Video captures jaw-dropping scenery of backcountry ice skating in Alaska

[Sylvia]

Anchorage Daily News article originally published on November 27, 2017: https://www.adn.com/outdoors-advent...scenery-of-backcountry-ice-skating-in-alaska/

Two filmmakers who captured the beauty of backcountry ice skating in Alaska — in a video showing skaters gliding through ice caves and along glacial lagoons — said they're out to generate interest in the sport.
"This is very easy to go out and do, but some people may not have knowledge of how to do it," said Cale Green, a cinematographer. "Part of the idea was raising awareness about this amazing outdoor activity."
The three-minute film is called "Wild Ice – Backcountry Skating Alaska." Its soaring footage was often shot by drones, showing skaters weaving past icebergs and snowdrifts along frozen lakes.

Direct link to the just under 3-minute video: https://vimeo.com/244394367

"Backcountry skating" is the practice of hunting for wild ice, whether on on a river, lake, glacial lagoon, or inside an ice cave. Filmed in southcentral and southeast Alaska over the course of two winters, "Wild Ice" features nordic bladers, hockey players, figure skaters, and a few adventurous puppies. Shot locations include Kenai Lake, the Portage Lagoons, Turnagain Arm, Wasilla Lake, Sheridan Glacier, Byron Glacier, and Portage Glacier.

 

[briancoogaert]

Such a dream for me ! The video is wonderful

 

[Sylvia]

Keeping on the skating outdoors theme... Skating on black ice (British Columbia's Lake Windermere) -- includes a 1-minute video: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/new...black-ice-on-a-frozen-bclake/article37353580/

Photos: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/lake-windermere-frozen-photographs-1.4457073

Thanks, @pat c! (for posting originally in OTBT).

 

[aftershocks]

There was another thread here not too long ago on this same theme.

 

[Sylvia]

There was another thread here not too long ago on this same theme.

Yes, I know, but it was archived and so I've started a new thread in the Trash Can with many of those "famous skater" video links: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/memorable-videos-of-skating-performances-outdoors.102693/

ETA - re-posting the first article/video link from that thread that was started in November 2015:

The skater is Elizabeth Putnam, former Canadian national team pairs skater (she had blond hair when she competed). Really beautiful scenery and cinematography.
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/11/vancouver-figure-skater-widgeon-lake-video/

 

[aliceanne]

I miss pond/creek skating, trying to navigate the different surfaces, the bliss of finding a spot as smooth as glass, and warming up by a bonfire. My area has gotten so developed we hardly ever get a good freeze for a couple of days in a row.

 

[mackiecat]

Hey Elizabeth Putman is the same person now working with Patrick Chan

 

[Sylvia]

^^^ That's why I re-posted her video.

 

[Sylvia]

Re-posting @Tahuu's video link here:

Not skating performance in conventional terms but imagine you were skating there - the sceneries are breathtaking - and you could see rocks, tree trunks and fish through the ice. Ten cm or 4 in of ice is safe to skate on.
...
Skate in Sierra Nevada (need a pair of hiking boots) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoimVpRHnQA

 

[Tahuu]

^^^ That's why I re-posted her video.

Putnam shows bueatiful lines in that video. Looking forward to Patrick’s skates at Canadian.