Alaska 2022 Season RecapIn short: “It Was A Full-On Crush-Fest!”The Beginning: Cold. Clear. Deep”We are designed to ski"Thank you to our guests, friends, lodge staff, partners, sponsors, contractors, guides, pilots, mechanics and more who continue to believe in the dream of small group Alaska heli-skiing. The pursuit of big mountain lines drives our company’s ethos and we couldn’t make it happen without everyone’s support. Was it really year 5 in Palmer? Wow. As a company, 2022 was an amazing growth year. We expanded our season, added new team members, pushed our operational reach, explored new zones, skied more than ever and opened new terrain and first descents. Here are some interesting stats from the season:
First descents: Too many to count Late February and early March in Alaska means more storms, colder temps and shorter days which equates to deep powder, 360 degrees of skiable aspects and amazing light to cap off unforgettable days. Mid Season: The Crush-Fest ContinuesFebruary inevitably rolls into March and the season kicked into overdrive as the storms coming off the Gulf continued to deliver great snow and huge windows of opportunity to get into the mountains. With the onset of March, daylight hours begin to get longer, and the average temps in town slowly start to climb. We were able to maximize our location and operational flexibility to ski almost everyday. Stability remained excellent throughout the season, as did the snow quality throughout all our zones (the Chugach, Tordillos, Talkeetnas, Neacolas and Alaska ranges). Our guests maximized their private ship waiting steps from the front door and the flexibility it provides. Other highlights included:
Finish: Full Send Till The EndIn Alaska we strongly believe in the concept that: “You must be present to win”, and that was certainly the case again in 2022. There are numerous complexities and variables that pop up throughout the season that continue to reinforce you just have to be here to truly maximize skiing in Alaska. We are able to deliver unforgettable experiences because our operation is built to be nimble, small and custom. There were countless days that seemed non-operational the night before that then opened up for windows of skiing the next day. The smiles, stoke and high fives from scoring in the Alaska, Talkeetnas and Chugach ranges continues to motivate us through the heat of summer, and we look forward to 2023 in Palmer, Alaska. Thanks for always believing in us and we hope to see you in Alaska this spring. - The TPX Team 2023 Dates Filling UpWe have had quite a few bookings for 2023 already and lots of inquiries. We strongly recommend getting a crew of 4 or 8 together to have the ultimate experience. Or come solo and we will put you into the perfect group for your skill level.
You will notice a lot of “possible” dates and “contact us” mentions below. We have numerous groups interested but have yet to deposit and secure the seats. We will give those groups first-right-of-refusal, but if those are the dates that work for you, and you have a group of 4 or 8, let us know and perhaps we can make it work. 2023 Dates and Remaining Availability:
0 Comments
All photos by Tucker Patton and Triple Point Expeditions. All Photos ©. We hope you enjoy the shots of our guests and guides from the 2020 season in Palmer, Alaska. Per usual I’d prefer to let the photos do the talking so I’ll keep the words to a minimum… Let me start by saying these are certainly challenging times across the board. I hope that everyone is staying safe, healthy and doing whatever is right for themselves and their family. At Triple Point Expeditions we are doing our best to control what we can and continue to be there for our guests, staff and partners. One of the founding principles of our business is getting out and enjoying the world with the people we love. Exploring remote and unique places is in our blood and ingrained in our DNA. I believe that the people and places we are lucky to share together is what drives us to lead extraordinary lives. Skiing, exploring remote places, helicopters and adventure all help keep us motivated, healthy and inspired. With that in mind we are pushing through. 2020 was year 3 basing out of Palmer and although our season was cut short due to COVID-19 what we are able to get was all time. We started our operation for our guests and we’re really proud of everything that we’ve accomplished to date. Although last season was shorter than we anticipated the mountains are still there and they will wait till next season. This year left a lot to be desired and we couldn't be more excited to get back at it in 2021. As a small business and entrepreneur I truly appreciate our guests continued support.
