Alyeska, AK 12-12 through 12-14-08

Scotsman and I had REAL business to do in Alaska, most of it included skiing.
We both took one for the team, because the storm hit Washington about the time we started our skiing in AK. It made us feel better that all the Washington skiers were freezing their Popsicles off, while we were basking in 5 to11 degree temps.
We missed the big storm earlier in the week that deposited 48 inches of new in 2 days in AK, but we were able to score the 5th and 6th person in Max's run that had not opened all year for knee deep, fast, alder dodging cold smoke.
Most of the time was perfectly clear, which made for excellent visibility since I had never skied AK before and Scotty says Alyeska can be notorious for whiteouts. Nearly all the runs were open due to the huge snowpack, but the days are short and Scotsman and I could not figure out what to do with our time before the lifts opened at 10:30am. We would be fully dressed, boots on by 8.30 am with Scotty pacing and smoking near the tramdock for 2 hours being fueled by frequent cups of coffee.
The Christmas Chute (2600vert) and Northface (2300vt) offered plenty of ripping entertainment for the both of us with piles of cold smoke and freshies still leftover from the recent storm.
We recommend staying at the Castle Greystoke (Alyeska Resort) at the base, they offer skiing, lodging and a superior breakfast for about $105 a person!
Be careful asking any ski patrol for information or you may get unfriendly stares, surly lies and a shoulder colder than a icy seat on a unswept chair. :

Pictures in order are:
Joe getting his shopping done early on Christmas Chute
Scotty burning off some caffeine
Gunning to catch the last tram as lighting fades

Well played fellas!

Joe spent nearly the entire time skiing one run, Xmas Chute which I declined to follow as steep, narrow rock lined chutes in " no fall terrain "scare me silly. I contented myself with lapping the north face down to the tram dock, repeat, repeat, with occasional forays over to the high traverse for velvet powder on Max's.

Nice trip and as Joe says, ski ticket, breakfast and a bed for $105 in a 4 star hotel can't be beat as long as you can get your company to pay for airfare for the " business meeting".

After 3 days of trying to keep up with Joe, I need a rest!

Joe spent nearly the entire time skiing one run, Xmas Chute

With that I just can't resist one more picture to show why. The chutes are in the middle of the picture, even in the height of the day the lighting was flat, but the run was real, real steep...Lookers right is Christmas Chute, on the left is New Years Chute (not open yet  )
Scotty is a great travel companion, all the coaxing in the world could not get him to do that chute though. I admit every run up top, there was a heightened awareness to every turn, but perfect packed powder made for high speed GS turns mid chute and at the bottom, untouched boot deep. alder dodge pow for 1000vt feet to the flat track back to the tram.
The trip was worth that run alone!
Maxines Restarant off the beaten path is incredible for dinner, quiet and eclectic menu awesome food, deep fried Falafels yum, all entree portions to give you fuel into the next day!

Dang that looks like soooo much fun!

Nice job guys but you didn't need to travel so far when there is snow in your backyard