The following article was originally printed in the December 2023 Issue of Slush. To access the full article click here.
Words by: Elena Hight
Welcome to Haines, Alaska. This sign greets each and every person who comes into town, whether you fly, ferry, or hitchhike your way. It's the first sign that draws you in, like the beginning of a love letter from a long-time, complicated love affair pointed directly at you...
Welcome,
I know we have been apart for some time, but I see that you have come back. Maybe last time we left on a good note, or maybe you left kicking and screaming because I wasn’t on my best behavior? Regardless, I know that you think of me often. You must have missed me—the way I make your heart race and your palms sweat, the adrenaline that courses through your veins when we are together, the beauty and strength you feel while in my presence. Don’t worry; I haven’t changed in your absence. I am still here for you, ready to fulfill your big snowboard dreams and make you feel like a hero in the finest moments, and make you question all your life decisions in the darkest—but not before you commit once again. Be patient with me, be understanding and be prepared, but most importantly, when the time comes, be ready for one wild ride. I am glad we’re back together.
Love,
Haines, AK
This is what I see when I look at that sign. It is a love note from that one whom you just can’t stop calling—a love affair with riding Alaskan spines and all that comes along with it, no matter how questionable a relationship it might be. I am here for it, and so is everyone who continues to return to Alaska year after year, despite all its challenges.
This particular trip has come together in a really unique way with an all-time crew of people joining forces to ultimately just experience Haines in all its glory. Some already have a history with the place; some are here to see what it is all about. My guess is that those on a first date will leave as enchanted as I have, but you never know; I am told Alaska’s magic doesn’t work on everyone.
With constraints on budgets, filming resources, and helicopters, we decided to split a heli and lodging with another group to make this trip a reality. Neither of our crews was going to be able to make the trip alone, so why not team up and rally together? More fun anyhow! Our initial crew is made up of myself, Spencer O’Brien, and Robin Van Gyn, with the gracious company of drone master Rafe Robinson and photographer extraordinaire Tyler Ravelle; we had a pretty epic squad. This crew had spent the majority of the season together, filming for our new Arcteryx film, Continuum. Continuum has a story based around evolution, whether it be us as humans or a garment—continued evolution as one changes, grows, and adapts throughout a lifetime; very fitting to the vibe and my purpose here in Haines.
Our squad linked up with Sage Kotsenburg, Sebbe de Buck, Willem Jones, and Jeremy Thornburg (Jerm). What I loved most about this team-up was that Sebbe and Willem had never been to Alaska before. Spencer and Tyler had only been once, and Sage, Robin, Rafe, and I had some experience to lean on. The perfect mix of excitement that held some history and experience, and just blind excitement and enthusiasm.
In our first steps off of the ferry, we hear, “It might be clearing for an afternoon hit.” This is the sounding bell for a fire drill. These first hours end up being very telling of what our relationship with Haines became on this particular trip. We race right by the welcome sign to the house, explode some bags, swing by Mountain Market for a burrito and a coffee, and out to Mile 35 we zoom. Heli briefings, setting up boards, checking gear… within a few hours of landing, the ‘Continuum’ girls crew is in the ship and out to test the snow and check out the scene. OK Haines, I get it; no small talk, you want to get straight to the fun stuff. ;)