Washington State, known for its iconic glaciated volcanoes, also offers a variety of lesser-known backcountry lines that attract adventurous skiers and snowboarders. To gain insights into the backcountry skiing scene in Washington, particularly the access out of Seattle, I reached out to local expert Adam Pikielny. Residing in the Seattle area, Adam is not only a skilled rider but also an exceptional photographer, capturing stunning moments in the backcountry.
Adam’s preferred zone near Seattle is the Alpental Valley, located just an hour from the city at Snoqualmie Pass. The Source Lake Basin in this area presents challenging terrain and thrilling lines that riders can tackle even on high avalanche risk days. Despite the early season challenges, such as wet/loose snow activity and low snowfall, backcountry enthusiasts like Adam found solace in spots like Pineapple Pass, Bryant Chute, Wright Mountain, and Chair Peak for exhilarating dawn patrols.
The arrival of „miracle March“ brought a significant shift in conditions, offering fresh powder opportunities across the region. Washington riders, including Adam, took advantage of this change to explore notable descents like the Crooked Couloir, Cache, Holy Diver, Red Mountain, Kaleetan Peak, and various ridges above Bryant Couloir. The west face of Red Mountain, although typically preferred in spring due to stability concerns, provided an exceptional powder day for Adam and his friends.
Apart from the thrilling adventures on the slopes, Adam highlighted two unique aspects of the Pacific Northwest backcountry skiing community. Attending events like Cascadia Splitfest, he experienced the warm camaraderie and inspiration shared among riders, creating opportunities for learning and forming new connections. Additionally, Adam noted the increasing diversity within the backcountry community, with people of color playing significant roles, reflecting a positive shift towards inclusivity.
Looking ahead to future seasons, Adam plans to explore new lines, with specific interest in the northeast couloir of McClellan. While this year’s conditions didn’t align for this endeavor, the promise of upcoming seasons holds the potential for pristine descents and memorable experiences in the Washington backcountry. Stay updated on Adam’s adventures by following him and his friend Garret on Instagram and YouTube.
Ursprünglich wurde es in den 1950er Jahren aus einer Boje entwickelt! Seither ist es ein fester Bestandteil jeder Gartenparty und das Herzstück jeder geselligen Runde im Freien.
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