Alpine surf sessions

What This Is (and What It Isn’t)

This is:

• A good times powsurf gathering

• Rider‑driven and community judged event

•  For the love of snow, terrain, and people

• Just for fun!
   

This is not:

• A snowmobile event

• A serious contest

• A place to ride snowmobiles fast or ride reckless 

 
The Venue — Alpine Lakes High Camp
Alpine Lakes High Camp is a rustic, off‑grid backcountry lodge and dry cabins high in the mountains.
Expect:

• Cabins scattered through the trees

• A shared lodge with a wood stove

• Sauna and cold plunge

• Real wilderness right out the door

Respect for the venue is non‑negotiable. The goal is to make this an annual event.
 
Accommodations
Alpine Lakes High Camp has nine dry cabins, each with a different layout and feel. Cabins are rustic, warm, and designed for winter backcountry stays. All overnight guests will be assigned a cabin as part of registration. Cabin assignments will be made by the event team to balance group sizes and cabin layouts. Where possible, we’ll do our best to accommodate groups who register together, but flexibility is appreciated.
Cabin Overview & Occupancy
Cabins are shared spaces unless otherwise arranged. Occupancy ranges reflect typical, comfortable use rather than hard maximums.

Cabin Bed Configuration

Foxfire
4 full beds + 2 twin beds
6–10
Largest cabin; flexible for groups

Cabin Next to Lodge
3 full beds + 2 twin beds
4–8
Located right beside the lodge

Lupine
4 full beds
4–8
Cozy cabin next to the creek

Trillium
4 full beds
4–8
Comfortable mid-size cabin

Columbine
3 full beds
4–6
Staff‑favorite layout

Paintbrush
2 full beds
2–4
Best for small groups

Larkspur
2 full beds
2–4
More private and quiet

Huckleberry
2 full beds
2–4
Great views

Bluebell
1 full bed + 1 twin bed
2–3
Central location in camp

Gentian
1 full bed
1–2
Smallest cabin; ideal for solo or couple


What Each Cabin Includes

Each cabin is equipped with:

• Propane two‑burner stove

• Basic cookware, dishes, and utensils

• Sleeping mattresses (bring your own sleeping bag and linens)

• Heat source (wood stove or equivalent)
   

Expect comfort, not luxury. This is real backcountry lodging.


The Lodge

The lodge is the shared gathering space for:

• Meals

• Meetings and briefings

• Warming up between sessions

• Evening hangs and conversation
   

Sauna + Cold Plunge
A wood‑fired sauna and cold plunge are available on site, as provided by Alpine Lakes High Camp, and are open for guest use after time on snow.
 

Meals & Food Planning

Plan to:

• Bring your own food for the weekend

• Cook with your group in your cabin

• Pack food in sealable containers or hard coolers
   

A family‑style dinner will be provided on the first night at the lodge to kick things off together.
 

Getting There & Travel Planning

Getting to Alpine Lakes High Camp is very doable, but it does require a bit of forethought—especially in winter. Please read through this section carefully and plan your travel in advance.

Route Planning

• From Western Washington: Access is currently best via Interstate 90 to Highway 97 to reach the east side, then continue toward Leavenworth and use Chumstick Highway to reconnect with U.S. Highway 2. This route is longer than the usual Stevens Pass drive, so build in extra travel time.

• From Eastern Washington: Approach via U.S. Highway 2 from the Leavenworth side, using Chumstick Highway to reconnect with Highway 2, subject to current conditions.
   

No matter where you’re coming from, winter mountain travel is slow by default. Leave margin in your schedule and be prepared for changing conditions.

Note: Highway 2 Closure
At the time of writing, U.S. Highway 2 over Stevens Pass is closed due to storm damage and washouts. This closure affects the most direct west–east route over the pass, but it does not prevent access to Alpine Lakes High Camp via alternate routes.
Because conditions can change quickly, everyone attending should check current road status before departing — even if you’ve made the trip before.

Official Road Conditions Resource
For the most accurate, up‑to‑date information on:

• Road closures

• Available routes

• Mountain pass conditions

• Winter travel alerts
   

Use the Washington State Department of Transportation real‑time travel page:
https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/

This is the official source we recommend. Please don’t rely on social posts or second‑hand updates.
 

Parking & Transport to Camp

Ample parking for trucks and snowmobile trailers will be available. Details will be shared with registered participants ahead of the event.

