TR: Purple S-Couloir (20Apr2014)

(Last Updated On: April 30, 2014)

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.
Ruby, Owen, Purple near Crested Butte

Our first look at Purple, obscured by clouds.
Purple Peak, Crested Butte

Afley is always an impressive sight, even when smothered with dust.
Afley near Crested Butte

Strange what the lighting does to change the appearance of things. Here, the mountains beside us look misleadingly small.
Frank skinning

Jarrett pausing for a break as we make our way up the mountain.
Jarrett

When the clouds rolled in, our visibility severely decreased.
low visibility

Thankfully, the clouds began to disperse as we neared the top. Getting close!
Skinning up south side of Purple

Jenny at the top of our line.
Jenny Veilleux

With a couple of inches of fresh snow falling over the last day, the skiing was surprisingly good!

Jenny.
Jenny Veilleux skiing Purple

Jenny Veilleux

Jarrett.
Jarrett Luttrell on Purple

Jarrett Luttrell

Jarrett Luttrell

Me.
Brittany Walker Konsella skiing Purple

Brittany Walker Konsella

Frank.
Frank Konsella

Frank Konsella skiing Purple

Jenny wrapping up the bottom of the couloir.
Skiing Purple S

The apron turns were nice too!
Skiing Purple S

We had to skin our way out of the upper basin, and caught a good look again at Purple under clearer skies.
Purple near Crested Butte

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!

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!

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