Some time ago I realized I live in one of the most stunning landscapes on the planet, yet fail to truly experience it. I call it the backyard syndrome: it’s so close you rarely walk through it. Not to say Alaska isn’t enormous, harsh and challenging. So more and more I have been taking to the trail.

A few weeks ago four people from the Alaska Alpine Club attempted to summit White Princess — a nearly 10,000 foot peak in the eastern Alaska Range.

The 9 mile approach up the Caster Glacier took all day, but bluebird skies always make great skiing. Unfortunately, bluebird skies didn’t stick around, and near-whiteout conditions high on the mountain nullified Sunday’s summit push. Absolutely no complaints though.

The photos are mostly 35mm film with two iPhone frames.

Approaching an ice cave on the Caster Glacier, even simple Alaska scenery’s stunning.

Inside the ice cave a person’s presence is easily overcome by time, textures and colors.

Ski tracks say where you’ve been, and can be extremely satisfying to look at.

The only view we got of White Princess — the peak in the upper-right quadrant  — was rolling into base camp around 9 p.m. Dark and cold quickly followed.

A large rock wall dwarfs skiers and illustrates the scale of Alaska’s environment.

Group shot before leaving base camp.

About the only blue sky seen on Sunday. Snow blowing off the ridge is a good indicator of the strong winds.