Personal snowmobiles are permitted for both guests and spectators and may be used strictly for transportation.
In addition to personal snowmobile access, transport to camp and to event venues will also be facilitated by Alpine Lakes High Camp via snowcat.

From the parking area:

• Guests and spectators may choose to use their own snowmobile or venue-provided snowcat transport

• Those needing snowcat transport will select from pre‑designated snowcat pickup times during the registration process

• Gear and supplies will be transported with guests as scheduled

This is a backcountry access point, not a resort lot. Arrive early, follow instructions from staff, and be patient as loads are moved safely. Never block the driveway of a local residence!
 

Snowmobile Use
Personal snowmobiles are allowed for transportation only.

Rules are simple:

• Slow speeds at all times

• Stay on established roads

• Expect oncoming traffic

• No hooning, braaaping, or showing off
   

No one cares how good you are on a sled. Anyone who can’t respect this will be escorted off the property.
 
Event Schedule (Overview)

Day 1 — Monday: Arrival & Orientation

• Arrival at camp

• Meet and greet

• Safety briefing

• Avalanche skills refresher

• Feature build

• Registration and number plates

• Family‑style dinner at the lodge
   

Day 2 — Tuesday: Thompson Ridge

• Demo area open

• Three contest heats across different zones

• Two riders drop every 60 seconds

• Rotating order so everyone gets freshies
   

After the contest:

• Course opens to everyone

• Bonfire

• Awards
   

Day 3 — Wednesday: Heart Stopper

• Second venue across the valley

• Reel contest (film and edit same day)

• Group or solo entries

• Awards at the end
   

Day 4 — Thursday: Departure

• Morning pack‑out

• Cabin clean‑up

• Site sweep and breakdown

• Depart camp by scheduled transport windows

 
Participation & Tickets

Contestant cap: 70 riders
Everyone is welcome, even if you’re not competing.

Three participation tiers:

1. Full Event Pass — overnight cabin lodging and full event access (limited to 50 guests)

2. Single‑Day Participant Pass — ride and participate for one or both competition days (Tuesday the 3rd and/or Wednesday the 4th)

3. Spectator Pass — attend as a non‑riding guest
    

Pricing and ticket links will be posted soon.

Pricing overview (for planning purposes):

• Full Event Pass: overnight lodging and full event access for the entire weekend

• Single-Day Participant Pass: access to ride and participate for one or both competition days

• Spectator Pass: day access for one or two competition days

Final pricing, ticket limits, and registration details will be shared once registration opens.
 
Spectators & Day Passes — What to Expect

Spectators are a big part of what makes this weekend feel like a gathering rather than a closed contest.
If you’re joining as a spectator:

• You may attend for one or both competition days (Tuesday and/or Wednesday)

• You’ll have access to event zones and viewing areas

• You’re welcome to move around, watch heats, and hang out at the lodge

• You won’t need to ride to be part of the experience

• Try out various boards by different makers in the designated demo zone

Spectator passes are intended for friends, family, photographers, and anyone who wants to be present without riding.

Please note:

• Spectators must follow the same safety guidelines as riders

• Snowmobile use is still limited to transportation only

• Transport schedules will be shared in advance

• Everyone in attendance must sign a waiver 
   

Come for a day or two, soak it in, and be part of the community.

 
What to Bring

Essentials

• Sleeping bag 

• Food for the weekend

• Riding gear and avalanche safety kit

• Water containers

• Headlamp
   

Good to Have

• Extra warm layers

• Coffee gear

• Camera or phone for reels contest

• Spare gloves and socks

 
Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need avalanche gear to attend?
Yes. All riders are expected to carry standard avalanche safety equipment and have basic backcountry awareness. There will be a refresher on Day 1, but this is not an introductory course.

Do I need to compete to attend?
No. You’re welcome to ride, spectate, or just be part of the gathering. Competition is optional.

Can I bring my own powsurf board?
Absolutely. Demo boards may be available, but you’re encouraged to ride what you know and love.

Is alcohol allowed?
Alcohol is permitted in moderation. This is a shared backcountry space — respect the venue, the schedule, and the people around you. operating a snowmobile under the influence is not permitted.

Can kids or dogs attend?
This event is designed for adults in a backcountry setting. Please contact the organizers in advance if you have specific questions.

What if weather or road conditions change?
Safety comes first. Schedules and plans may shift based on conditions, obviously. Updates will be shared with registered participants as needed.
 
A print‑friendly PDF version of this information will be available for download.