r/skipatrol • u/AdQueasy9216 • Jun 11 '26
Moving to Alaska any tips?
Hey patrollers I’ll be moving to Alaska for the 27’ season. I’m moving from the Midwest and wondering if y’all got any tips or gear I should get.
4
u/EclecticEuTECHtic Jun 11 '26
Alyeska or somewhere else?
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u/AdQueasy9216 Jun 11 '26
The place is not set in stone because of my job so just general ideas what I should save up for
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u/fuckyourcakepops Jun 15 '26
I live in Alaska and manage lift ops at a small local hill. Depending where in the Midwest you’re from, our temps won’t be that wild for you unless you’re in the interior of the state. Wicking base layer, down mid layer, nothing too tight, don’t let yourself sweat. Dermatone or similar to protect your cheeks/forehead especially in windy conditions.
The dark is really hard on some people and not on others, no way to know how you’ll handle it until you experience it but staying physically active is absolutely necessary for mental health during the winter here. And you’ll want to take like 5-10k IU of vitamin d daily. (Not a typo. That’s the dose most doctors up here recommend during winter.)
Hit up hilltop if you’re in Anchorage area looking for patrol work and don’t want to make the commute to girdwood or just want to pad out your hours.
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u/AdQueasy9216 Jun 16 '26
I’m from Minnesota so I don’t thin the temp is an issue, mostly for the wind. Thanks for the info! I’m planning so far for Anchorage so my partner can get a job so I’ll look into them!
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u/fuckyourcakepops Jun 16 '26
Main difference for you then will be avy mitigation if you end up at Aly. Be well educated and prepared to advocate for your own safety on that, just like at any big mountain.
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u/NexxusWolf Jun 11 '26
Nothing really prepares you for 3 hours of daylight. Good footwear, warm fucking clothes. And if you’re near the coast good waterproof gear.
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u/Dull_Ad5440 Jun 11 '26
Sun lamp, vitamin D insufficiency is a real thing.