Steep Ski Clinic

Dave Barnard and Eli enjoyed a stormy day in RMNP on St. Patrick's Day while on a Steep Skiing Clinic in the Tyndall Gorge where thick grey skies and an intermittent strong wind from the west made for a somewhat ominous atmosphere in what is normally sunny Colorado.  We received about 4" of fresh during our 7hr. outing and Dave was able to experience steep uphill skinning in the Dream Chutes where we skinned up 30-40 degree slopes to reach the ridgecrest overlooking Lake Haiyaha and Dream Lake, although visibility at that point was limited to approx. 100 meters. After three pitches of steep skiing in overall great snow, we headed west to Emerald Lake where we step kicked up the last part of our ascent in the Dead Elk Couloir area due to a firm melt-freeze crust that formed earlier in the week and made for tricky skinning conditions and a fast downhill ride.

 

Dave nearing the top of the east ridge of Hallett Peak above Dream Lake.

 

The first turns of the day on a 45 degree slope at the top of the ridge. Despite strong winds and new snow, we found no evidence of reactive wind slabs despite a day long search for these lurking beasts.

 

Putting the skins back on for a trip into the Dragontail zone.

Creamy snow in the lower Dream Chutes.

Skinning up the lower apron in challenging conditions with fresh snow on a slippery melt-freeze crust.

 Some sweet turns on the DT apron.

Kicking steps in a hard melt-freeze crust up the lower apron of the Dead Elk Couloir.

Skating across a snow covered Emerald Lake with the still boney apron of the DT showing much stone.