Steamboat Fish Creek Backcountry 2.11.16

It’s been a long, long time since I was last in Steamboat. And when I say a long time, I mean it was probably 1987, plus or minus a year or two. What can I say, Steamboat is a loing way from Crested Butte. Last time, I was there for a race. This time, we were there to ski the backcountry.

When you talk about backcountry in Steamboat, the talk inevitably turns to Fish Creek, the area just outside the ski resort. Unlike our home here in Crested Butte, Steamboat has an open boundary, so skiers can leave the area and tour the surrounding backcountry. Brittany’s old bike racing teammate Marko lives in Steamboat, and we joined a few of his friends as well for an all day adventure, ending in N Fish creek.

As soon as we left the ski area, I found myself on top of this feature.

As soon as I made my first move, the snow pillow gave way- which was about the size of a golf cart. As I tried to stay on top of the moving snow, I somehow hurt my hand on the exposed rock. It was hardly an auspicious start to our Steamboat vacation. I didn’t get an X-ray for a few days, but as it turned out I did break my hand on that pillow. Oh well, you can still ski with a broken hand.

Brittany, on top of our highpoint, with the upper Fish creek drainage behind:

The terrain was super fun back here, with pillows everywhere. Thankfully, they all stayed together for me instead of breaking apart like the first one. Marko:

It’s hard to see, but this sinuous pillow line was one of the funnest things I’ve skied all year:

Marko:

Me:

Fish creek was a great introduction for what Steamboat has to offer. I was left wondering why I had taken 30 years to return. I’m sure I won’t go another 30 years before skiing Steamboat again.

Steamboat, the home of Big Agnes:

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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.

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