It’d been over two years since I’d been ski touring in the Moffatt Tunnel’s East Portal, and when Jenn suggested a Boulder Multisport day of ice climbing and ski touring, I was excited. New skis that were begging to get out and be put to use were certainly part of the reason.
During the snowy drive up the mountains I thought we might add “snow shoveling” and “car pushing” our multi-sport list, but Erick eventually powered his 2WD through the drifts and to the parking lot.
Nursing shoulder injuries, Erick and Jeremy took off on a morning ski tour while Jenn, Tara and I booted our way to a north-facing ice climb. Deep snow wallowing should be an Olympic sport.
For some waist deep snow, I decided rolling would be a more efficient method of locomotion, and one adopted by Jenn. Unfortunately, laughing too hard took away any efficiency gains.
After carefully crossing a creek we started a straight-up push through the trees hoping to run into the ice eventually. I also wondered if we’d need to tie the rope to Jenn so we wouldn’t lose her if the snow got any deeper.
Taking a breather in one small meadow we spotted a late-season Christmas tree.
Near the tree we’d come across a partly drifted old track which offered easier travel and renewed our faith that we’d eventually locate the ice flow. Finally, turning a corner we were greeted with the sight we’d been wallowing for.
Jenn hadn’t yet climbed ice this season, but was gung-ho to lead and quickly racked up while I put her on belay.
We briefly thought about climbing the steeper “prow” of the ice, but it was dripping and getting soaked then ski touring sounded like a bad idea. So Jenn stayed right in some well abused, but dry ice.
After setting up a top-rope anchor and lowering down, I followed the route and cleaned all the ice screws but a directional. Then we took some laps and tried out the assortment of ice tools we’d brought. After taking one more lap, I stayed on top to shoot something other than butt-shots of climbers.
The air temps were right around freezing and the winds only intermittent, so it was relatively pleasant as far as ice climbing goes. I think we were having fun, or at least faking it well with big smiles.
Almost noon it was time to make the somewhat-easier return trip and eat a lunch huddled in the cars before leaving the sharp stuff in the trunk and strapping on the boards.
Erick and Jeremy had scouted a close and very mellow glade that would be perfect for some short laps, perfect for those of us with new gear, experiencing their first trip on AT-gear and still making the switch from tele-skiing.
Jeremy switched on his inner aerobic beast and started quickly lapping all of us while I found I really like my new and light Hagan skis.
For his final run of the day, Jeremy decided to attempt a high speed grab of a backpack which nearly went well.
Our core group of 5 soon found ourselves back in Boulder laughing and drinking at Southern Sun. Arriving friends soon doubled our group and enabled a rare photo of this blog’s author.
It’s about time we get to see the author!
New ski gear?! What’d you get?
Grant,
Hagan X-lite rando-racing skis from a mountain guide in your fair hamlet, added some Dynafit speed classic bindings and Dynafit racing boots. Definitely not a steep-and-deep setup, but should be great for my more modest goals of hut trips, approach skis, touring, skiing up Breck, etc.
Heidrun,
Don’t get your hopes for for too many photos of me.