AK????

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

I need some powder. We're getting days in (even some really great days) but conditions have been lacking in powdery goodness. AK/BC/Yukon kiters - any here that would be willing to share some good spots? I'd be willing to drive up to 6 hrs from whichever airport offers the best options for snow and terrain with park & ride access.

Not looking to ride any resorts - just kite or go splitting for gravity turns - just hoping I don't have to have a bile to get to the goods?

fstdude · Since 16 Feb 2010 89 Posts

Dave you're nuts!

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

People have been going up to get some of the epic AK powder that is happening this season (over 350" so far at TP).
Fly to Anchorage and hook up with the the Alaska Kite Adventure crew (Eric, Tom, Steve, Obadiah, Gimme, ...). They will show you the goods.

lks · Since 06 Nov 2007 117 Posts Anchorage, Alaska Stoked

...we're getting dumped on as I write. Valdez is set to break the record for snowfall, i.e. over 40' this winter. Get ur ass up here while the kiting is good. Rick James is here.
LKS

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

Thompson Pass outta Valdez is "The" place? or do you guys hit most of your locations by bile?

How far of a drive from Anchorage to Thompson Pass? Or is Turnagain Pass the spot out of Anchorage only?

lks · Since 06 Nov 2007 117 Posts Anchorage, Alaska Stoked

Out of Anchorage, we usually hit Portage Glacier (the lake, 1 hr away) or Turnagain Pass (1.5 hr away), although with the snow we've been getting lately the coastal flats (in Anchorage) are sweet too. Then there are numerous lakes about an hour to an hour and a half north in and around Wasilla, (which, spelled backwards says "All I Saw...say "Hi" to Sara!)

Valdez and Thompson Pass are a good 5 - 6 hour drive from Anchorage, and you'd needlessly pass lot's of excellent kite spots to get there. I'd just sample the Anchorage fare if you're coming up here for the first time.

Another good source of information is Tom at alaskakiteadventures.com/

Tell him Les sent you. Best beer and pizza is at Moose's Tooth Pub. Give me a ring at Nine O Seven, 903, Ten Twenty Two and I can give you more particulars.
Les

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

Read this on another forum:

mmm!!! mmm!!! mmmm!!!! mmmm!!!! Drunk

.SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION 16 TO 28 INCHES THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING. SNOW DRIFTS 2 TO 3 FEET POSSIBLE.

Valdez has received 70 inches of snow in January and Thompson Pass checks in at 82 inches for the month. This brings our season totals thus far to 294 inches in town and 472 inches at Thompson Pass.

Oh man, the list and Quotes go on and on...

They're calling it "snowpacolypse", Thank You Ullr!!!

...and oh yeh, as the late great Daffy Duck once said "Mine mine mine, it's all mine!"

....now who's coming up to "Tailgate" this year?

Aeolus · Wed Jan 11, 12 3:07 pm

The latest Richardson highway out of Valdez. Very Happy

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

holy smokes, we are getting the shaft in OR/WA

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

Yes, I will be coming up to Tailgate again this year. Snowkite paradise. And the parking lot camping on Thompson Pass is similar to what the North Shore of Oahu must have been in the 60s. Very cool atmosphere. Sleds, helis, skins, and snowkites in some of the best terrain and snow on the planet. With easy access.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

that pic is insane

- we had a crazy snow year when i was living in seattle and went up for a backcountry at Paradise, Mt Ranier - the road was a tunnel like that shot - supercool until it started to snow - you couldn't tell where the wall began until you did bump - and really didnt want to ski all the way back to the road in the poor viz for fear of pitching in...