Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
We've been wanting to ski Lambslide couloir off of Long's southern flank for some time now.....last week we decided to pull the trigger.
Kevin Gilleste and I started at the trailhead shortly after 5am. It was cloudy and raining slightly when we first starting hiking. We broke through the clouds after a half hour.
The trail was dry for about a mile or two, then became snow covered. It was well packed so we decided to leave the skis off our feet and walk in our light weight shoes....
Once we cleared treeline the views were unbelievable and kept getting better as we headed west.
It was the first time into this area for me. Kevin has climbed many mixed/rock routes over the years in this cirque.
We met up with a group of people at the first restroom and asked them about the previous night's temps. They said it didn't get very cold. Needless to say I was worried that our ski descent might not happen without a good freeze.
More approach photos:
After donning boots and crampons we started climbing Lambslide. We had to clear about 100 feet of east facing slope to enter the couloir. We were post holing in this area, but once on the north face everything was bulletproof....we decided to carry on. Here is some shots of the way up:
There were two sections that we think rolled to 45 degrees- right off the bottom, and under the apron at the top. Couldn't be sure because we didn't bring anything to measure it exactly, but those were the steepest pitches.
The couloir had a decent size wet slide go down the middle of it recently. Also, much of the snow around the slide was becoming sun cupped. I wouldn't recommend skiing this line after mid June.
We made it to the top by 9:20am. Waited around until 10am so everything would soften up.....a cool breeze starting blowing in and our corn was delayed.
The drop in and first few hundred feet were firm. The middle section softened up, then the last leg of the descent was really good. We mainly stayed on skiers left, but did a few turns on the right over the slide path.
Here are some shots of the descent:
We were able to ski some of way back to the car, but it was off and on combat skiing at its best.
Overall it was a great day out and a fun climb/ski. Hell of a slog into this area, but the views alone are worth it......7 hours car to car.
Thanks for reading-
Alan
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.