Michael Horst, Recipient of the 2015 Strength of Character Scholarship

MH on Crudbusters.photoJ.Beren

Recipient of the 2015 Strength of Character Scholarship Michael Horst on Crudbusters, Valdez, Alaska. Photo: J. Beren

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude and to say thank you to the family members and friends of Matt Hegeman and Eitan Green, who have created and supported this scholarship. Like Matt and Eitan were, I am working toward full certification as a mountain guide. This scholarship was applied to the Ski Guide Exam, which I passed in April. The ski guide certification will make a positive difference in my life. I’ll be able to work much closer to home throughout the winter season, earn higher wages, and see my wife and son regularly for those months. Thank you for helping me achieve those goals.

Guillermo.Daimond Summit. MH

Guillermo on the summit of Diamond Peak, Valdez, Alaska, during the Ski Guide Exam. Photo: Michael Horst

To familiarize ourselves with the terrain around Valdez, Alaska, and prepare for the exam, most of the candidates arrived more than 10 days in advance. The examiners provided us the exam format documents ahead of time, and we got right into exam mode during our prep days. We’d tour-plan our routes the day before each outing, scouring over maps and terrain photos, and consulting local guides for Valdez beta. Not only did we ski many lines in a diverse sampling of the local terrain, each day that we were out, we’d collect more info to better prepare for the exam. The group dug in and gathered full snow profiles from many different aspects and elevations, current terrain photos of our own to add to our database, and GPS tracks to reference if we returned to specific areas. The work paid off, and when the exam started we were comfortable with the real exam.

The first day we toured into a whiteout on a route called Cracked Iced. It was a good day to test our whiteout- and glacier-navigation skills. The second day we took turns demonstrating our proficiency in crevasse rescue. Most of the candidates practice and teach crevasse rescue often, so this day went well for the entire group. After that there were only six days to go.

Brian Muller in the Gun Barrel.MH

Brian Muller in the Gun Barrel, Valdez, Alaska. Photo: Michael Horst

The weather cooperated enough for us to get out to some useful objectives, but provided us with plenty of challenges. We often had significant avalanche hazard, moderate to strong winds at ridge tops, and limited visibility. Despite the challenges, we managed to fly to our objectives in helicopters two mornings. Not only did this allow great access to terrain, it added a component to the exam that seems rather fitting for American ski guides, especially in Valdez.

Each candidate was asked to research and present a specific topic related to heli-skiing, ranging from general safety to refueling procedures and rescue operations. We each learned something from each other and had the opportunity to put it into practice.

Approaching Gun Barrels.PhotoMH

Approaching the Gun Barrels, Valdez, Alaska. Photo: Michael Horst

All in all, the exam went well despite some close calls. I’m looking forward to taking the skills on which we were assessed and using them as a ski guide for seasons to come.

Matt and Eitan shared a few things in common, not the least of which were their professionalism and sense of humor. As I continue to develop as a mountain guide, I think of them often and hope to perpetuate what they shared with me.