Sincerely, Tucker Patton All Photos by Tucker Patton and Triple Point Expeditions. All Photos ©. The Progression After 20 years of dedication, hard work and perseverance, Triple Point Expeditions reached a new milestone when we started our heli-ski base in Palmer, Alaska. This milestone was even more significant when we had the opportunity to work with Teton Gravity Research this past spring. Watching our work materialize on the big screen for the world premier in Jackson, followed by Seattle, New York and San Francisco, it really hits home what an amazing journey this has been. It is a privilege to watch Nick McNutt, Angel Collinson, Griffin Post and Elyse Saugstad shredding our backyard in awe inspiring segments of Winterland that we helped put together. There are a lot of moving parts that make a segment succeed. Athletes, weather, experience and timing all play a part and all have to work together. It’s mind boggling to think we made these elements work in unison to help create this movie. With moments like these, I find reflection is a good practice to learn from our experiences so we can continue to drive towards the future. Early Days Since my days in Squaw Valley watching movies like Further (2000), The Realm (1999), Uprising (1998), Harvest (1997), The Continuum (1996), Teton Gravity Research has always been at the top of the production world. They make the hardest hitting movies, have the best athletes, are cinematically inspiring and deliver a soundtrack that remains etched in your memory for the season. It was these early movies starring athletes like Doug Coombs, Kent Krietler and Jeremy Jones that originally opened my eyes to Alaska as they have for so many others. Every film would end with a segment of big Alaskan ramps, steep spines, huge cliffs and more terrain than one could possibly ski in a lifetime. It was hard to believe that anything like that was out there. Evolution The hook was set when I made it to Alaska as a fueler and dishwasher. Low and behold Alaska was actually better than I imagined from the glimpse I had watching these movies. The possibilities are endless and I knew this was just the beginning of my career. As the decades rolled on and my guiding experience grew, I eventually found myself working with film crews in Antarctica, Alaska and New Zealand. In addition to running major competitions around the world, I finally felt ready to pull the trigger on my own operation a few years ago. I took my experience from global helicopter ski guiding and put it into what I believed was missing in Alaska. A small boutique operation, with access to amazing terrain, in multiple mountain ranges, built with a world class guide team and its own lodge with a private heli literally in the front yard. The Future Coming into our third season of operations, with only a few seats still available, we are essentially sold out again and I am eternally grateful for what we are creating. As we continue to grow, we are refining our product mix and constantly evolving to deliver the best possible heli-ski experience the market can offer. We continue to finesse the right balance of clients' needs while accessing the best skiing on the planet. Our focus continues to be on our small size, our unique locations and our unmatched experience. This sets us apart and allows us to exceed our clients’ expectations in every way. We hope you find the time to see TGR’s new movie Winterland and be sure to check out the Palmer / Northern Chugach segment. Stay tuned for more to come from this amazing experience. We will be attending the upcoming shows in New York City (10/15 & 10/16) and San Francisco (10/29) and we look forward to seeing you there. None of this would be remotely possible without the dedicated TPX staff and our great sponsors: K2, Oakley, and Mountain Hardware. As the sound tracks of Metallica and Pennywise pound in our minds, it’s off to the races for the 2019/2020 season. We hope you can be a part of it. Thanks for reading. - Tucker Patton Be sure to check out the Palmer segment in Winterland.Here’s some gear we’re exceptionally stoked on this season:
All Photos by Tucker Patton. All Photos ©. Snow has started to coat the mountains back home in Ketchum and it’s got me jonesing for winter. It seems like an appropriate time to reflect back on a few “summer” adventures, while truth be told I have been fortunate enough to enjoy what seems like a never ending winter. The bittersweet reality of being a skier in most parts of the world, is that you spend half the year trying to fill your time until you can ski again. It’s like being a surfer living in Idaho and staring at lakes and thinking about what could be if only there was swell wrapping around the perfect inland point breaks. I’ve constantly pulled my hair out dreaming about what adventures I could concoct in the off season. Typically they revolve around the sport that’s at the opposite end of the temperature spectrum. These dreams beg the questions:
Are these simply daydreams of a skier in the tailing end of summer waiting for it to snow? I’ve heard all the excuses about exploration and adventure:
