TR: Crested Butte Backcountry, Part 2
(Last Updated On: April 5, 2016)
After an afternoon out on the Purple S Couloir, we knew conditions were prime. It was time to do some good stuff in the Crested Butte backcountry. But, weather was moving in. The next day was full of blustery winds and clouds swirled in the skies. The Axtell Pencil came to mind as a good line for the day…
Axtell Pencil
Joining me that day on Axtell were Larry, visiting from Steamboat, and my good friend Susan Mol – a couple of great backcountry partners.
The Axtell Pencil in the center:
It’s always fun showing people new lines. Larry was visiting from Steamboat and didn’t know much about Axtell, and knew nothing about the Pencil, and didn’t lay eyes on it before we began ascending the mountain.
So, Larry didn’t know what he was really in for when he dropped in. But, thankfully Larry is up for a good line. Larry in the upper bowl of the Pencil.
Susan made her way into the actual couloir of the Pencil first.
Larry’s turn.
A look down the tight part of the Pencil Couloir.
Me in the couloir, photos courtesy of Susan.
Susan exiting the Pencil Couloir.
Larry on the Pencil apron.
Susan and Larry, stoked on skiing another fun line.
A closer look at the Axtell Pencil.
Crested Butte Spring Powder Day
That night, the clouds actually decided to release some snow and Frank and I searched out some powder in the Crested Butte backcountry. My camera wasn’t working, but Frank grabbed some good shots of me…
The slough ran fast, but it was a great powder day for sure!
It was a fun run of a few days hanging out in our own Crested Butte backcountry, but then when the weather turned, we ventured out further in the state, exploring more lines. There’s always so much exploring to do 🙂
- Mount Buckskin (17 May 2020) - May 28, 2020
- Horseshoe Ski (14 May 2020) – The mountain whose journey nearly killed me - May 27, 2020
- Sayres X-Rated Ski (10 May 2020) - May 19, 2020
