Mt. Aspiring - New Zealand

At home in Girdwood, Alaska—as the Chugach Mountains become white with snow in the alpine and fall colors are in the valley—I reminisce about a trip I did several years ago, in late September. A dream ski come true. Skiing from the summit of Mt. Aspiring in New Zealand.

I hope these photos give you some inspiration and stoke for more adventures.

Mt. Aspiring, New Zealand. Photo by Nick D'Alessio

Outside the hut the night before the climb and ski. Photo by Ben Johns

The best stars I've ever seen have been in New Zealand. Some Aurora Australis this night too! Photo by Ben Johns

Skinning, spread out on the lower slopes. Photo by Nick D'Alessio

The lower climb. Photo by Ben Johns

Lower-mid climb. Photo by Nick D'Alessio

Mid climb top out. Photo by Nick D'Alessio

The summit! Photo by Pete Oswald

Ski pitch stop mid way down. Photo by Ben Johns 

On the way out, back to the road... Photo by Nick D'Alessio

...we didn't make it. So we had a cold open bivy for the night. Photo by Ben Johns

The next day, into the green and down to the river valley. Photo by Pete Oswald

Photo by Pete Oswald

Across the river and down the beautiful valley to the road. What a trip! Photo by Nick D'Alessio

Thanks for viewing.

FinalPress coffee device

I got sent this new nifty coffee device to try out. The FinalPress. It makes a good cup of hot coffee, cold brew or loose leaf tea. It’s well made, small and easy to use. No filters, no plastic!

I’d say it’s similar to a french press as far as the taste goes, but it’s way smaller and no glass or plastic to break. Also for when in the backcountry it’s a lot easier to clean than a french press. Try it out!

Unless I’m going light and easy by using instant coffee packets, one of these devices per 2 people could end up being my choice over the AeroPress. In my opinion, each way that you can make coffee has its pros and cons, and everyone has their personal preferences. See for yourself.

For 10% off use this link and code “NICKD” at checkout. Free shipping world-wide.

https://www.finalpressco.com/nickdalessio