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:
Axtell Mountain in Crested Butte

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.
Larry Fontaine backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Larry Fontaine backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Susan made her way into the actual couloir of the Pencil first.
Susan Mol backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Larry’s turn.
Larry Fontaine backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

A look down the tight part of the Pencil Couloir.
Pencil Couloir on Axtell in Crested Butte.

Me in the couloir, photos courtesy of Susan.
Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

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Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Susan exiting the Pencil Couloir.
Susan Mol backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Susan Mol backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Susan Mol backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Susan Mol backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Larry on the Pencil apron.
Larry Fontaine backcountry skiing in Crested Butte, Axtell Pencil Couloir

Susan and Larry, stoked on skiing another fun line.
Axtell Pencil, backcountry skiing in Crested Butte

A closer look at the Axtell Pencil.
Axtell Pencil, backcountry skiing in Crested Butte.

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…

Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte

Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte

Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte

Brittany Walker Konsella backcountry skiing in Crested Butte

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 🙂

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
Crested Butte Backcountry - Axtell Couloir
Article Name
Crested Butte Backcountry - Axtell Couloir
Description
More good times enjoying fantastic skiing in the Crested Butte backcountry in the classic Axtell Pencil Couloir and beyond!
Author
14erskiers

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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