Alaska, Valdez
Chasing Snow to Alaska
As a guide and forecaster, I’ve chased snow across continents — but nothing quite compares to the magic of Alaska in April. This year’s trip stood out, thanks to a special blend of friendship, ambition, and wild terrain.
The Team: Dylan and Josh
I teamed up with Dylan Robinson, a fellow lover of untamed landscapes and a skilled photographer. Together, we set our sights on Valdez, where the mountains crash into the sea in the most dramatic way.
Waiting for us in Valdez was our long-time friend Josh McDonald — sailor, snow lover, and avalanche forecaster. He runs sailing-based ski trips out of Valdez and works at the Valdez Avalanche Centre. His 50-foot sailboat, the Raven, would be our basecamp for the trip — a majestic, ocean-worthy vessel ready for backcountry adventure.
Anchored in the Chugach
We arrived just ahead of a storm cycle and anchored in the calm waters of Prince William Sound, encircled by the mighty Chugach Mountains. The setting was unreal — silent, vast, and waiting.
The timing was perfect. A storm was inbound, promising fresh snow, and the surrounding views were next-level. Dylan’s camera was in constant motion, capturing the shifting moods of the Alaskan landscape — a visual feast for any photographer.
A Rare Day of Rest
As the storm rolled in, we were granted a full day of rest — a rare and welcome break during a season packed with back-to-back guiding in Canada. The downtime gave us space to reset, dry gear, and build anticipation.
Once the skies cleared and the new snow settled, it was go-time. The energy among us was electric — we were ready to ride.
Lines of a Lifetime (and a Few We Couldn’t Reach)
As the trip progressed, warming temps brought rising avalanche danger. That meant we had to back off from a few of our bigger objectives. But the lines we did get were nothing short of incredible — soft, scenic, and seriously fun.
Under deep blue skies, each turn sent powder flying. And thanks to Josh’s intimate knowledge of the terrain, we found exactly what we were looking for: safe, rewarding, and wildly beautiful skiing.
Living Aboard the Raven
The rhythm of life on the Raven was its own kind of magic. Evenings were spent drying gear, sharing stories, reviewing Dylan’s stunning photos, and mapping out the next day's plan. The warmth of the cabin, the camaraderie, and the shared stoke created the kind of connection you only find on trips like this.
Leaving Inspired
When the trip came to an end, we didn’t leave with regret over what we couldn’t ski — we left with inspiration. We had new lines in mind, unfinished dreams, and a promise to return.
Sometimes, the strongest pull isn’t from what you rode — it’s from what you didn’t. That’s the allure of Alaska.
Until Next Time
Alaska calls to those who are willing to listen. We’re already planning our next trip — back to Valdez, back to the Raven, and back to the endless possibilities of skiing in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
If you dream of skiing in Alaska, take it from us: there’s nothing quite like sailing into the mountains, where each descent is earned and every view is unforgettable.
Here’s to wherever the snow takes us next.
Until then, keep chasing the snow.
