Date: May 11, 2013
Team: Dav, Christy, Ted, Dave Bourassa, Ian Fohrman
Route: Dragon Egg Couloir
What a day. A group of us skied Mount Meeker yesterday in truly ideal conditions. We had cold temps, blue skies, little-to-no wind, and lots of snow on a route that isn’t always guaranteed to be skiable. Ian Fohrman (a partner from last year’s Volcano Tour) came along, as did Dave Bourassa, a well-known Colorado skier with whom we share the same love and passion for climbing and skiing.
Christy and Dav head up towards the Loft, the saddle pictured between Mount Meeker (left) and Longs Peak (right).
Dave, being quite familiar with this mountain and area, suggested we traverse the peak from north to south. This would allow us to start on snow from a higher trailhead and climb a more fun route, while still getting to ski the long, south facing Dragon Egg Couloir. We would exit through Wild Basin, where a shuttled car (with beer) brought us back to the start.
We skinned up to a narrow choke, and then booted through the crux of the climb.
On a thin year, or later in the season, this can be rock and ice, rather than easy-climbing snow.
Above the pinch, it was easy booting to the flat saddle.
From the Loft, we skinned to Meeker’s summit. A quick look at Longs Peak (the background) shows a well-above average snow on the Homestretch.
It was a great idea and it worked beautifully. The morning ascent route up through the massive Long’s/Meeker Cirque was awesome, but it was the seemingly endless ski that will be remembered most. Whether it was due to luck, experience, or the likelihood it was a great day for skiing everywhere– we timed it just right. The five of us had a beautiful ski all the way down to Meeker Meadows. And this traverse style route meant we didn’t have to navigate through the aptly-named Wild Basin (which was melted out down low) twice, which is also a strong selling point. Anyone who ventures there with skis would agree, one trip in a day is enough.
Looking down the south side ski route.
On the summit.
Dave skis through the upper snow ramps.
This day on Meeker sums up what the Centennial Ski Project is all about for me. Getting out with friends– some new, some old– and having fun seeing new places and skiing new summits. And based on the amount of snow we saw up high yesterday, I’m excited for the next couple of weeks.
Check out Mount Meeker. It’s a worthy ski.
–Ted
Dav, looking good for the camera while skiing with one pole.
The slabby top section, not only skiable, but actually pretty stacked.
Christy
Dav
From atop the actual Dragon Egg, looking back up at the South Face.
The three of us are psyched for the next couple of weeks!
