I learned a little while ago that Christy Sauer Mahon of Aspen today became the first woman to ski all the Colorado fourteeners (54 14,000-foot peaks). She and her husband Ted Mahon made a descent of Capitol Peak, one of the more difficult of the bunch, but nonetheless workable with the right conditions and skills. It sounds like Ted and Christy brought it all to the table and did a good job. No details at this time, but I’d imagine we’ll get the lowdown on Ted’s website. So great job and congratulations on an inspiring accomplishment Christy!
Congratulations Christy Sauer Mahon – First Woman to Ski Colorado Fourteeners
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Congrats on an awesome accomplishment……
Brilliant! Way to pioneer Christy! I am very happy for you and proud of you! Cheers
I got a voicemail from Christy and she sounded pretty happy — in fact, ecstatic. Can’t blame her. I can only imagine the way she and Ted must have been scrambling to keep banging those things off on pace with Brittany and also Pam Rice. Now, ladies, who will be second?
Well done Christy. Now you can get to work on other great skiing adventures you must be dreaming of.
Thanks! Like everyone who has finished or is finishing soon, its an incredible feeling to complete such a big project. Its been about 6 six years of doing about 9 peaks a winter/spring so it will be nice to have time for some different adventures. Might get some light AT race gear and do some rando events finally! Good luck in AK!
Jeez Christy, now you’re scaring me (grin). Best wishes from the Denali WildSnow road crew. We’re cooking breakfast at Bunny Flats at Mount Shasta at the moment. Weather doesn’t look great but we’ll get a workout anyway.
Congrats to Christy and Jarrett. Of course skiing all the 14ers is one of my personal goals, along with finding the best IPA and Mexican food in the state. However I have never seen this as a race, just something I truly enjoy. Rushing to the finish – I reserve that for work, driving I80, or a dentist appointment. Cheers and safe travels to the Denali crew!
RAPPEL?
I checked out the pics of the descent on Christy’s website. An excellent ski descent, but there was a rappel on the descent. I didn’t realize that Davenport or Dawson did rappels on their descents of this peak. If they did not, then this descent is not done in a similar or better style than the first descents, and although admirable, should not be counted as a complete descent. Does anyone know if Davenport/Dawson rappelled, or if there are fixed standards for claiming descents in the sport?
I had similar thoughts about a claimed descent of Everest a few years ago by a woman who had skied a few thousand incomplete feet. Did the snowboarder manage Capitol and Pyramid without rappels??
HI Alger, some folks assume I’m willing to take on the role of arbitrator of what makes a 14er descent, but I truly do not desire that nor want to take part in it any more than offering my own opinion. Thusfar, all descents of Capitol have involved rope work or a bit of booting. Mine involved making a few steps up towards K2 after getting past the knife ridge, which I did ski across on belay. It is my opinion that the short rappell used for the Secret Couloir route is just as legit, and actually results in a route that is quite elegant if viewed by mountaineering aesthetics. If someone goes up there on a normal snow year and skis it without any booting and without any rappells, and without climbing down rocks on skis, then they indeed have raised the bar and subsequent descents might need to ramp up their standards. But so far that has not happened. Also, public consensus will dictate what makes a legit descent. So far folks seem to be comfortable with the Secret Couloir so long as the peak is skied on snow from the summit. I’m comfortable with that. But again, just my opinion. ‘best, Lou
I’m sold . . . the style was matched, the first female ski of the 14ers is complete. Congrats, Alger
Well, put Lou. I think as time goes on things will work themselves out, and the naysayers are left to obsess on their own. :whistle:
Congrats Christy.
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