Backcountry SkiingCrested Butte

Mega Face (12 May 2013)

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We woke to rather warm temperatures on Sunday morning. We decided to stick with our original plan and hope for the best. We did find that the snow had frozen, but very minimally. Warming happened fast. With a slight change of plans, we were able to make the most of the day’s conditions.

There is nothing like a beautiful skin through a forest.
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Of course, we maximized our skinning potential when possible. 🙂 Just 2 days earlier, Pete had been able to skin up this entire section.
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Proof that the animals are out to play for the summer.
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We drooled over this, but decided it was best to save it for another day.
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We rounded out at treeline to this view, not knowing that we were actually going to be skiing this a half an hour later.
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As we ascended the ridge, we began to really notice the signs of warming snow and increasing clouds. Our original plan was to ski two different lines, one east-facing and the other north. But, on the summit, we all agreed that the north-east facing Mega Face was our best option. (No, nobody has ever called it the Mega face- but it’s obvious where we were). We were still hoping for a second lap on the North facing spade, but in the end it just wasn’t a day to be out all day long while the temps spiked.

John Jasper, Pete Sowar, and Frank on top.
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I think it was a pretty good choice 🙂 Frank.
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Pete.
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Jasper.
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Me.
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We stopped to admire the face and all the options she had to offer.
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But, we still had over 1500 vertical feet of skiing left 🙂
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And we stopped to admire old mining ruins along the way.
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The snow continues to transition. This week has brought some incredibly warm temperatures with minimal freezes. Let’s hope we can get some solid freezing at night to open up the possibility of even greater adventures 🙂

Brittany Walker Konsella

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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