Miles atop the spines today. photo: snowbrains

I went for a solo stroll in the backcountry of Bariloche, Argentina today.

I headed out to my favorite zone: Alaskita (little Alaska).

I had the entire 2,000-foot deep valley to myself.

There was no wind, no noise, no sound.

The day was like one long meditation. I didn’t know I needed that, but I did. It’s amazing how calm and collected I felt this afternoon after this tour.

The snow up high was perfect. Creamy, pressed on, sluffy, super responsive, fun.

The snow down low was a bit punchy, but still soft and pliable. I just escaped an large, wet sluff train that I didn’t see steaming towards me until it was too late. I was lucky to have been able to ski out of it.

The hike out was interesting with 4 technical ice booting sections that had me yearning for my ice axe and maybe even crampons. Bringing both out there tomorrow…

I did a run down Secret Chute (south facing) to get into the valley this am. Mistake… Ended up hanging myself out to dry with just tips and tails touching in a tight, 55º chute for 50-vertical-feet. Puckered… Again, ice axe would have been nice…