Cristo Couloir, Quandary Peak 14,265

Y.C. Powder Turns  (Photo Tom Armento)

Bluebird powder day on a fourteen thousand foot peak, how much better can it get. On Sunday night my roommate got back from Moab, UT with stories of more snow in the mountains and the roads being nasty. Obviously excited after a start to the weekend with party skiing during the Corn Harvest at Loveland and a tour with great friends out at another Berthoud powder day (Gary, Thatcher and Pete).

Gary giving the Berthoud Tour (Photo Pete Brunner)

It was natural to have another great day of powder on May 2^nd right? I was a little worried about the snow on a fourteener being that good, but to my surprise it was awesome. The day started out with a few Osama bin Laden comments and lots of coffee after staying up to see the President speak the night before. The plan was a north line on Quandary Peak near Hoosier Pass between Fairplay and Breckenridge with Tom and Fritz.

At 14,265 it would not seem to be an easy hike, as the sign at the bottom stated “there are no easy fourteen thousand foot peaks”, but it was a cakewalk compared to many of the other lines I have done this year. A short two and a half hour hike up the east ridge line we gained the summit.

Fritz working his way to 14,265 ft

Summit Shot, What No Wind!

With a few quick summit shots and a short discussion where to head, I was in no argument when the plan changed to the easier south face couloir named Cristo. It looked to have amazing snow and would be one of the best times to hit this south facing classic.

Fritz read to drop the Cristo

A mellow 40 degree angle for approximately 2500 feet. We were able to drop in right from the summit in to the line for full value, a rare experience.

Getting some sweet turns

Tom heading towards the end at the dam.

A great line that felt like I was riding it forever and now I know why it is a classic. So many ski lines to ride, the north face may go soon!! I will be out again soon.

Fourteener car to car 4 hours (Photo Tom Armento)