I’ve personally spent the last 15 summers pursuing the Southern winter and can confidently say that skiing on the other side of the world never disappoints. This year I changed up my routine and traveled to South America instead of New Zealand. Here’s a look at how my appetite for snow was satiated one stop at a time in South America this summer: First Stop: Chile Upon arrival into Chile’s capital city of Santiago, you are immediately greeted by the hustle of a city on the up and up. Hosting a population of over 5 million people and a sprawling metropolis, it certainly feels like an unlikely destination for some of the best heli-skiing on the planet. We chose to base downtown at the Ritz Carlton where we could enjoy the the bountiful sites, restaurants and culture of the city. Not to mention we were within walking distance of the skyscraper and landing pad we used as the end point for our heli-skiing. Santiago sits at the doorstep to the Andes and is quite the experience to be able to fly to and from a major metropolitan city straight into world-class skiing. You quickly depart from this urban center and find yourself among some of the highest peaks in the world. Dropping into my first run I had to pinch myself. Looking around you quickly notice endless terrain stacked with steeps, couloirs and open powder fields. A week's worth of epic heli-skiing and exploration certainly quenched the thirst for powder in August. Not to mention we were only halfway through our trip. Next Stop: Argentina A quick flight bypassing a multi hour drive through the Andes brought us to the city of Mendoza. After a family style Asado and mid day siesta we jumped in the car and drove to the resort community of Las Lenas. Navigating through vineyards and high desert, we found ourselves winding through a vast canyon network that ends in the cathedral like mecca of Southern Hemisphere skiing. With a little luck and perfect timing, we were greeted with a couple feet of fresh snow on the morning after our arrival. An otherwise thin snowpack had us treading lightly, but the new snow allowed us to tentatively explore this sprawling resort. Without a doubt, the crown jewel of Las Lenas’ resort is the TS Marte lift. Often compared to its many rivals in North America like Squaw Valley’s legendary KT-22, needless to say I had my doubts. After close inspection of a handful of its beautiful lines, chutes and couloirs that drain for thousands of feet to the valley floor, I can confidently say that the Marte allows for access to some of the best resort skiing on the planet. It was a special experience to witness the local crew teeing off on some seriously rowdy lines. I was truly impressed with the Argentinian’s ability to keep this lift open and the ski patrol’s professionalism to mitigate the avalanche danger in such rugged and committing terrain. An intricate Gazex infrastructure and a dedicated patrol combine to do a spectacular job of keeping the inbound ski runs and lift network open to the public. The only negative with the Marte is its inability to operate when the notorious Andes winds pick up. But I’ll be honest that when the rope line drops and the lift spins, the terrain is next level and rivals anywhere in the world. Just be careful not to follow every ski track as the locals know this place inside and out and there are some seriously committing lines. To top off a great trip, we were treated to an exceptional day of cat-skiing in the Valle Hermosa. A short cat road off the back of the resort opens up into a sprawling winter paradise with endless terrain. Three thousand foot runs of perfect powder fields were only topped by the beauty of the Andes and the stoke of the clients. There were a lot of moving parts to this trips that included the many clients that made it possible, Chilean and Argentinean locals as well as the main catalyst and organizer Reggie Crist. Thanks to everyone that kept the stoke meter pinned! My take home from the trip: Can you curb the froth? My answer to that would be why try to squalor that fire. There is always adventure and terrain out there if you are motivated enough. Gear We Appreciated Using![]() Outdoor Research’s Verismo Hooded Down Jacket This jacket came in handy whether as a backup layer to protect against the cold skiing or cruising the streets of Santiago after an epic day of skiing. It’s essential to have a multi use outerwear layer when you are traveling. This jacket is warm when you need it and useful in all occasions. Stuff it in your pack and you’ll use it all the time. Shop: https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/mens/mens-jackets/mens-verismo-hooded-down-jacket/p/2448070433007 ![]() BCA BC Link Radios Staying in constant contact when guiding in the backcountry or skiing the resort is essential. These radios offer tons of features to keep you in touch with your friends whereabouts. They are easy to use and handy to have all time. Don’t underestimate their importance. Shop: https://backcountryaccess.com/product/two-way-radios-bc-link/ ![]() LowePro Toploader Pro 75 AW II One key to shooting great photos on the go is having a camera ready at all times so you can click a few off and keep moving. Having the toploader outside my pack and on my chest or slung at my hip, facilitates easy access to my gear allowing me to capture all of the imagery in this post. Shop: https://store.lowepro.com/toploading/toploader-pro-75-aw-ii ![]() K2 Pinnacle 105mm The Pinnacle 105 is the perfect one ski quiver for a Southern Hemi ski trip. It handle all the conditions the Andes will throw at you and can turn it up when conditions are on! Closing Thoughts: Embrace the chase. It’s always worth the effort. Thanks for reading! All Photos by Tucker Patton. All Photos ©.I’ve been fortunate to have surf lifeguarded at Namotu Island Resort for a decade or more (I’ll be honest I’ve lost count). Fiji is one of the most special places on the planet and I’ve enjoyed countless days of my life surfing some of the worlds best waves in this beautiful paradise. The last couple weeks there were a bit different as I didn’t even bring a surfboard and only packed my camera equipment to shoot photos. What was once a annual 6 - 8 week stop over enroute to and from the New Zealand heli-ski season has now been cut down to a quick photography strike mission. Not to mention I’ve had to take a couple year hiatus as Triple Point has taken off and I’ve pursued other opportunities. It was really good to be back and I was super stoked for the new challenge of shooting photos in such a special place. The first thing to hit you as you get off the plane in Nadi is the familiarity as well as the change. The airport is being re-done and looks amazing. The roads are bit more paved and the town has more traffic. But the Fijian locals still wave from the sugarcane fields as you drive by and the morning sunrise over Vita Levu as you walk off the plane is more beautiful than I remember. Namotu is located on the Southern most tip of the Mamanuca chain and lies 5 nautical miles west of Viti Levu — Fiji’s largest and most populous island. It is truly a waterman’s paradise. The island is situated within striking distance of many of the best waves on the planet. Cloudbreak, Tavarua Right, Restaurants, Swimming Pools, Namotu Left and Wilkes Passage are all a short boat trip away and can accommodate anyone’s surfing abilities depending on wave size, tide and wind. The waves have certainly remained the same since I was last back but it’s the amazing Fijian people and the new guests you meet along the way are etched in my memory. One cannot underestimate the beautiful Fijian culture with their amazing hospitality and true zest for life. The Aloha spirit is truly alive and well in the Fijian islands Thanks to Scotty and Mandy O’Connor for their generous hospitality, the guests who were on the island for letting me share their holiday with them and all the amazing lifeguards who look tirelessly after each surfer knowing exactly where and when to be to get the best waves possible. I can’t wait to get back. Vinaka Vakalevu! --Tucker Patton Gear I Loved Using:Aquatech Imaging Solutions Camera HousingTypically I shoot from a jet ski especially at places like Mavericks and this trip was a challenge artistically and logistically in that regard. I picked up a new housing for my 5D Mark iii and had a blast using it in the surf especially when I need to scratch the creative itch. I’ve got a long way to go perfecting this skill but the Aquatech housing was easy to use and I found the controls and function to be exactly what I needed to explore this new artistic challenge. DJI Mavic Pro DroneI think the images in this blog speak for themselves and I must say it was great to add this little camera to my quiver. The size of the copter and th image quality are the two standout features for me from this awesome tool. I would mention to beginners that trying to land it on a rocking boat in the middle of the ocean is next to impossible and takes a lot of practice. I’d recommend trying it on dry land until you are 100% confident in hand launching. The fear of failure to control the drone while flying over endless ocean is a seriously scary proposition! I was admittedly conservative and luckily managed to not lose the drone to the South Pacific. Canon 100–400 mm Lense As mentioned above on a jet ski I can place myself where I want to be giving myself the ultimately flexibility on who and how I shoot. Shooting a massive lineup stretching multiple football fields like Cloudbreak you have people all over the shop as well as a boat driver who is trying to put you in the best position all while avoiding waves, other boats and surfers in the water. This is no easy task and I found quickly that a longer lense than I’m use to was required. As a substitute on my next trip like this I would probably bring the Canon Extender for a 400 mm lense to use with myF2.8 70–200 mm as this will give me a bit more focal length range and save on dramatically on weight.
Wrapping up my 13th heli-ski season guiding in Alaska gives me time to reflect and appreciate the amazing experiences we offer through Triple Point Expeditions. It is truly one of my favorite destinations and one that I plan my entire year around. I hope you enjoy this quick write-up, gear recommendations and photo compilation from my annual pilgrimage North. Alaska is the ultimate ski destination on all fronts. The coastal mountains wait patiently on the doorstep to the Gulf of Alaska. Trickling down from the towering peaks the gulf extends out to the Pacific Ocean’s never ending weather engine sending storms racing across from Japan and Russia. The mountains’ proximity to the Pacific and the sheer magnitude of the ranges that stand against the onslaught of weather allow us, as skiers and riders, to explore our personal snow centric dreams. Alaska’s vastness, beauty and solitude are unrivaled. The season started with a major wind event across the entire state followed by unseasonably cold temps and sunny skies. Finding good snow was tricky at this point but we were able to sniff out some great runs and the clear skies allowed us to hunt for snow in the helicopter. It’s a strange feeling hoping for snow in Alaska as usually you want the weather to go away. But eventually the snow dances worked, the skies clouded over and it puked silver dollars for days. Inevitably though, after a couple days of snow, the emotions swing the other direction and you start hoping for sunny skies. Once they did, it was game on for the rest of the season. Early April happened to be the transition time this year when it went from good to great. I was lucky enough to bounce around the state and the pictures reflect the varied terrain, destinations and conditions I found along the way. Every winter I try to look back and dissect a few lessons from my travels. Here’s a couple that come to mind in no particular order:
Gear I Am Stoked OnI’ve learned over the years that if you are prepared and ready for Alaska, she always comes right. Ferocious weather can torment you, avalanche danger can keep you away from the slopes you want to ski, temps can spike or winds can degregate the snow into un-skiable hardpack. In order to make the most of every situation, you have to have the right gear. Here’s what I liked using for the 2017 season: Camera PackLowePro — Whistler BP 450 AW — It’s important to have gear where you need it and when you need it. I trust the Whistler pack to protect all my camera equipment in the harshest environments. I appreciate the back zipper opening to access my bodies and lenses quickly. There are also a number of external straps and lash points that allow for attaching tripods, skis or whatever else I may need. http://store.lowepro.com/pro-gear/expedition-ready/whistler-bp-450-aw OuterwearOutdoor Research White Room Pants— I liked using these pants for a few simple reasons. The pockets are well placed and the zippers are super strong. They fit well for ease of movement even when worn under a harness. I found the 3 layer gore-tex to be breathable, durable and comfortable. The pants are well thought out with hefty belt loops, a custom pocket for your beacon and perfect snow gaiters to help keep your boots dry. https://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/men-s-white-room-pants.html SkisK2 Pinnacle 118 - These skis are stable at high speeds coming down Alaska’s steep faces. They have great float in the powder, they’re nimble when you need them to be and they got us through the wind event when there wasn’t much powder to be found. The Pinnacle is an excellent all around ski for AK. GogglesOakley Airbrake Prizm — “If you can see it you can ski it”. These goggles are well made and super comfortable. Most importantly the lenses are some of the best I have ever used. When it comes to skiing above treeline and navigating consequential terrain you have to be able to see. From blue skies and sunny slopes to north aspects and shaded couliers these lenses bring out the definition, textures and transitions that I need to see in order to do my job. http://www.oakley.com/en/mens/goggles/airbrake-xl-prizm-snow-goggle/product/WGOO7071PZ/?categoryCode=m03&skuCode=OO7071-08 Puffy JacketOutdoor Research Transcendent Jacket — A puffy may be one of my most important pieces of equipment. You know it’s a good one when it never comes off. I’d say this layer of warmth saw the most use this season. From cold morning coffee runs in the pre-dawn dark to long days in the field this jacket came with me everywhere.
https://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/mens-transcendent-hoody.html Note: All Photos and words by Tucker Patton . All photos ©. My business is travel. I love to hit the road exploring new places, meeting interesting people and adventuring in the mountains. From Japan to Salt Lake City, British Columbia to Ketchum, the 16/17 season has revolved around the never ending pursuit of powder, culture and new destinations. Actually that’s every year but who’s keeping track, right? But in hindsight maybe sometimes it’s best to stay put every now and then. The fact of the matter is I probably didn’t need to leave Ketchum this winter if skiing powder was my only goal. For me it’s enjoyable to look back on a winter through the images I shoot and my reflection is an added benefit to being a photographer. I recently sat down to indulge myself with photo editing from the winter before I head to Alaska for the spring helicopter ski season. It made me laugh at how many blower powder shots I have stacking up in Lightroom. My goal was to compile some images and I smile in disbelief because I don’t have any shots with Sun Valley’s quintessential blue skies and ripping groomers. The humor is not lost on me as I reminisce about all the deep powder days and incredible shared moments I have had with new and old friends alike. The images and memories stand as a testament to a once in a decade (or more?) winter in Ketchum with cold smoke tree runs and bottomless resort laps enjoyed by locals and newcomers. Sun Valley’s current snow total for the season is 299” as of March 9th and it will probably exceed that depth with the current storm system cycling through now. Given that the historical average of the Wood River Valley is around 150”, it would be an understatement to say it’s been an incredible powder run for our new Idaho home. Everyone keeps reminding me that it was good season to move here! I promise I’ll try not to forget that. Ha! I’ve truly been grateful to explore the local mountains via chairlifts, helicopters and touring. By far I have spent the most amount of time learning Sun Valley’s iconic centerpiece Mt. Baldy. Baldy is an amazing mountain resort and offers some of the best lift-accessed skiing anywhere. I don’t know of many US lifts that rival the truly epic Warm Springs zone. This steep north facing section of the resort offers seemingly endless skiing accessed by a single quad lift rising 3,000 feet and you don’t even need to take your skis off. As my attention turns its focus toward toward my upcoming months in Alaska and it’s shangri la of steep skiing, I will look back with pleasure at a winter to remember. I’m stoked to have captured just a couple of those fleeting moments. Enjoy the photos. — Tucker Patton Gear We Recommend for Charging Deep Powder in Sun Valley: Outerwear:
The Rumors Are True: Japan Gets Tons Of Snow.Note: All Photos by Tucker Patton Tokyo - The City of LightsTraveling the globe in the modern age always amazes me that you can board a plane in Sun Valley, Idaho, close your eyes for a bit, watch a movie or two and arrive on the other side of the world. We are truly fortunate. Flying into Japan's capital: Tokyo, which is home to more than 13 million people, you're immediately floored by the vastness of one of the most dense and bustling cities in the world. Straddling the large Tokyo bay, tankers, tug boats and ships are surrounded by the sprawling metropolis. Upon arrival, you can get almost anywhere by train, subway or rail car as the vast network of public transportation allows you to explore the city. Tokyo is incredibly diverse, vibrant and stimulating. The streets bustle at all hours of the day and around every corner is another shop, restaurant or alley to explore. It's the perfect cultural compliment to a ski trip to the other side of the earth. Not to mention, it's a very humbling feeling being in a foreign country, not speaking the language and having to navigate such a vast city. None-the-less there is a certain sense of accomplishment when you start to figure it out and get your bearings. Hokkaido - The Snow GlobeHeading north to Sapporo you find the fourth largest city in Japan, host of the 1972 Olympics (the first ever in Asia) and the largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido. It is a quick flight north from Tokyo and the area hosts an endless array of ski resorts that you could spend years exploring. When you think of Japan you are certainly thinking of Hokkaido. Deep snow, volcanoes, endless face shots, snow covered trees and nonstop accumulation, epitomize the Hokkaido region. Although ducking ropes and skiing under the lift is strictly forbidden, with a little knowledge and exploration we were able to discover arguably the best powder skiing anywhere. The photos don't do the snow justice as the skiing is like nowhere else on the planet. Hakuba - Home of the Nagano OlympicsThe sun doesn't come out often in Japan, but when it does, the mountains that the light reveals are simply amazing. Hakuba's terrain does not disappoint. We were called in to help with the Freeride World Tour's first Japanese stop. After the event successfully ran, we had a couple days to explore the Hakuba Valley. Hakuba was the home to the 1998 Winter Olympics where snowboarding was first introduced as an Olympic sport and American Johnny Moseley took home gold. There are large ski resorts and a vast lift network and infrastructure system allowing for endless skiing around the city centers. We were lucky to have one sunny day that allowed for exploration above the resorts in the backcountry and it was amazing to see the terrain surrounding this beautiful valley. The Food Is No Joke.It's no surprise the food and drink in Japan are an amazing experience unto themselves. We instigated the "Ramen Challenge" on day one and continued the tradition of eating at least one meal consisting of ramen everyday of the trip. Even after the consumption of countless delicacies I honestly still have no idea what a lot of them were. I went in with an open mind and did not turn down a single suggestion. I can confidently say that the Japanese cuisine is some of the best in the world and not to be missed. I have never had better tasting or larger portions of sushi anywhere. Not to mention, the automated ordering of food and coffee at the most random of street locations is amazing. It was a wonderful trip and I can't wait till next year. Until then, the skiing continues back home in Sun Valley where we're loving the nonstop fresh pow every day. --Tucker Patton 2016 is in the bag. Here's to 2017!It's been a shotgun start to the 2016/17 winter and the New Year is already stacking up to be one our biggest yet. There has certainly been no shortage of travel for the last couple months as we’ve been searching out the best in surf and snow. After a long run of Mavericks swells that solidified November as one of the best kickoffs for a winter season in years the swell generation machine in the North Pacific backed off and our focus turned towards ski guiding, production work, travel and a general disregard for everything other than powder hounding. Notable highlights include:
Big Wave Risk Assessment Group - Oahu’s North ShoreTPX owner Tucker Patton was honored to be included in the Big Wave Safety Summit put on by the BWRAG team. This safety summit is similar to the avalanche communities version held every other year called ISSW. We were fortunate enough to travel to the famous Turtle Bay Resort on the fabled north shore of Oahu. This amazing event brought together hundreds of big wave surfers from around the world looking to learn important safety skills, improve their risk assessment decision making and collaborate with other participants from Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Brazil and beyond. It was an amazing learning experience and served as a great building block and much needed resource in furthering the safety protocols used in big wave surfing. We found it particularly useful as individually and as a company we cross into both worlds: big waves and avalanche mitigation. It is truly a privilege to be on the forefront of safety for our two biggest passions and it’s always important to keep training and getting better every day. Lastly we were able to attend the opening ceremony of the Eddie at Waimea Bay which was a truly special experience. Baldface Lodge with HiBall Enegry Drink Company - Nelson, BCMid December brought together a unique opportunity for us to travel with the HiBall energy team to Nelson, British Columbia. We were excited to work with the best athletes in world as they came together to push themselves in Balface Lodge's amazing terrain all while representing an amazing brand. We spent the week skiing with all the athletes and shooting photos as the trip was blessed with perfect snow, good stability and sunny skies. A majority of our time was spent working with adaptive super athlete Grant Korgan as he challenged himself for the first time on a sit-ski in deep powder. It was truly an impressive performance watching Grant push himself and re-learn to ski powder after suffering a spinal cord injury a few years ago. His stoke and zest for life will encourage us for years to come. We think the pictures speak for themselves about the conditions. We’ve traveled the world in pursuit of surf and snow and we can confidently say that Balface is at the top of our list for great destinations and deserves a very humble thank you. Of course the trip wouldn't have been possible without HiBall and a special thank you needs to be extended to this exemplary brand and it's founder Todd Berardi for including us in this special opportunity. Hokidaho - Sun Valley, IdahoUpon returning home from B.C. to California we packed up our belongings and moved shop to Ketchum, Idaho where we were immediately greeted by cold temps and a white Christmas. Sorting out a winter base for TPX is never easy to pin down and as we settled into Sun Valley to have the skies open up and blanket the mountains with deep, cold snow. Since our arrival we've been on many awesome adventures with Stellar Media and Sun Valley Heli Crew. We look forward to many more adventures in our new home. Next stop Japan............With a couple late additions to a Stellar Media trip we jumped on the opportunity to pursue powder in the winter snow globe of Northern Japan. We are currently enroute and adding stops in SFO, Tokyo and Sapporo via planes, trains and automobiles. We are looking forward to deep powder, hot pools and sushi. So far one canceled flight and a few glitches haven't deterred our stoke for this amazing opportunity. Thanks Reggie Crist and Stellar Adventures for inviting us along.
Stay tuned to our social channels as we continue the best from our first adventures into the new year! @triplepointexpeditions |
Follow Our Adventures HereTravel news and stories from the road and around the world. Archives
July 2022
Categories |