Camping in Alaska's Deepest Snow with a Dugout Survival Shelter

Summary

Join Luke from the UD Boys YouTube channel as he embarks on an exhilarating adventure in Juno, Alaska, where he tackles backcountry skiing, snow camping, and the challenges of extreme snow conditions. From the stunning views of glaciers to the struggle of digging a snow cave in deep snow, Luke offers a firsthand account of surviving in one of the snowiest places on Earth. With survival tips, humorous moments, and the satisfaction of a well-earned meal, this video immerses viewers in the beauty and trials of winter wilderness adventures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video follows a journey in Juno, Alaska, where the creator explores deep snow, climbs mountains, and skis in challenging conditions.
• 😀 Juno, Alaska, is part of a temperate rainforest and experiences over 230 days of rain annually, which turns into snow in the mountains.
• 😀 The creator visits Eagle Crest Ski Resort, which is closed during the trip, and ventures into the backcountry for skiing and exploration.
• 😀 The risk of avalanches is a major concern when venturing beyond the ski resort boundaries, so the creator stays close to trees for safety.
• 😀 The snow conditions are ideal for building but challenging due to the dense, icy layers and hidden obstacles like trees and rocks under the snow.
• 😀 Snow blindness is a concern in the mountains, and the creator emphasizes the importance of wearing sunglasses after prolonged sun exposure.
• 😀 The creator demonstrates how to measure snow depth using an avalanche probe and explores the variations caused by wind and terrain.
• 😀 Building a snow shelter involves digging through dense snow, avoiding tree stumps, and ensuring the structure is strong enough to hold weight.
• 😀 Cooking and preparing food in the snow cave include meals like bacon-wrapped chicken and couscous, followed by a creative dessert of brownies and whipped cream.
• 😀 The video concludes with a reflection on the challenges of winter camping, the strength of snow caves, and a personal experiment to test the collapse risk of snow shelters.
• 😀 The creator shares valuable insights into outdoor survival in extreme conditions, with an emphasis on careful planning, safety, and resourcefulness.

Q & A

What makes Juno, Alaska a unique location for outdoor activities?

Juno is located in the heart of a temperate rainforest, receiving an average of 230 days of rain per year. This wet climate results in heavy snow accumulation, especially in the mountains, making it ideal for winter sports like skiing and snow camping.

Why does the speaker emphasize staying close to trees while skiing in the backcountry?

Staying close to trees helps reduce the risk of avalanches. Trees act as natural anchors, preventing snow from sliding off the mountain. This is important when skiing outside the resort boundaries, where avalanche risks are higher.

What challenges does the speaker face when building a snow shelter?

The speaker encounters several difficulties, including the strong, dense snow, which requires more effort to dig through. Additionally, there are hidden obstacles like rocks and trees beneath the snow, making digging more complex and time-consuming.

What precautions does the speaker take when digging a snow shelter?

The speaker uses an avalanche probe to measure the snow depth and check for any underlying obstacles. They also make sure the snow is strong enough to support the shelter without collapsing.

What is the significance of snow blindness in the video?

The speaker highlights the danger of snow blindness, which occurs when the eyes are overexposed to sunlight reflected off snow. Without proper eye protection, the corneas can get sunburned, leading to temporary blindness.

What type of food does the speaker prepare during the camping trip?

The speaker prepares a variety of meals, including bacon-wrapped chicken shish kebabs with couscous, followed by brownies with whipped cream for dessert. They also make oatmeal for breakfast.

What role does the liquid fuel stove play in the speaker's camping setup?

The liquid fuel stove is essential for melting snow into water and cooking meals in the cold environment. It is reliable in winter conditions since its fuel does not freeze, unlike traditional gas stoves.

How does the speaker manage the cold temperatures while camping?

To manage the cold, the speaker layers clothing, uses a well-insulated sleeping bag, and ensures that any water bottles are kept close to prevent them from freezing. They also frequently check the temperature to adjust their clothing accordingly.

Why does the speaker perform an experiment on the snow shelter's structural integrity?

The speaker tests the strength of the snow shelter to see how much weight it can support and to understand the risks associated with snow cave construction. This experiment highlights the importance of ensuring the shelter is safe before relying on it for protection.

What is the takeaway message from the speaker's snow cave experiment?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of careful planning when building snow shelters, noting that while snow caves can provide good insulation, they must be built properly to prevent collapse. The experiment also serves as a reminder not to blindly follow outdoor trends without considering safety.