Mega Face (12 May 2013)

(Last Updated On: May 16, 2013)

We woke to rather warm temperatures on Sunday morning. We decided to stick with our original plan and hope for the best. We did find that the snow had frozen, but very minimally. Warming happened fast. With a slight change of plans, we were able to make the most of the day’s conditions.

There is nothing like a beautiful skin through a forest.
 photo DSCN5387frank_zps6100758e.jpg

Of course, we maximized our skinning potential when possible. 🙂 Just 2 days earlier, Pete had been able to skin up this entire section.
 photo IMG_1027pete_zpsed2ba402.jpg

Proof that the animals are out to play for the summer.
 photo IMG_1031beartracks_zps7d3419af.jpg

We drooled over this, but decided it was best to save it for another day.
 photo IMG_1030anotherline_zpsd62fce61.jpg

We rounded out at treeline to this view, not knowing that we were actually going to be skiing this a half an hour later.
 photo DSCN5395options_zps1b863a51.jpg

 photo WhetstoneM-Face2-1copy_zps4270bb59.jpg

As we ascended the ridge, we began to really notice the signs of warming snow and increasing clouds. Our original plan was to ski two different lines, one east-facing and the other north. But, on the summit, we all agreed that the north-east facing Mega Face was our best option. (No, nobody has ever called it the Mega face- but it’s obvious where we were). We were still hoping for a second lap on the North facing spade, but in the end it just wasn’t a day to be out all day long while the temps spiked.

John Jasper, Pete Sowar, and Frank on top.
 photo DSCN5396topofmtn_zps269d621f.jpg

I think it was a pretty good choice 🙂 Frank.
 photo DSCN5415frank_zpsba26530e.jpg

 photo WhetstoneM-Face2-3copy_zpse66bea08.jpg

Pete.
 photo DSCN5433pete_zps1c7a9d62.jpg

 photo DSCN5461pete_zps62a4a61a.jpg

 photo DSCN5498pete_zps82b4e374.jpg

 photo IMG_1154pete_zps9798280d.jpg

Jasper.
 photo WhetstoneM-Face2-5copy_zps4edfdc74.jpg

 photo IMG_1133jasper_zps57025831.jpg

Me.
 photo IMG_1056brit_zps8be46c47.jpg

 photo IMG_1061brit_zps5d21a267.jpg

 photo WhetstoneM-Face2-6copy_zpsb9188b96.jpg

 photo IMG_1168brit_zps5f27379c.jpg

We stopped to admire the face and all the options she had to offer.
 photo DSCN5509face_zps50df134e.jpg

But, we still had over 1500 vertical feet of skiing left 🙂
 photo IMG_1206skiout_zps85dccdb6.jpg

And we stopped to admire old mining ruins along the way.
 photo IMG_1203miningruins_zpsbc59ad97.jpg

The snow continues to transition. This week has brought some incredibly warm temperatures with minimal freezes. Let’s hope we can get some solid freezing at night to open up the possibility of even greater adventures 🙂

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!

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!

Got something to say? We love your comments!