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Springtime Lines

For this trip, we had the Western State College Helicopter and we skied our brains out!!

             April fools.  

Early April means spring conditions with our snow pack which typically brings more stability early in the morning with the possibility of more advanced lines!

A small yet strong group of three AT (alpine touring) skiers and one splitboarder ventured into the town of Gothic three miles down a skintrack early on the last day of March 2007. After eating a light lunch and ditching some gear, the team headed back out towards this ridge system in the picture where they assessed the snow pack for the day, explored their options for the next day, and of course, skied some beautiful, low angle, thick corn snow. With a warm sun and temps in the mid-50's, the crew decided to get off the wet snow pack and head to the safety and comfort of their small yet toasty cabin.

From our cabin the crew scoped out 'The Elephant's Trunk' across the valley, ate tons of good food including: apples with cream cheese and peanut butter, rainbow colored 'gold' fish, lots of chocolate and cookies. Trip leader Eric Freson struggled to get the wood stove started while his co-leader, James Rowland, kicked back in laughter. Participants shared in the patronization of Steezin for no reason Freson. The wood was wet Eric, duh!

That night some killer pasta with garlic bread was served up while the cheese-cake solidified outside. Last hut trip, we had a rouge fox cruz through camp and eat some of the desert so this time precautions were taken. This paid off and as a delicious no-bake delight was enjoyed by all. Later on that night we jammed to the local radio KBUT and played a game of 'catch phrase', hiked in by the infamous Rob Rouse. The trip leaders teamed up and were unanimously named the kings of the 'catch phrase', they had a strategy that could not be beaten.

April 1, 2007, this small crew reaped huge rewards in terms of the skiing. With lots of work and sweat, this strong crew pumped out two large climbs and enjoyed the benefits of higher angle, soft, corn snow. All in all, this crew climbed and skied just about 2700 feet. All by 1:30 p.m. Turns could be counted in the hundreds and smiles were proudly displayed by all. This rare group size with its strength allowed the spring Forest Queen Hut trip to access some seriously epic terrain and great snow conditions.

Be sure to reserve your spot on the next hut trip where you to can learn what it takes to travel in the backcountry in the winter. We have spiltboards, telemark skis, skins, and snowshoes available for rent, as well as all the avalanche gear and other misc. gear you will need to get you out there and enjoy this beautiful part of Colorado.

to see more pictures click here