TR: Mickey’s (9 Dec 2014)

(Last Updated On: December 21, 2014)

A week and half ago we were in full-on high pressure which had been lasting a while. With low avalanche danger, it was time to ski high and go a little bigger than we typically think in December.

Alex skinning.
Alex Riedman skinning in the Crested Butte backcountry

I was challenged in finding ski partners on this particular Tuesday, and Pete kindly let me tag along on his adventure with Mike. Then, late the night before, my friend Alex decided to not go ride her bike and go skiing instead. So, it was a foursome.

It was a beautiful day with a light breeze on the ridge. But, it was calm enough to take some time to enjoy the views, like this one of Mineral Point.
View of Mineral Point while backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

The surrounding area was looking pretty darned good for being devoid of significant snowfall for nearly two weeks.
Poverty Gulch in the Crested Butte backcountry.

I call this the Cascade Couloir, Pete calls it the Gnar Couloir. A rappel is needed for the entrance, making it a wonderfully fun ski mountaineering line.
Cascade Couloir in the Crested Butte backcountry.

We traveled for quite some time on the ridge.
Alex Riedman skinning on Purple ridge near Crested Butte.

I don’t know if this lake has a name, but I call it Chasm pond. In the summer it looks like a bottomless hole of water. Pete calls it Death Lake.
Chasm pond in the Crested Butte backcountry.

A beautiful ridge on a beautiful day.
Purple Ridge in the Crested Butte backcountry.

This is “Mickey’s”. I’m told that a person named Mickey skied it solo back in the day and survived an avalanche. If anyone can confirm this or knows more details, please share. We love that stuff!
Mickey's, backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Conditions looked a little funky down there. But, in actuality they were pretty good – if you skied fast enough to break the zipper crust. Mike took it first.
Mike Nolan backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Mike Nolan backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Mike Nolan backcountry skiing in Crested Butte

Pete.
Pete backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Pete backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Pete bakcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Alex.
Alex Riedman backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Alex Riedman backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Alex Riedman backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

A look back up at our line – nearly 1700′ vert to this point, and 800′ still more down to go.
Mickey's ski line, backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

Up valley, still many more options for those looking.
Looking up the valley toward Purple while backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

A noticeable line leads from the ridge directly down to “Chasm pond” or “Death Lake”. Pete and some others call this the Secret Chute, but I believe I’ve heard it called Nuclear Chute as well.
backcountry skiing in Crested Butte

It was great to check out a new line and a new zone up high in Crested Butte’s backcountry. But, with new snow and more storms on the way, it’s back to powder skiing for now 🙂

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!

2 thoughts on “TR: Mickey’s (9 Dec 2014)

  • December 22, 2014 at 7:04 pm
    Permalink

    Cool! This is actually the first thing I ever skied in the CB bc, always wondered what it was called. Good to know!

  • December 23, 2014 at 10:56 pm
    Permalink

    That’s awesome Mike 🙂

Got something to say? We love your comments!