Point Release
PNH, Chugach Mountains, Cordova, Alaska
Athlete: Kent Kreitler
Camera: Nikon F5
What makes it special: The man knew how to fly.
The story: "The metaphor of water exists at all temperatures. The power and force of its movement is primal in the many extreme shapes and textures it manifests. In the frozen world, mountain snow sits seemingly still and poised. Introduce a rider and gravity and the world turns into a moving, roaring crescendo of flying snow crystals.
It was one of those days where I questioned whether I really wanted to be where I was. Everywhere around us the snowy world was moving. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time. I was afraid to even blink.
Kent Kreitler acted like he was right at home, ready to get to work, excited to get to play. He picked out a steep, scary line and the guide, Kevin Quinn, helped him break it down, "It's probably going to rip out there and there, and don't get caught by your slough in that choke..." Kreitler nodded, and said, "I know. I got it."
We got into position on the opposing slope and radioed, "Camera ready." Kent waved back, counted to five, and dropped off the twenty-foot cornice onto the slope. As expected, the first face ripped out, but his speed carried him forward, setting up for another turn onto an alternate slope with a different aspect. As he compressed into his third turn, the second exposure also broke and the whole mountain turned into a raging wave. When it was all said and done, Kent successfully shredded the line, and outran a massive wall of billowing snow. I just shook my head and howled to the sky.
On this day, it was all about Kent's confidence. He triggered slide after slide, and outskied the roaring avalanche of snow chasing him. He had one speed that day, too fast, and he used it well."
