{"id":421166,"date":"2016-05-25T18:08:32","date_gmt":"2016-05-26T00:08:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/14erskiers.com\/blog\/?p=421166"},"modified":"2016-05-25T18:08:32","modified_gmt":"2016-05-26T00:08:32","slug":"tr-pacific-peak-6-may-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/14erskiers.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/tr-pacific-peak-6-may-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"TR: Pacific Peak Ski (6 May 2016)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The north couloir on Pacific is a classic line. But, it’s often difficult to get into condition. Ten years ago, I skied it mid-May with my friend Dave Bourassa and I’ve been itching to get back in recent years.<\/p>\n

The north couloir of Pacific on the right, seen from Crystal Peak.
\n\"Pacific<\/p>\n

A closer look.
\n\"Pacific<\/p>\n

Finally, the stars aligned for a Pacific ski with my friend Zach. We approached from the east, via the Spruce Creek trailhead. Zach skinning.
\n\"Zach<\/p>\n

Lots of signs of mining in the area.
\n\"Mining<\/p>\n

The Mohawk Lake basin is a serene scene!
\n\"Mohawk<\/p>\n

The Hawaii Couloirs off the east ridge, with Pacific Peak behind.
\n\"Hawaii<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We did not climb the north couloir direct. Instead, we opted to ascend some north-facing slopes east of the peak. Clouds started moving in as we approached the summit, but that didn’t deter us. Zach approaching the summit with Atlantic behind.
\n\"Zach<\/p>\n

Me on the top.
\n\"Brittany<\/p>\n

But, when we dropped down to take a look at the entrance of the north couloir, we saw it was blown out. It seemed like a north wind had blasted the snow right out of it, despite recent sticky spring storms.
\n\"Entrance<\/p>\n

But, we still had a consolation prize – another north-facing couloir that dropped of the ridge east of the summit. I’m not sure of the name of this couloir. If anyone knows of a name, please pass it on!
\n\"Another<\/a><\/p>\n

Me dropping into the consolation prize \ud83d\ude42
\n\"Brittany<\/p>\n

\"Brittany<\/p>\n

\"Brittany<\/p>\n

Zach.
\n\"Zach<\/p>\n

\"Zach<\/a><\/p>\n

Me again.
\n\"Brittany<\/p>\n

\"Brittany<\/p>\n

\"Brittany<\/p>\n

\"Brittany<\/p>\n

The couloir was pretty fun! And then out the basin we went. What a vast scene!
\n\"Leaving<\/p>\n

On the way out, we stopped by the Continental Cabin.
\n\"Continental<\/p>\n

When you’re line doesn’t work, it’s always good to have backup options. Thankfully, Pacific Peak has no shortage of options. But, I still need to get back and ski that north couloir again some day!<\/p>\n