Chugach Range

Some consider the residents of southern Alaska unfortunate in many ways; the climate may be too cold for the average bear and it’s a four hour flight to mainland US, but right on their doorstep is the pristine wilderness of Chugach State park. A matter of minutes from downtown Anchorage sees you up in mountains, clad in their floral summer attire of forget-me-nots and fireweed or their white winter coat, they’re equally impressive and almost always accessible. From flat-top’s summit there are unparalleled views back down to the city and out across Cook Inlet. You might even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife taking a sip out of the many deliciously crisp, streams of melt-water winding their way down from the peaks. Or if you’re that way inclined then grab a few friends, a bat and some balls and head off with a picnic for a ball game in the private stadia of the ‘ballpark’ situated below O’Malley Peak.

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What sets the Chugach range apart is the sticky, "maritime" snowpack plastering its steep slopes. Warm air from the south and the Gulf makes for both plentiful snow and a more stable, snow pack than what can be found in the lower 48 and Europe. From glaciers to peaks up to 5,000 vertical feet, the creamy snow sticks to everything—rocks, spines, flutes, couloirs, and roly poly ramps—features that in drier climates could be bare, or, if covered, would more easily avalanche. Skiers (trained in avalanche risk management or guided by someone who is) can slice down longer, steeper runs and more dramatic terrain—with the stunning port of Valdez in the background. Bring movies and books to your motel to keep yourself entertained during those foggy no-fly days.

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