Scott Rich

Backcountry skier living in Girdwood, Ak

All Time Alaskan Tree Skiing

New Year’s finally provided some much needed snow in Turnagain Pass, AK. Although the winds were fierce and any snow above treeline was becoming wind scoured, the trees were finally filling in. The snow was dense, soft and fast. Despite receiving over 24 inches in the upper elevations, it was skiing about three inches. The wind had completely buffed the snow over and made for some all time tree skiing. It felt great to finally play around in the trees again! There’s no shortage of fun features from pillows, to multiple staged drops to air off of and keep you on your toes! Currently, it’s been cold for about a week without precipitation. Much […]
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Alyeska, AK Conditions Report: 11″ Overnight, 196″ This Season

The last week has been a nice change of pace as it’s beginning to feel a lot like winter. Although it’s still raining at sea level, the snow line has dropped and it seems as if we’ve had our first real powder days of the season.

Yesterday the resort was closed due to high winds, allowing snow to accumulate during this last storm.Today the winds died down letting Alyeska open up the Aerial Tram, Chair 1 (midway laps only) and Glacier Bowl Express (Chair 6). There was only one wind hold on the tram and and Chair 6 the entire day… […]
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Alaska Backcountry Conditions Report: Deep Chugach Powder

Finally, it’s beginning to feel like winter again here in the Chugach Mountains, Alaska! After a false start in October, hopes were high for a great early season in the backcountry. All hopes were quickly destroyed once Typhoon Nuri decided to shift a jet stream of tropical weather into the heart of South Central, Ak. For almost two weeks, the after effects of Nuri bombarded Alaska with wet, warm tropical storms. Temperatures at sea level were hovering at a steady 42 degrees with the highest topping out around 48 degrees.
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Alaska Backcountry Conditions Report: Game ON in Girdwood

Standing at the top of Jewel Headwall. Milk Glacier in the background

On October 19th-20th, Girdwood received its first storm of the season where a significant amount snow accumulated and has stuck around at sea level. The storm dropped about 10 inches of wet heavy snow in town. Normally 10 inches wouldn’t be enough for anybody to actually ski unless you wanted to blow out your edge or a knee, but when you have a plethora of glaciers in the nearby valleys, it makes skiing very possible. Crow Pass is home to one of those glaciers, Jewel Glacier, nestled around 4,500 feet above Girdwood Valley. This glacier is fairly unique due to its easy access, meaning it does not require the normal tools that you would […]
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Scott Rich |
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