Backcountry Skiing

Anderson Peak 6.11.16

(Last Updated On: June 22, 2016)

Several years ago, we skied the Grizzly Couloir on Grizzly Peak in perfect June powder conditions. As we packed up and drove down Lincoln Creek we couldn’t help but notice a number of other enticing ski descents in the area- in fact if you read the old trip report, you’ll see a photo of Anderson Peak. Meanwhile, our friend Natalie was researching other routes in the area and spotted the same peak- so that’s where we headed. The namesake Anderson Lake was still frozen:
Anderson Lake

Anderson Lake and Grizzly Peak

We went for the couloir that was second from the looker’s left, since the snow looked the best in it. Up and away:
climbing anderson peak


The couloir ended abruptly in broken and exposed 4th class rock. While the summit would have been a nice bonus, it would have taken too long by the time we got back to the quickly softening snow. Natalie quickly skied down on her own, convinced she would walk the steeper parts (she didn’t). Brittany and I waited for the sun to soften the stil shaded couloir- and we probably waited 20 minutes too long. Oh well, next time. My friends named me the hotstepper, probably because of moves like this through the rocks.
lincoln creek skiing

One of Brittany’s first turns:
skiing anderson peak

Conditions dictated plenty of jump turns:
aspen area spring skiing

elk mountain ski mountaineering

Frank:
colorado summer skiing

skiing towards anderson lake and lincoln creek

anderson peak skiing

Brittany:
anderson peak skiing

After the couloir, it was time to milk the turns on the apron and walk back to the car. What a great peak, we might have to go back for a few of the other lines in the area. Til next time,
anderson peak couloir

Frank Konsella
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Summary
Article Name
Anderson Peak 6.11.16
Description
Anderson Peak lies at the head of Lincoln Creek off of Independence Pass near Aspen. The steep north side has a number of great couloirs- this is our report after skiing one of them
Author
14erskiers.com

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.

One thought on “Anderson Peak 6.11.16

  • Natalie Moran

    I am pretty sure I didn’t ski it quickly! Somehow got down barely in one piece 😉 Nice to see the actual ski photos. You guys did great.

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