Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information & opinion website. Lou's passion for the past 50 years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about
ski touring and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the
Fourteeners! Books and free ski touring news and information here.
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Backcountry skiing is dangerous. You may be killed or severely injured if you do any form of ski mountaineering, skimo randonnee and randonnée skiing. The information and news on this website is intended only as general information. Due to human error and passing time, the information, text and images contained within this website may be inaccurate, false, or out-of-date. By using, reading or viewing the information provided on this website, you agree to absolve the owners of Wild Snow as well as content contributors of any liability for injuries or losses incurred while using such information. Furthermore, you agree to use any of this website's information, maps, photos, or binding mounting instructions templates at your own risk, and waive Wild Snow owners and contributors of liability for use of said items for ski touring or any other use.
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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.
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.
Is the Lincoln Creek road open?
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.