AK Commitment

Valdez Heli Guides, Chugach Mountains, Valdez, Alaska

Athlete: Steve Klassen

Camera: Hasselblad XPan

What makes it special: The way the limits are being pushed in the realm of winter sports is somehow unfathomable. With the evolution of gear, facilitated access, the progression of the current athletes and a focused mindset anything seems possible.

The story:  "When you analyze a line from the helicopter, or even from an opposing peak, it is relatively straightforward to evaluate whether or not it works. You can see the varying exposure, the obstacles and you can somewhat get a read on the "do-ability" of the line. It is quite common for these athletes to take pictures as a reference point. In the early days of Alaska heli-skiing it was done with a Polaroid, now everyone has a digital camera in his or her pocket. When you are on top, looking down and nothing looks the same it is a great tool to re-orientate yourself. Still, looking down the line, does not relate in anyway to how it appears from the all-seeing vantage point. Most filmmakers value speed and fluidity right up there with line selection. Being able to visualize a line so thoroughly that it can be translated into a high-speed top to bottom first decent (without stopping to regain your bearings) is a critical skill set. In my humble opinion, it is the difference between the big mountain Rock Stars, and everyone else. After all, we are talking about dropping 1,500-3,000 feet of exposed slope with a 45-55 degree angle in less than a minute. Don't forget about the airs, no fall zones and the inevitable "slough management" of the self-induced slides. In their world, there is no room for hesitation, and often no margin for error.

I stood on top of an opposing peak, almost a mile away, trying not to hold my breath. Clausen dropped down the ridge, took a hard left and hit an 80-foot airdrop into the main slope. A few high-speed turns and he was down onto the glacier floor. He ripped the line impeccably, I breathed again. Taking on such a huge line with massive cliff exposure was bad enough. Launching a giant, must stick air at the top was over the top. I couldn't help but feel that this was a true example of the evolution of our sport. A new definition of commitment, practiced by a world-class athlete in a very rugged and unpredictable environment!"