Alaska is the mecca for big mountain skiing. The 49th state and a proving ground for the steeps, skiers dream of making their marks on the endless mountain faces and spines here that are unlike any others in the world.
The latest to make skiing history in Alaska was former TGR Grom Comp winner and current roster athlete, Parkin Costain, with a first descent on the Mono Spine - DTM (Don't Tell Mama) while filming with TGR in Haines, Alaska with along with the SEABA Heli team. Parkin first laid eyes on this beast of a spine line eight years ago and knew he had to put tracks on it once the conditions were ripe. The line features an incredibly steep and complex entrance, 2,000 feet of continuous vert, and a consistent 45-55 degree pitch as Parkin summarized it "one minute and 45 seconds of pure focused adrenaline."
Parkin added the "DTM" (Don't Tell Mamma) to Monospine's name as he'd texted his father "Monospine is looking good this year. I think SEABA and TGR are going to try and make it happen tomorrow. Don't show mom yet haha," along with a photo of the line. Tagging a line like this is a complete team effort, and Parkin thanks the SEABA Heli team for making that dream line a reality, along with the TGR crew for capturing the line that will be featured in next year's film.
"I doubt I’ll ever experience that much build up again!" Parkin exclaimed. "The snow and weather conditions have to line up just right in order to make the entrance safely skiable."
Congrats Parkin! We already can’t wait to see this one on the big screen this fall.
About The Author
stash member Toby Koekkoek
Jackson transplant via the Boston area. A traveler, and a skiing, skateboarding, and racquet sports enthusiast