I went for a solo stroll in the backcountry of Bariloche, Argentina today.
I headed out to my favorite zone: ย Alaskita (little Alaska).
I had the entire 2,000-foot deep valley to myself. ย
There was no wind, no noise, no sound. ย
The day was like one long meditation. ย I didn’t know I needed that, but I did. ย It’s amazing how calm and collected I feltย this afternoon after this tour.
The snow up high was perfect. ย Creamy, pressed on, sluffy, super responsive, fun.
The snow down low was a bit punchy, but still soft and pliable. ย I just escapedย an large, wet sluff train that I didn’t see steaming towards meย until it was too late. ย 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. ย Bringing both out there tomorrow…
I did a run down Secret Chute (south facing) to get into the valley this am. ย Mistake… ย Ended up hanging myself out to dry with just tips and tails touching in a tight, 55ยบ chute for 50-vertical-feet. ย Puckered… ย Again, ice axe would have been nice…
PHOTO TOUR:
