Tailgate Alaska
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So just found out about this event this year from a buddy who's going... his bro bought and stores two sleds in AK for the event and rents an RV. A buddy and I are talking about making it next year... wanted to see if any MP'ers have done the event and can advise on good/bad ideas. |
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From someone that lives in Valdez I think that this place is a Mecca for skiing and climbing! The biggest downfall to Thompson Pass/VDZ is the gas guzzling, motorized stupidity that goes on-especially during Tailgate. You will constantly find yourself being put in danger by the motorized crowd (heli & snow machiners) dropping ontop of you. It's a shit show on the pass!! |
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Taylor-B. wrote:From someone that lives in Valdez I think that this place is a Mecca for skiing and climbing! The biggest downfall to Thompson Pass/VDZ is the gas guzzling, motorized stupidity that goes on-especially during Tailgate. You will constantly find yourself being put in danger by the motorized crowd (heli & snow machiners) dropping ontop of you. It's a shit show on the pass!! It's sad to see an event and celebration in Valdez based around gas guzzling after one of the largest oil spills that devastated the environment. So when you and your "bros" are terring it up on the sled, just remember the sacrifices that mother nature has had to endure:(Thanks for the on topic post about dead baby seals Taylor... Not sure how Tailgate is related. Sooo u wanna put my buddy and I up next year for 10 days in VDZ to save some gas? I'm open to other options brotha... ps we dont own sleds, just skins. The appeal would have been that there are others that know the area well and we wouldn't be 'lost' in massive ranges looking for 'safe' terrain. And don't have the loot to pay a guide for 10 days or heli or cat operations. And btw how can people up on the pass eat and even throw away good food when there's.... Saddest of all... |
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But in reality... what you're saying is its a total red neck event? Other options for cheap 10 days and lots of potential? |
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What a true classic. |
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mustardtiger wrote:What a true classic.The event, Taylor's post? what's a true classic? |
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You posted about going up there and having fun. The first post goes straight to demonizing the fun event. That is one of the formulas for a classic. |
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What a great morning on MP. Over reaction to bouldering "FA's", and now dead animals and starving children. Does anyone have a picture of a terrorist beheading a child laborer on top of a melting glacier? |
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Morgan Patterson wrote: The event, Taylor's post? what's a true classic?You're a true classic in my book sweet tits! |
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mustardtiger wrote:You posted about going up there and having fun. The first post goes straight to demonizing the fun event. That is one of the formulas for a classic.Sorry for my thickheadedness... totally agree. |
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Bill Kirby wrote: You're a true classic in my book sweet tits!HAHAH thnx Bill... hope to run into you out and 'bout the East one of these days! dsmit... thnx, I really know nothing of the area and I appreciate the run down. Can u suggest an amazing area skiing/culturally that one such as myself might consider for an alternative? I'm an ex east coast ski racer who predominently does ski trips to Silverton... The prob with AK for us (east coasters) is the costs associated with guided travel (heli / Cat) and extended trips. Are there some good alternatives you could suggest that would allow cheap stay, awesome terrain, and decent access (both human or sled)? |
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isnt there some redneck hillbilly forum somewhere on the internet where all of your questions would be answered? |
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I went to that the other year...We didn't pay for tickets but only stayed for a couple days right at the start of the festival, then i had to fly back to the lower 48 to start a job. Our sleeping arrangement was: |
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dsmit's post has it about right. If you want to see what Valdez can be like, check out the Valdez Ice Climbing Festival, Valdez Rock Climbing Festival, Snow kite Festival on Thompson Pass, Fireweed 400 Bike Race or the many ski/snowboard films that are shot here. If your looking for big adventures in the mountains this place should be on your radar. |