Independence Pass Backcountry Skiing News — Coating of New Snow Still Holding
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| I did a solo mission up at Independence Pass, Colorado this morning. Above is view at about 7:00 A.M. from Blue Peak, just north of Independence Pass looking southerly. Stunning peak with couloir is Grizzly, Mountain Boy Gulch in foreground. Please click image for massive enlargement with popular routes marked. The WildSnow crew will be enjoying Indy for the next few days, hitting the corn, testing ski bindings and other gear, enjoying the views… Say hi if you see us.
Snow conditions: Still some moderate breakable crust about 12,000 feet, not as much new snow as I’d like to see covering the dirt layer. Overall snowpack is below average. Might not be many days of good skiing left, so hit it soon. |
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5 Responses to “Independence Pass Backcountry Skiing News — Coating of New Snow Still Holding”
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Skied the Geisslers and the gullies around the lake today. Less snow cover than last year but still a good time. Now enjoying the library wi-fi before a burger in Woody Creek. Ahhhh, good times.
Thanks for the updates, Lou! I’ll be the guy tiptoeing across the water in the am trying to get to Indy Peak.
Is the Lincoln Creek road open?
Good to see snow up on the pass! Lou, did you ski the grumpy german couloir down to giessler? Kirk, a good way to ski that peak is to bring an aluminum ladder and lay it across the creek. It is a great technique because you can pick it up (kind of like a draw bridge) after you cross the creek and totally hog the peak.As to the last entry about locked gates- I always carry a pair of bolt cutters. The secret is to cut the chain on the back of the gate and then wrap it back around the gate after access is granted. Who says the pass ever has to close. See you guys up there.
Walt: By posting your comment to this blog, you have:
1. Admitted in writing that you have illegally trespassed when you cut the chain. Not only what you did is illegal, but you cast a “bad guy” appearance on the great number of backcountry skiers that enjoy the high country without breaking the law.
2. You let out your little secret and have encouraged other potential trespassers to seek out your cut chains – now that they know where to look.
3.And, now that the secret is out, your private stash is gone – enjoy the company.
Smart move.
Hey Walt,
I was fortunate, as some locals brought a ladder today! The peak skied great.