Alaska, it's like no place else. Flew into Anchorage and drove to Valdez after loading up on supplies. We were greeted in Valdez by a storm that was dumping snow on top of the feet of snow the last storm had dropped, only a few days prior. Since we couldn't ride up in the pass we stopped in at the 32 Lounge and Grill for some $2 PBR's. Met Aaron Gotthardt one of the Tailgate photog's and some other riders who gave us the location of some awesome tree riding right outside of town. We happened to meet up with them there and rode the rest of the day with them. The next few days were the best of my life, the riding is indescribable. My cheeks were sore from smiling the whole way down. Took a few snowsafety/glacial rescues courses and played in the Arva beacon park(Thanks Parker!). Watched the World Freeride Jam on the arm of Python some gnarly lines there. After a blur of blue bird days riding incredible terrain another storm system rolled in the day before we were scheduled to leave. Since we couldn't ride up at higher elevations we decided to check out the Worthington Glacier a quick skin from Tailgate base camp. When we got up to the glacier Nate Holland was scoping out some line with a few friends. Got to see him drop a pretty awesome line right next to the glacier to finish up our last day at the pass. That night was The Flow World Freeride Championship awards party down in Valdez. One last party before everyone started the long trek back to wherever they call home. A local band and salmon riding kept everyone busy while Gilly from 32 Lounge quenched everyones thirst. The winners received swords and abs packs, 2nd and 3rd place got daggers. The next day we began the long trek home. Big thanks to Mark Sullivan for all his effort to put this on for us. The Tailgate crew and snowsafety, Flow, Arva & ABS. Chuckbuddies and Dye Snow(Awesome Goggles!) The Alaskan Brewing Company for all the beer garden beer! Blackbear energy! See you next year since we will be back!
