After seeing a trip report on 14ers.com which told the story of new snow in the Southern Sawatch, Matt and I decided a trip down to Mt. Antero was in order. This would end up being the first 14er ski descent of the 09/10 season for both of us. Matt and I were more than ready to get back on the horse. Keep reading…
On our descent from Longs‘ summit a month ago, Tom and I laid down loose plans for our next trip to another alpine wonderland. It didn‘t take long for the somewhat infamous Ellingwood Arete on Crestone Needle to surface in the conversation, this is a route I‘ve literally been drooling over since I first read about it four years ago. It seems if you‘re into 14ers and alpine climbing, the Arete is one of those must-do routes. Tom headed down to Westcliffe Wednesday and booked a hotel and a Jeep rental as I had class until later in the evening. After I got out I high tailed it on down to the Westcliffe Inn and let myself into the room to find a snoozing Tom and Aaron (he had plans to hit the Crestones the next day as well and conveniently bummed a hotel and ride to the upper TH). Keep reading…
Tom Pierce and I got out Saturday and climbed what I would consider to be the most fun route I‘ve been on to date. I‘ve been thinking about Kieners for a few years now and the opportunity came up for me this past March to try a winter ascent (pretty ambitious for my first time up the route). Tom, a friend of his, and I made our way up to the base of Lambslide and elected to save it for another day due to a large cornice overhanging the Notch, as well as a rather slow approach time. Although somewhat disappointed, I think we all felt the right decision was made in the end. Keep reading…
We skied La Plata Saturday and it ended up being a fairly grueling wrap-up of a good string of spring ski descents. I am completely ready to hang up the skis for awhile and after Saturday, it seems there‘s not much of a choice. Partners for this one ended up being Jon and Wes, two guys I‘ve skied with multiple times already this spring. Keep reading…