Ski Journal - Last Week

Another great ski week here in the Wrangells!

PHOTOS by: Chasing Alaska

The idea of plane assisted backcountry touring is obviously gaining momentum and popularity here in the Thules. It’s something we’ve long been enjoying and guarding as our own favorite “play time” during spring at the Lodge.

This year the weather also seems to be highlighting our Spring Plane Skiing and Touring with big, late season snow falls, cooler temps and winter conditions sticking around longer at lower elevations.

This week we enjoyed the company of our longest Spring Skiing alumni, Hedrick Hanson. When trying to figure out how many years he’s been skiing with Ultima Thule, Hedrick resorted to asking Ellie how old she was now… That answered the question.  After so many years, Hedrick is certainly part of the UTO family; however, we were excited to introduce “The Kingdom” to 3 first timers this week as well. A zero/zero down day at the lodge found them in hip-waders crossing the Chitina River on a ski touring adventure to the island for a bonfire and lunch. Then the weather broke and displayed the typical bluebird that keeps bringing Hedrick and friends back year after year.

Hedrick The Man!

Will you join us next year for a backcountry skiing/boarding adventure that’s way beyond the beaten Heli Skiing path?