Alaska or Switzerland?

Originally Posted by Kyle09

What do you suggest then besides just saying don't do it. Because I am with you on that one, I don't really want to go heli skiing all by my self. It would still be amazing, but I would rather have someone to go with.

Just as I typed, if you're ever thinking of riding in the backcountry, you NEED to get the proper gear, take the proper classes, and ease into it. Totally agree with BurtonAvenger and now that I know that you're not at that level, one of the best introductions to the backcountry is with a snowcat service like is available in Alyeska.

Originally Posted by TahoeChappy

Based on what you continue to say, you can't go wrong with Alyeska. All I meant by my "mid March" comment is that depending on Mother Nature and the season, of course, you could get some rain at the base. But then again you could get that at ANY pacific / more maritime snowpack resort from Whistler down to Tahoe.

As another comment on Tahoe, besides all the numerous resorts that are on par or better than Alyeska when talking big mountain / freeride (Sugar Bowl, Squaw, Alpine, Rose, Kirkwood), there is a good cat service Welcome to Pacific Crest Snowcats, Skiing and Snowboarding at Lake Tahoe, California that can "ease" you into experiencing some backcountry riding. But then again, you've got heli and snowcat possibilities while in Alyeska / Girdwood as well.

So go to Alyeska and plan another trip some other time to Tahoe. You'll be stoked......

That's what I was thinking, I am just worried that my dad/brother who are both intermediate skiers will not be game for hitting up a snowcat tour, especially my dad because he hates deep powder. Hopefully they will just balls up and go with me. I have been backcountry a couple times in Colorado, and it the best boarding i have ever experienced.

Originally Posted by TahoeChappy

Just as I typed, if you're ever thinking of riding in the backcountry, you NEED to get the proper gear, take the proper classes, and ease into it. Totally agree with BurtonAvenger and now that I know that you're not at that level, one of the best introductions to the backcountry is with a snowcat service like is available in Alyeska.

I have been twice with an old friend that tears shit up, we didn't do any too intense, but we went down some crazy steep bowls and there were times were I though I was for sure going to get suaced, but I was able to hold my own....most of them time

Edit: I Definitally dont have the proper gear or training to do REAL backcountry stuff like the pics in your blog.

Originally Posted by Kyle09

That's what I was thinking, I am just worried that my dad/brother who are both intermediate skiers will not be game for hitting up a snowcat tour, especially my dad because he hates deep powder. Hopefully they will just balls up and go with me. I have been backcountry a couple times in Colorado, and it the best boarding i have ever experienced.

Well, you might have to go han solo on the cat. Similar ability level isn't as critical on a cat as heli, but you certainly don't wanna take someone who either struggles in powder and/or doesn't view that as their idea of fun. Honestly, the conditions will dictate a lot of what you'd want to do anyway, so plan the trip with the hope / option of getting a day in the cat and let your dad / brother make a game time decision when there.

And still nothing but full thumbs up with all the feedback you've provided on going to Alyeska...

Yeah I think I am going to start making reservations for aleyska. Very stoked for this vacation! Thanks for the help chappy,snowolf, & avenger

Edit: Now you got any recommended runs/secret spots/kickers for me!

wow very nice thanks for all the info and pics!!

[PaoloSmythe]

well it seems that the AK phillic mob has convinced you of your destination, so what can i say?

i haven't been to AK, but i hear that altho it is snow sure, the sort of weather conditions that create such a winter paradise, can also see you stuck in the lodge for days on end, either due to blizzard; seriously sub zero temps; or just plain good old white out.

to the other extreme, switzerland, being stuck in the middle of eurolandia, can be less snow sure. even zermatt can be limited in its fun capacity and it has a year round glacier to ride.

i don't know where you live, so i cannot comment on accessibility; but international flights go into geneva and then it is 90 minutes drive to most west swiss resorts, such as zermatt.

costs are high. they do not have the euro, but the swiss franc still. but that doesn't prevent the cost of accommod and lift tix from being 'fuck me' expensive. also they speak mainly french or german, altho some can get by with anglais... just.

i cannot say whether SUI is like COL; (i haven't been to the latter) but if COL has all the types of terrain you need to become terrified of what yo umight try, and can provide you with several thousand meters of descent per run, then yeah, its like COL.

chose carefully.... i think they are the two polar opposites on potential weather, but identical with regard to the sort of topography they can offer.

Originally Posted by Snowolf

Actualy, for the most part Anchorage and Alyeska have pretty benign weather. It is a maritime climate and as such is milder than the majority of Alaska such as inland (Fairbanks) or the north slope. We have far worse weather on a regular basis on Mt. Hood than Alyeska sees, so I would`nt be too concerned about weather at Alyeska or the Chugatch Range in general. Expect temps to be in the upper teens on most days (though it can get to -10 or even -20 in Anchorage, though that is fairly rare. When I rode in Fairbanks, it was -38 but it is a dry cold so it did not feel as bad as a typical day in Michigan at 10 above!

Kyle:

I am planning two trips to Alaska this year. One over Christmas to teach and do some riding in my off time and then later around the beginning of March to hook up with Chugatch Powder Guides and do some cat ridings, maybe heli if the money is there. I am flexible on timing so if you decide to go for Alaska, we might be able to coordinate this like a mini meet. I will be driving up to Fairbanks for a few days again this year as well.

Mini meet would be tight! I think I will be probably leaving friday march 13th(friday 13) But most likly will be going saturday the 14th. But I will be there in the time frame of march 13 thew possibly the 23rd. I still need to get all my reservations and everything figured out also. My parents are paying for this one so they have more control of it than I do, because we have a timeshare deal and im sure they will be wanting to use that, but who knows. Ill let you know the exact dates when i will be there when I find out, it should be pretty quickly.

Originally Posted by Kyle09

Trying to decide where to go for the next vacation, and am inbetween Alaska or Switzerland. Tell me where you would rather go and why.

hahaha sounds like a question from blind date

if u were an animal which animal wud u be? lol

Originally Posted by Kyle09

Trying to decide where to go for the next vacation, and am inbetween Alaska or Switzerland. Tell me where you would rather go and why.

I would go to Utah... Why you ask? Because the got the FREAKING BEST SNOW IN THE WORLD and incredible resorts to match it. Can't wait till next season, I will prob stay 7 to 10 days there.

Switzerland has had a couple of rough years with lack of good snow, I hope they finally get a break this season .