TR: Skiing the Gothic Fork (20 Feb 2016)
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Gothic Mountain stands aesthetically proud above the valley of Crested Butte. In the summer, it’s an eye-catcher. But in winter, it taunts the imaginations of nearly any skier. Gothic Mountain is littered with ski lines, from the south-facing Spoon couloir, to the West Chutes, to the north bowls, and then the spiny east face. It’s a skier’s dream.
With the February high pressure, avalanche stability was low all around. The south-facing Spoon typically gets hit early during high pressures like this. We decided to hop on the bandwagon and see what we could find up on Gothic Mountain. Frank and I were joined by our friend Jomah.
We ascended the traditional route, enjoying the staircase to the top. Jomah.
Frank climbing.
At the top, we decided to ski the line just to the looker’s right of the Gothic Spoon, which we called the Gothic Fork. But, to get to it, we skied a little bit of the Spoon first. Jomah happy and ready to ski.
Frank.
Jomah enjoying a few turns on the Spoon at the top.
Dropping into the Fork.
The Fork was a little mushy, but still fun. Frank.
Jomah.
Me.
Jomah at bottom of the Fork.
Me skiing out the bottom with the Fork behind.
It has been great to take advantage of this amazing high pressure and snow stability. Welcome to Februapril!
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