Early Season Ice Climbing

Date of trip: November 21st, 2011
Team Members: Tyler H., Tobin C.

  The time has come once again winter fans. Cold is here and the ice is coming in fat.

our little jungle-gym

   Here in the Colorado Rockies, it often isn't until December that good ice can be found. On Monday, Tobin and I got lucky when we traveled to a favorite flow of ours on the recommendation of a co-worker. This ice is single pitch and is at an undisclosed location in the Front Range. It is a short, but reliable flow and is usually uncrowded. We found it to be coming in in fine condition. Hence the discretion... It was the perfect spot for an early season warm up.

Tobin on rappel, after having rigged the anchor

   The ice was in good shape for early season. It was light blue in color, with few air pockets on the left side, and drippy with styrofoamy-ice on the right. In the middle of the flow was a fun line in which one had to stem your way up. Although short, anything was challenging while getting back into good form.

me (left) pulling through the crux on the stemming line -photo credit: Tobin C.

   Tobin and I are getting into our third season of climbing ice. After having spent a few seasons learning about  ice and top-roping, I am hoping to lead a few more difficult routes this season. It is still too early to tell what ice will be in good and where, so here is for hoping for a good season. Right now, things are looking good.

"just here to have fun" -photo credit: Tobin C.

    Stay tuned for more winter fun as things get colder, snowier and icier...

Early Season Ski Report

location: St. Mary's Glacier
date: November 11th, 2011

   There is snow to be had in the high mountains, although it is hard enough to find. This season, I was blessed with a new pair of touring skis, the Black Diamond Aspect ski. My older, heavier planks begged for groomed pastures. To test the new setup, I decided to make a trip to St. Mary's, where there is always snow to be
found.

   Although there was little enough snowpack, the touring was pleasant and the weather was sunny and fine. Fully mounted, my setup was a few pounds lighter than last season, and it was very noticeable on the up-hill. I was able to get in a few laps up and down the snowfield before heading back.
   The terrain at St. Mary's isn't very extreme, but it is accessible and very encouraging. The title Glacier is something of a misnomer as well. Colorado is not known for it's glaciers, as we are too far south. Instead, St. Mary's is a 'snowfield' which remains in some part throughout the entire year.
   Thats right kids, even after A-Basin closes, you can still shred the slush here...

View from the top

   Looking out into the James Peak Wilderness from the top, I longed to see much more snow. As can be seen in the photo above, it was slim pickin's on the way back down before drifting back into the main snowfield below. But not to worry, there will be much more snow coming soon as we get further into the cold season. I know I am crossing my fingers.

earn those turns!