Dreamlines | Alaska Trip 2012 - Part I

We will be leaving for Anchorage/AK on March 26th, where we will rent a motorhome that will be the base and starting point for our trips into the unique mountain ranges of Alaska for the next three weeks. But to get deeper into the mountains, we will also use snowmobiles to transport our equipment into the backcountry, where we want to conquer the surrounding mountains from our tent camp.

The preparation

For months, the anticipation of this big trip has been building up to almost spastic contractions. First the flight and motorhome had to be booked, equipment sponsors convinced and plans made, and now the small details that still need to be taken care of have become almost unmanageable. Test packing, buying small items, washing clothes, dismantling skis, testing batteries - the list goes on and on.

However, being well prepared is probably the be-all and end-all when you're planning to move far away from civilization. And in Alaska, civilization is also thin on the ground. Checking the weather forecast or the avalanche situation online is often just as impossible as asking the piste rescue service for a plaster or the lift attendant for a screwdriver. Preparation is therefore essential.

The avalanche search

On arrival at the top of the ski area, we first introduced ourselves to each other and our expectations for the weekend, before heading downhill for a short descent and then skinning up. This is where Fred caught us off guard and impressively demonstrated how the most detailed knowledge is useless if you are not prepared. New group composition, new beepers, unfamiliar backpacks, lots of equipment - and the call "Avalanche! A victim has disappeared on the big rock up there! Come on, search!!!" and chaos ensues. Shame on others! And self-shame! Some of us still don't know whether the fictitious victim was rescued or not. Very impressive and highly recommended.

Only the spontaneous search exercise including all steps under uncontrolled conditions - and not in the avalanche transceiver test center - is the only true practical exercise. And we were able to prove that we had actually mastered this some time later at the end of the ascent to the Glungezer hut, when Fred pulled another spontaneous exercise out of his sleeve. Search, find and dig out in well under 10 minutes.

The ascent in between was characterized by individual slope analyses and decision-making based on fictitious scenarios that contained nothing more than the observations of the last few days. Very instructive and we realized that even without a luxurious LLB, we don't have to run into the open knife.

A late, incredibly delicious snack later drove us back out into the now much more Alaskan weather, so that we could devote ourselves to the topic of emergency bivouac construction under absolutely realistic conditions. Despite the ice in our beards and hair, everyone was fully motivated and we had dug and occupied our shelter in no time at all. Nevertheless, no one could motivate themselves to spend the night here. The inner bastard was too strong. No wonder, as an extremely excellent 3-course menu awaited us in the hut by the roaring tiled stove, which many a hotel with the same number of stars could take a leaf out of their book. What hut warden Gottfried and his team conjure up here is truly unique for an Alpine Club hut.

Glacier crossing and campsite construction

This continued the very next morning after a night in extremely comfortable beds. Fresh croissants and three-minute eggs were just the highlights of the sumptuous breakfast. Especially in comparison to the dry edges of grey bread with butter - and if you're lucky - jam, which is usually supposed to brighten up your start to the day in a mountain hut.

But despite all the comfort, we were thirsty to get out into the fog. The fictitious glacier in front of the hut had to be crossed in order to set up base camp I behind the summit ridge. A suitable campsite was quickly found and set up. Only the fixing of the tent with the "snow pegs" was hopeless. Interesting experience, but more functional anchors can be quickly set up with a pole, ice axe, skis or backpack. Another lesson learned.

We then spent the rest of the morning digging. Like in the sandpit. Only colder. But somehow just as enthusiastic. Snow profile, small and large slide block, as well as extended column test wanted to be done and everyone was full of enthusiasm when Chris climbed onto the slide block with shaking knees and rattling skis. However, two more competitors were needed to get him off.

But enough playing outside for now. Leander found the difficult route over the summit ridge back to the hut in the fog with flying colors and we were able to enjoy Gottfried's culinary skills one more time.