TR: Skiing the Gothic Fork (20 Feb 2016)

(Last Updated On: February 21, 2016)

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.
Jomah Fangonlino climbing Gothic Mountain.

Frank climbing.
Frank Konsella climbing Gothic Mountain.

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.
Jomah Fangonlino backcountry skiing on Gothic Mountain.

Frank.
Frank Konsella backcountry skiing Gothic Mountain.

Jomah enjoying a few turns on the Spoon at the top.
Jomah Fangonlino backcountry skiing on Gothic Mountain.

Jomah Fangonlino backcountry skiing on Gothic Mountain.

Dropping into the Fork.
Frank Konsella backcountry skiing on Gothic Mountain.

The Fork was a little mushy, but still fun. Frank.
Frank Konsella backcountry skiing Gothic Fork.

Frank Konsella backcountry skiing Gothic Fork.

Jomah.
Jomah Fangonlino backcountry skiing on Gothic Mountain.

Jomah Fangonlino backcountry skiing on Gothic Mountain.

Me.
Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Gothic Fork.

Brittany Konsella backcountry skiing on Gothic Fork.

Jomah at bottom of the Fork.
Jomah Fangonlino backcountry skiing on Gothic Mountain.

Me skiing out the bottom with the Fork behind.
Gothic Fork near Crested Butte, CO.

It has been great to take advantage of this amazing high pressure and snow stability. Welcome to Februapril!

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!

Summary
Skiing the Gothic Fork
Article Name
Skiing the Gothic Fork
Description
Gothic Mountain stands aesthetically proud above the valley of Crested Butte. In the winter it taunts the imaginations of any backcountry skier!
Author

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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