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Sometimes it takes a while to get a trip report up. Especially if you are waiting on another photographer. Going on a trip with a pro and fellow snap happy enthusiast is exciting for me. It means I won't be the only one slowing down the speedy duo of Joel and Max! Not many appreciate the photographer when they are doing their craft, but everyone loves it in the end, when the finished photos flow!
It can be tough to wait for roads to open and weather to cooperate, but the Gore is worth it. There is just so much to ski, that when Joel asked me to ski Peak C, as I was on Fletcher for the 3rd time, I couldn't say no. Thankfully I had (almost) all the gear I needed to stay overnight, even if I didn't plan on it. Just a quick trip to the store for the morning coffee and dinner, plus a brand spankin' new set of hightop trail runners for me. Thankfully I didn't need a break in period for these... Silly me for cleaning out my car of random gear!
Note on the road to the trailhead. Don't blindly follow Google maps. For some reason, it sent me through Avon on a rather interesting 4x4 road, that happened to be closed. So the new Subi got a workout on a road it probably shouldn't be on. Glad it has some 4x4 capabilities! The noises the car made to accommodate the terrain were interesting. Once I switched google to choose the "bike" route, everything worked out. I did ask some local ladies on the 4x4 road the route, so it finally all came together. Made it to the destination for quite the sunset, and animal visitation!
2 Subi's who have never met before also made acquaintances, even though Joel couldn't remember the type or color of the Subi's of me or Mark... Grilling commenced as we waited for Joel to arrive after his shift. We stayed up well past our bed times.
Never gets old
Local deer hangout
Next day we started from our campsite, just a few feet from the regular TH. Great trail to start! Then it got interesting. Joel knew a better way, so we followed. This would be his second ski of the peak, and his first ski was less than ideal on the approach. Great to have local knowledge!
Long exposure approach - Photo Credit: Ben Always more to explore (behind me) - Photo Credit: Joel Approach - Photo Credit: Ben
We got to the firm summer snow and transitioned for the up, around and up some more. The views around us were so tempting. Let's ski that, or that, or THAT! Once again, ski one thing, many more go on the list.
Gaping in the Gore
More Gaping. So much to ski...
Joel - Photo Credit: Ben Up we go! More to ski! What's Joel doing? Oh the views! Valley Pano
A little break below the final couloir. With the firm snow, there was little rush today. Mellow time kicking steps up. Amazingly there was a group above us, hiding somewhere. Heard but not seen till the descent. We saw their headlamps as we were ascending - going the 'other way'.
When you have a chef on the trail...
More up Pretty patterns In the coulie - Photo Credit: Ben One way to go up Mark ascending - Photo Credit: Ben What happens when the snow runs out Peak C Prime and other pretty stuff Me on the knife edge - Photo Credit: Joel Looking back after the knife edge
While our ascent wasn't on snow the whole way, the descent would be continuous. The Gore delivered a bit of a curve ball once again, and made Joel and I commit to some interesting moves on a very airy knife edge. If only my legs were a few inches longer, some of those moves would be a bit less intimidating! But 2 of us made it, while Ben and Mark decided that a knife edge with ski/snowboard gear is not ideal. Joel and I were able to meet them on the upper snowfield and get them onto the sweet snow, for the fun part.
Next year...
Off the summit ridge ski
Tossing gear around
Once all of us had our slide sticks on our feet, it was a happy snappy time. Great snow on the face, so lots of photos flew!
Joel getting into position Ben's first turns Sometimes a snowboard has to jump into position Mark's first turns Me with a view - Photo Credit: Ben Joel with a view - Photo Credit: Ben Happy Max Max is coming to get you! Ben skiing Pause #2 Mark spraying Joel spraying Woohoo me spraying - Photo Credit: Ben
Snow in the couloir proper was less than ideal, but also not horrific. So some fun was had at times.
Ben in the Couloir Me with a smile - Photo Credit: Ben Ben Jump! Ben
Over around and through for some bonus couloir turns. Great snow once again!
Some more skiing lower down
Me on the upper wave - Photo Credit: Ben Ben on the lower wave Mark waving goodbye
Goodbye Peak C, and thanks for all the turns!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Peak C got me hooked on the Gores the 1st time I gazed upon it! I never once thought about skiing it too! Not part of my skillset! But you guys made it look effortless, Congrats on a fine day!
boudreax - The Gores are amazing from just about any angle. Slowly trying to savor my time spent in that range
Zach - You sure you're done? May have another up my sleeve. We shall see!
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But you guys made it look effortless, Congrats on a fine day!
