AK 411

heading to Alyeska for 3 days, and it is looking like there will be tons of new powder and questionable weather (e.i. mostly stormy)<br><br>Anyone know what I shouldn't miss? I'm leaving the splitboard home, I think. Anyone know how the North Face runs compare to Alpental? They sound pretty burly from wht I've read. Anyone ever cat or heliskied w/ CPG? Worth it?<br><br>Thanks much!

You say you are leaving the split behind? Not so fast. If Alyeska gets tracked-out, just up Seward Highway is Turnagain Pass. Sled-heads get one side of the pass, BC users get the other. Amazing terrain and ease of access make this a special place. Visability is important if you've never been there. Given the weather forcast you may not get a day with visability and stability, but you never know. From the road a few of the slopes/lines are very obvious and more safe than others - stick to these for your first time. Be careful of wind transported snow. If the sun peeps out you won't be alone.