When I was just graduating high school, I ended up opting for an academic career, however, my fervent desire at that point (at still to this day) was to be a ski bum, working in resort towns around the world and moving with the snow. This dream having never been realized, I console myself with frequent travel to locations whose winter climes necessitate a seasonal snowfall of 300+ inches. Of my recent trips, Alaska has been, and continues to be, one of the best places I have ever been.

In mid February, as the full force of the Alaskan stormy months started to subside, I made my way into what was once called Seward's Folly – the epitome of the American winter. Flying into Anchorage, I was happy to note that, although the city was cold, my parka was still sufficient to keep me from becoming an ice cube. I spent that night in a budget hotel in Anchorage, and in reality, was not interested in seeing any of the sights there (there are some things to see, although they are few). I was so overtaken by the fact that I would soon be skiing, and not just traditional skiing, but Heli-Skiing in one of the most beautiful and rugged locations in the world.

The next day, I arose somewhat late to find, unsurprisingly, that it was still dark outside. Although by February the days are starting to stay light for longer, the pervasive night of the Alaskan winter still has a fairly firm grip on the country, especially once you get up north. I stayed in my room, full of anticipation, until the time came to make my way to airport, where my guides I’d hired from a prominent Alaska Heli-skiing service, Chugach Powder Guides, were to pick me up and transport me to where we’d be staying for the duration of my 5 day high-flying, powder skiing adventure.

As a quick note to those who aren’t necessarily experienced skiers, there are many other opportunities for winter sports and recreation in Alaska aside from Heli-Skiing. Also, for those who would be interested in Heli-skiing, be aware that there are many guide companies out there, and that many offer premium packages including transportation, accommodation, meals, and equipment as well as a daily skiing, or a set amount of hours per week on the mountain. I opted for a package that would get me on the mountain as much as possible, and paid a little more for it in order to ensure that.

Deep in the Tordrillo Mountains at the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, a property owned and managed by the Chugach Powder Guides, I began my entry into a world that almost seems completely fictional. The snow white peaks surrounding the lodge were cut through here and there with rocky ridges, fissures, and glacial crevasses. I was absolutely transported by wonder, staring up from outside the spacious, well appointed lodge in which I would be staying with 9 other guests during the week I would spend there in the Tordrillo’s. I can honestly say I have never seen such a sight in my entire life. And the most unique part of this experience? Although the skiing would be incredible the next day, that night, as I looked out my north facing window, I saw ribbons of turquoise, purple, and gold peeking above the mountains’ teeth. As someone who had never been to the far north before, seeing the aurora borealis (northern lights) was a truly amazing experience for me. It is something I will never forget.

Another thing I will never forget is the next few days. Upon rising early the next morning and tripping around in a haze trying to get my things together for a day of skiing, I was so excited, it was hard to focus. I finally had my gear on, and the rest of it packed in my bag, when I went down to eat breakfast with the fellow guests who I would be spending the week with. Among the other guests were four businessmen from Colorado, a friendly Swede named Rai, and a Canadian backcountry skiing competitor who was “taking some time off”. All sorts, in other words.

After a delicious hot breakfast, we loaded the gear up into the chopper (the Swede, Canadian, and I would get the first run that day) and took off. Not only had I not been Heli-skiing before this, I had also never ridden in a helicopter, so the jolting motion took me by surprise at first. It was much like an amusement park ride, and half the fun of the trip was riding up and into those white-washed peaks in an agile, expertly flown chopper. The guide who would be skiing with us spent the duration of the ride communicating to us through headsets, and walking us through the logistics and the safety precautions he’d be taking in order to make sure that all was well. Finally, in a surge of anticipation, we landed up in a world of steep chutes, wide powder meadows, and flying curves of white that seemed all but a dream. After a the chopper rose again, our guide double checked our safety knowledge and told us each to pick a line and stick with it: “if you pick your route, you’ll be more in control of yourself, and thus, safer.”

I chose my line down through a narrow, steep chute that opened onto a powder meadow, dropping down onto a small band of cliffs, of which I decided I’d steer over one of the smaller, boulder like rocks, and finally running out into a wide field of open whiteness.

I will never forget my trip to Alaska and dropping though the wild, unbroken expanse of snow and rock, feeling as free as it is possible to be while still on your own two legs. The experience of powder whipping up and past your body as you all but float through a world that is more than surreal: this is my definition of Alaska.