The days are longer, the temperatures warmer, and the snowpack, though thin, is stablizing. We love the arrival of spring because it signifies the start of our backcountry ski touring season.
Christy and I had some opportunities to get out and ski some high 13ers recently. Here’s what we found–
North Star Peak – 13,614 feet
We made our way up towards North Star Peak from Montgomery Reservoir. Before gaining the ridge and heading towards the summit we first climbed and skied a couloir on nearby Wheeler Peak.
We thought there might be an easy way to Wheeler’s summit from this side. There wasn’t.
Summit or not, it was a cool ski.
Descending the couloir on Wheeler, with the 14er Mount Democrat in the background.
Starting up towards North Star after Wheeler Peak, we came up on a couple of curious mountain goats.
Christy skinning up towards North Star Peak’s summit, with Wheeler Peak behind.
Doing her best “North Star” impression.
Lucky for us there was pretty good coverage on the mountain’s south side.
Argentine Peak – 13,614 feet & Square Top Mountain – 13,794 feet
Crossing Naylor Lake after starting from the trailhead on the Guanella Pass Road. Argentine Peak is far out in the distance and Square Top Mountain is out of view just to the left.
It was continual snow up to Argentine Peak’s summit. Square Top Mountain was a different story. Seen in the background, it was very wind-scoured and only offered continual snow in a few of its north facing gullies.
Ted on the summit of Argentine Peak.
From Argentine Peak’s summit we could see Gray’s and Torrey’s peaks, which looked like they were in fair shape for skiing.
Skiing Argentine Peak towards Square Top Mountain.
Christy’s turn.
Then, from Argentine Peak (behind) we had to walk some scree to the windy summit of Square Top Mountain.
It was possible to ski Square Top on a thin strip of snow right off its summit.
Let’s see what this is all about.
We followed one of the gullies down Square Top’s North/Northeast Face to the valley and back to the trailhead.
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