Mount Sopris Laundry Chutes 5.6.11

(Last Updated On: May 10, 2011)

After our successful day on Pyramid’s Landry Line, Brittany and I were looking to do some more skiing somewhere in the Roaring Fork Valley. Pyramid had tired us out, both mentally and physically, so objectives like Thunder Pyramid and Cathedral were out. A few suggestions were made, but ultimately when Jordan suggested Sopris, we were instantly in, since it fit the bill perfectly as something fairly quick, easy, and fun. An added bonus for this trip was Lou Dawson deciding to join us as well. We’ve been trying to get together with the 14er pioneer for years on a tour, so it was nice to finally make it happen.

Though not even a thirteener at 12,953′, the twin Sopris summits tower over 6,000′ above the Crystal and Roaring Fork river valleys, making Sopris appear much taller than it is. Our intended descent route was the Laundry chutes, seen here from the scrub oak halfway up the mountain.
Photobucket

Nearing treeline:
Photobucket

The weather was surprisingly cold, windy, and cloudy compared to our cloudless day on Pyramid. Still, it made for some interesting light as another group made their way up the mountain.
Photobucket

We went straight up the bowl and then found ourselves on the ridge, where the cornices were peeling away from the earth.
Photobucket

After reaching the summit and skiing back down the ridge, we reached the entrance of our chosen couloir. Brittany:
Photobucket

Lou:
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Jordan. As you can see, conditions were still quite powdery:
Photobucket

Photobucket

Jordan got some nice shots of me:
Photobucket

Photobucket

Carbondale, still far below:
Photobucket

Brittany. Photo Jordan White:
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Lou, exiting the couloir. Photo Jordan White:
Photobucket

Frank, coming out into the bowl below the couloirs.
Photobucket

Brittany from below, with the Laundry chutes above.
Photobucket

From the bottom of the bowl, we still had a lot of bonus turns until we reached our snowmobiles. Brittany:
Photobucket

All in all, it was exactly the kind of day we were looking for. A fun and aesthetic climb, a steep powdery couloir, bonus corn skiing, and all with great people. Thanks Lou and Jordan!

Frank Konsella

Frank loves snow more than anything... except his wife.  He ensures his food is digested properly by chewing it 32 times before swallowing.He is a full-time real estate agent serving Crested Butte and Gunnison and would be honored to send you his monthly newsletter.

Latest posts by Frank Konsella (see all)

Frank Konsella

Frank loves snow more than anything... except his wife.    He ensures his food is digested properly by chewing it 32 times before swallowing. He is a full-time real estate agent serving Crested Butte and Gunnison and would be honored to send you his monthly newsletter.

2 thoughts on “Mount Sopris Laundry Chutes 5.6.11

Got something to say? We love your comments!