3.13.2009

The Alps of Alpental


45 minutes from my front door there is a very popular spot that, although many know about, fewer probably realize how much it contains. Aptly named "Alp-ee" (meaning Alpental Ski Area) by local boarders and skiers, the easy access to deep powder and a variety of rock and ice climbing gives it that American flavored namesake.
My co-worker Ryan who has spent 100+ days a year snowboarding in the state's of Maine and New Hampshire for many years, recently explored this back country and said it was "by far the best terrain I have ever boarded."
Of course there are numerous wonderful places in the world to experience these activities, but 50-mile proximity to a world class city is few and far between. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have to come here!

Also unique, is the view from the summit of one of the areas highest peaks - Chair Peak. It shows you the buildings of downtown Seattle on the edge of Puget Sound, dwarfed from a distance by Olympic Mountain National Park: