TR: Treasury Raid on the Fourth of July

Kim and I have been talking about skiing on the 4th of July since our trip to Grizzly together. It wasn’t difficult to get her to make the trip up to Crested Butte from Boulder. I just had to promise her a little bit of biking and a little bit of skiing. I think she got what she came for 🙂

Frank decided to join us too. Our destination was the Wine Bottle couloirs off the north face of Treasury. We drove up to Paradise Divide, parked there, and set out on foot.

We followed the road toward Yule Pass. Kim and Frank.

But we eventually ascended up to the ridge, following that ridge to the summit of Treasury. Frank and I following the ridge.

Photo by Kim Ross

Admiring views of the valley below. Can you spot Mt. Crested Butte?

Frank with Treasury behind.

A view of potential lines for our way out.

Photo by Kim Ross

Yule Pass with the Raggeds behind.

North Maroon, South Maroon, and Pyramid in the distance.

A scenic.

Photo by Kim Ross

The Wine Bottle couloirs are hidden from view, even as we approach. Frank walking over to check them out.

The entrance to the couloirs lies slightly below and east of the summit. Since we had some time, we decided to head up to the summit of Treasury to check out the views. Kim approaching the summit which lies at 13, 462′.

The summit, of course, provided spectacular views 🙂 Pyramid, Snowmass, and Hagarman.

A look over toward a subpeak of the larger Treasure Mountain, not be confused with Treasury Mountain.

The other side (east) of Yule Pass, which is easily accessed from Marble. This area is called “Little Alaska” by some. The Blob, the Nipple, and the Ant.

The summit also gives a good view of the Wine Bottle couloirs. Looks like the one on the right is in!

Photo by Kim Ross

Frank and I heading down from the summit.

Frank got on his Captain America outfit, and I sported my lei. Ready to ski!

Frank dropped in first.

Kim shredded next.

Me heading down the upper part of the Wine Bottle couloir. The snow was surprisingly smooth and nice- especially for July!

Lower part of the couloir. Kim.

The couloir dropped us into North Pole Basin. From there, we traversed right, and headed up another snow field to get into the next basin over, called Rock Creek Basin.

Photo by Kim Ross

Frank leading the way.

The snow climb lead us to a ledge where we had to traverse through annoying loose scree over to the ridge. Frank making the transition.

Kim nearing the end of the snowclimb.

The second ski of the day was low angle, so Kim and I sported our skirts!

The girls skiing.

Kim.

Me.

Frank.

Frank decided these pieces of fallen cornice were beckoning for a jib move.

The bottom got… interesting… at times 🙂

Frank had a scare when the snow caved beneath his feet as he skied, with water gushing underneath.

The end of the snow 🙁

Photo by Kim Ross

Our line, marked on a picture taken earlier in the day.

Photo by Kim Ross

From there, we traversed southeast and south. A look back up toward Treasury.

Our traverse lead upward toward a saddle.

Once we crossed over the saddle, we descended about 100 feet to the road.

Photo by Kim Ross

Photo by Kim Ross

Baldy balding of snow. Hard to believe I skied this just a couple of weeks ago.

A final look at the beautiful Purple Mountain and Yule Pass.

Photo by Kim Ross

What a fantastic way to spend a 4th of July. Good snow, great lines, wonderful people, and sweet times. Gonna remember this one for a while. Thanks Kim and Frank!

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Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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