|
A Day Backcountry Skiing Castle Peak, Colorado,
October 2002
Summit ski descent of a noble
Colorado 14er
By Lou Dawson
Clouds roiled around us -- the
sun shuttering like a strobe as a strong southern wind raked
the summit of Castle Peak. Carl post-holed the last few feet
to the summit, while Bill and I tried to figure a way with less
effort, but without straying too far onto the east face. It's
October, when Colorado mountains are usually dry as a banker's
hands, scoured and useless for meaty backcountry skiing descents
that leave you feeling like you did the mountain justice -- that
you honored tradition by skiing it the way it was made to be
skied. Such ski descents in October? Not likely -- but this October
is different. Central Colorado has a ton of snow, look for an
excellent season at resorts such as Aspen, and backcountry such
as...everywhere!
 |
| We climbed the ridge to the left
(East Ridge), using the summer trail which was easily bootable
with a bit of punching. The ridge down to the couloir required
a bit of monkey business to ski from the summit, but it
was fun. Couloir had difficult snow, but Carl and I made
turns. Bill left his skis down below because he's still
learning about backcountry skiing, but he had
a good time as well. |
| |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Chaining up for Montezuma
is a local tradition. Nothing works better than a big beater
Chevy for snow busting. |
Bill charging up the East
Ridge trail, a good winter route because it's almost always
wind scoured. I've lost count... |
Low on the East Ridge,
the October sun stays on the horizon, teasing us with its
warmth, winking through clouds. |
| |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Near the summit, a bit
of a grunt. We always put in extra effort to avoid suspect
avalanche slopes. |
Carl and Lou on the summit,
Lou stands on the summit cairn for the ultimate launch. |
Carl backcountry skiing
in the couloir. Snow was winded reverse density, not hero
fluff, but fun anyhow. |
| |
 |
| Back near our parking spot,
the view up towards Montezuma Basin, Conundrum Peak at center
and right. Castle Peak out of photo to left. |
|
Custom Search