TR: Purple S-Couloir (20Apr2014)
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Unsettled was the best word to describe the weather for the weekend. It seemed as though Mother Nature had a bout of schizophrenia or something, being sunny one moment, blizzarding the next, and even throwing some rain into the mix. With only a soft freeze overnight, we decided to take our chances with the weather and seek colder temperatures up high. The Purple S came to mind, knowing that this couloir can still provide some visibility in adverse weather conditions.
The morning looked promising as we gazed upon the three siblings – Ruby, Owen, Purple.
Our first look at Purple, obscured by clouds.
Afley is always an impressive sight, even when smothered with dust.
Strange what the lighting does to change the appearance of things. Here, the mountains beside us look misleadingly small.
Jarrett pausing for a break as we make our way up the mountain.
When the clouds rolled in, our visibility severely decreased.
Thankfully, the clouds began to disperse as we neared the top. Getting close!
Jenny at the top of our line.
With a couple of inches of fresh snow falling over the last day, the skiing was surprisingly good!
Jenny.
Jarrett.
Me.
Frank.
Jenny wrapping up the bottom of the couloir.
The apron turns were nice too!
We had to skin our way out of the upper basin, and caught a good look again at Purple under clearer skies.
We had hoped to ski another couloir on the north side of Purple, but with the clouds dispersing and the soft overnight freeze, temperatures were warming quickly and wetslides were occurring. It was time to call it the good day that it was and bust a move out of there. Thanks to Frank, Jarrett, and Jenny for a great day out!
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