Chasing Big-Mountain Dreams and Snowboarding's Future in Alaska

Alaska possesses an unparalleled ability to redefine the concept of being "outdoorsy." Just twenty minutes north of Anchorage, the landscape transforms dramatically, showcasing the imposing 8,000-foot peaks of the Chugach and Talkeetna ranges. The drive along Highway 1 into the Mat-Su region offers a stark reminder that human comfort is precarious in this vast wilderness. This breathtaking scenery has captivated my imagination since the 8th grade, when I spent countless hours in my suburban Denver basement playing 1080° Snowboarding on the Nintendo 64. With Blink-182 and Less Than Jake on repeat, I envisioned halfpipes and expansive lines, all while dreaming of the vibrant snowboarding scene just an hour up Interstate 70. Even at that young age, the allure of Alaska extended far beyond Colorado. In the lift lines of Summit County, conversations often turned to Alaska—a revered destination where riders like Jeremy Jones took on spine lines in Valdez, and Mike Hatchett’s Totally Board film series innovated action cinematography in the mountains surrounding Juneau.

In March 2026, nearly three decades later, I finally set out to make that dream a reality. My primary concern was not only whether Alaska would meet the expectations I had long harbored but also how much of the big-mountain experience would be accessible to an everyday snowboarder like myself.

Rubbing shoulders with a dream

As it turns out, the experience was closer to the dream than I could have anticipated. During my initial evening at Alyeska Resort, I found myself dining at the community table of Sakura restaurant alongside prominent ski writer Melissa McKibbon. To my surprise, we overheard discussions about the big-mountain Natural Selection contest that was unfolding right there at the resort, with professional athletes, judges, and crew members sharing our accommodations. In a fortunate coincidence, we ended up seated next to pro skiing veterans Grete Eliassen and Dion Newport, who were serving as judges at the freestyle backcountry competition. On the first night, I found myself enjoying sushi with individuals I had watched perform at the X-Games.

The following morning, we were scheduled for a heli-ski excursion with Chugach Powder Guides. We spent dinner gathering insights about the mountain conditions from our newfound acquaintances. The weather appeared promising as CPG greeted us just outside the hotel the next morning.

While I had prior experience with heli-skiing, this adventure proved to be the most streamlined. Chugach Powder Guides operates multiple four-person groups based on ability and experience, each accompanied by a guide. The company utilizes up to four A-STAR B3 helicopters, allowing for a small group dynamic in which guests share a cabin with their pilot and guide, observing the terrain as it unfolds. The compact helicopters also enhance maneuverability, enabling us to land and gear up on rocky, corniced ridges before descending into expansive powder fields.

Our group consisted of myself, my companion, a ski patroller from California, and his father—all seasoned backcountry enthusiasts. This setup promised access to ideal terrain and quick laps. Avalanche conditions were rated as "moderate," steering us away from spines and steep drops where sluffs may accumulate but simultaneously offering opportunities on the notable northern and eastern faces that characterize the Chugach range. Equipped with my swallowtail Korua Dart snowboard—designed for graceful, arcing turns—I was able to deftly respond to the diverse landscape. Starting in the eastern reaches of the operator's domain, we tackled 2,500-foot runs on some of the most pristine terrain I have ever encountered, riding our passion downhill toward the glacial current of the Cook Inlet. With each run, we sought to push ourselves further. Despite temperatures never exceeding 20 degrees, the sun shone brightly and unobstructed, softening the snowpack’s upper layer to create exceptional conditions. Gaining the trust of our guide Zach allowed him to broaden our descent area, introducing features that enabled adventurous riders to launch into the air, landing amidst sprays of crisp powder.

In total, we completed nine runs amounting to over 18,000 vertical feet in roughly five hours, which included a high-alpine lunch featuring sandwiches, charcuterie, and coffee. Prior to our flight, the CPG team introduced us to the backcountry gear we would utilize and conducted a beacon rescue drill to ensure our comfort with the emergency transponders. The day progressed efficiently and effectively. A distinguishing feature of CPG’s operation is that most guests stay at Alyeska Resort, allowing for casual post-activity socializing during happy hour.

Riding the inbound steeps at Alyeska Resort

Both the resort and heli-ski operation are situated in Girdwood, the only recognized resort town in Alaska. The following day, my understanding of Alyeska deepened. The heli-skiing adventure with Chugach Powder Guides had provided the steep drops and lengthy powder runs that allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience, embracing the raw power of nature. The resort's hotel affords convenient access to the tram starting at 10:30 AM, although guests can board chairlifts as early as 10 AM on certain occasions. The property also features the Alyeska Nordic Spa, which comprises a range of hot and cold pools, saunas, and a serene relaxation cabin, echoing traditional Scandinavian wellness practices. Room rates begin at just over $200 per night.

Alyeska's inbounds terrain is strikingly dramatic, featuring steep pitches and an impressive annual snowfall of nearly 700 inches. Enjoying a tram ride from the hotel base, I was positioned at the summit of some of the most challenging inbounds lines in North America. Over two days at the resort, I tackled two gated runs on the iconic "North Face," the Ragdoll and Pandora runs. Both present steep, technical challenges, transitioning from open snowfields at the top to glade runs in their lower segments. Apart from these iconic runs, we dedicated much of our time to laps on the Glacier Bowl Express, which provides access to long, steep groomed paths that invite riders to fully engage in their turns.

My experiences in Girdwood offered a glimpse into one facet of Alaska's rich snow culture. However, as I journeyed a couple of hours north into the Mat-Su region, my perspectives on the dream I set out to fulfill began to evolve.

In this area, I switched from chairlifts and helicopters to a snowmobile, accompanied by Snowhook Adventure Guides, embracing winter travel as many Alaskans do. Here, roadways are uniquely marked with prominent snowmobile tracks, and riders often carve up roadside hills, relishing the exhilaration of fresh powder. My three-hour snowmobile excursion with Snowhook represented an adventure that, as a splitboarder in Colorado…