The Ski Journal - Volume 17, Issue 1

CENTER OF ATTRACTION

Photo and Caption: Greg Von Doersten 2023-09-15 11:32:32

Valdez, AK, in the early ’90s—the wild beginnings of Alaska’s heli-skiing era. Many people on this Alaska Backcountry Guides landing strip were indirectly involved in its transformation. In the background are two vintage de Havilland Beaver ski planes and to the right in yellow trim are the infamous ATCO trailers that helped build Alaska into what it is today. The 1971 Mercedes bus, aka “The Blue Lagoon,” was owned by Jackson, WY, local Julie Vance, one of the first female AK ski guides, and was the center of attraction for the dirtbags. On any given day, the bus provided shelter, espresso, cookies and burritos that were often traded for heli poker chips. Seated to the right of the door of the bus is guide Dave “The Wave” Muccino and Teton Gravity Research co-founder Todd Jones. Pilot Doug Brewer, the owner of the operation, is looking at the “Black Book” that held all of the Polaroid photos of the runs, terrain and new zones being mapped out. It was an amazing time in the progression of heli-skiing with a new style of steep-and-technical riding and guiding in its infancy.

CENTER OF ATTRACTION
https://digital.theskijournal.com/articles/center-of-attraction