Sheila, JD and Mr. Wan at the Mountain Sky Hotel
and Suites for making the Fish Fry such a great success.


Now this is how you Tailgate!

More to come, soon...