A Heli Ski Season in Haines

As spring season was coming to a close, I began to ask myself, what should I do next? As someone in my shoes would know, a new season always brings new opportunity. Conversations with friends, neighbors, and my significant other become frequent about this matter. Little did I know, an opportunity of a lifetime would come falling into my lap.

My senior year of college I took the course, 189, aka snow-based. We had the amazing experience of traveling through the backcountry to a cabin outside of Crested Butte where we hunkered down for three days. We learned the basics of avalanche terrain, winter camping, team dynamic, and the importance of placing bacon in every meal possible. It was the last class I took to finish my degree. To say the least, it was a fantastic way to go out.

On this trip, one of my instructors and I made a great connection. This bond that we built later provided an experience I could not pass up. Have you ever had the feeling that if you didn't do something, you would always regret and wonder what it would have been like? Welp... That was me. So I accepted a job to Dispatch for a Heli Skiing company two weeks before I was supposed to touch down in Haines, Alaska.

I couldn't believe the words coming out of my mouth as I to shared my departure for the remainder of spring. One moment I would be so excited I couldn't remove the smile from my face. The next I would nearly be shitting my pants at the impulsive decision I had made. The year had been tough on myself and my family. I felt as though a change of scenery was needed in my life so I simply pulled the trigger.

I will never have the words to explain my time at SEABA. It was everything I did not expect! The people I met, both coworkers and clients, experience I had working and free time, to the horrendous weather yet mind boggling beauty my eyes had the pleasure of seeing - it was an unforgettable period in my life. I may have only been there for 6 weeks but there is FAR too much for one document to hold. It is stored in the library of my memories. Attached are photos and videos to help me explain. I hope you can see and feel what I mean.

I'm very proud of myself for taking leap into something new. Maybe one day I will return. Either way, I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to the next funky experience I have coming my way.