BIG LINE HUNTING IN ALASKA
In the annals of freesking and snowboarding, Alaska has set the benchmark since the ’80s. Alongside Chamonix, it remains hallowed ground for big mountain conquest. Every spring, the best riders in the world inevitably make their way north, chasing impossibly technical lines in brasher and bolder style, raising the bar of big mountain freeride ski. What Doug Coombs set in motion in the ’90s continues today, with futurists like Teton Brown pushing a Jackson-bred approach defined by fluidity, commitment, and consequence. As Teton tells it, a ton of deep thinking goes into those dizzying lines.
"When the conditions line up, nothing beats these steep AK lines!
I’m hungry for more"Coming from a background in ski racing and big mountain competitions, with a touch of freestyle mixed in, I’m drawn to steep, challenging terrain. The lines I seek out are rarely obvious—often they’re the ones that, at first glance, might not look skiable. I love terrain that requires thought, where the route down isn’t immediately clear and where technical features demand precise execution. Narrow rock bands, cliffs, or hidden rolls all add layers of complexity, and the thrill comes from figuring out how to navigate them. For me, skiing isn’t just about going down; it’s about visualizing a path, linking turns, and finding a flow that’s both fast and thrilling.
A big part of what makes a line exciting is the planning and preparation it demands. I spend time studying terrain, analyzing potential routes, and visualizing how I’ll ski it before ever dropping in. There’s a constant balance between pushing myself to the limit and staying safe. The best lines are the ones that challenge my skills while allowing me to execute them cleanly, giving me that unmatched feeling of accomplishment when it all comes together. That mental engagement, the strategy involved, is just as rewarding as the physical act of skiing itself.
Variety is key to keeping my passion alive. I’m constantly searching for new terrain, experimenting with different types of lines, and finding new ways to move on the mountain. Some days it’s about making high-speed, aesthetic turns; other times, it’s technical maneuvering through rocks or hitting airs. Some lines are bold and daring, others more flowy and playful. Mixing up locations, snow types, and terrain keeps skiing fresh and exhilarating, preventing the passion from ever fading.
Finally, I’m addicted to soft snow, which is why I travel extensively and explore deep backcountry terrain. It’s not just about the thrill; soft snow allows me to ski more challenging lines safely and provides the ultimate skiing experience. Whether it’s linking turns down a steep couloir or floating through untouched powder, the combination of challenge, creativity, and snow quality is what drives me. All in all, seeking out and skiing these lines is more than just skiing. It’s a lifelong pursuit of excitement, skill, and personal expression.
