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Traversing some of the 'unskiable' terrain
Shortly after this section we encountered some steeper snow slopes which lead to the broad and much flatter summit plateau.
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Keith booting up the steep snow
About 200 yards beyond the summit, we began our ski descent down the Crooked Couloir. The snow was slightly icy in the top of the couloir, but softened up considerably near the bottom, suggesting that we hit the timing just about right for the ski descent. The couloir maintained a steady pitch, which I measured at 42 degrees, for nearly 2000 vertical feet.
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Me cruising on the mellower slopes below the couloir
After skiing the rest of the way out the valley, we eventually made it back to our bikes and rode back to the car, making for an 8 hour round trip.
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Keith, fully loaded, riding his cruiser (I think this get-up is worthy of a Patagonia add)
Needless to say, I had a blast during this bike-climb-ski escapade. The only thing better than engaging in one of my favorite activities is to engage in many of my favorite activities! The Crooked Couloir is just one of many classic ski descents in the Indian Peaks, and I look forward to doing some more this spring - especially after the road opens and the approach isn't so long.
2 comments:
quality adventuring!
Crazy ass. That doesn't look like a fun traverse at ALL!
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