When you have an opportunity to ski the tallest mountain in the state, go.
I’ve always found it special that Mount Elbert is so straightforward. Whether it’s a summer hike or a snow-covered ski, it’s always a pleasant cruise.
![Ted Mahon on the summit of Mount Elbert.](https://stuckintherockies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mount-Elbert-ski-descent-1.jpg)
If it’s late spring and there is still a lot of snow up high, Mount Elbert is the perfect outing. The well-known Box Creek Cirque is always a worthy ski objective. But the east side of Mount Elbert can also provide fun ski lines.
After our big winter and long spring season, I thought Mount Elbert deserved a visit. I parked at the trailhead for the East Ridge route, outside of Twin Lakes, and in shorts and trail shoes, I walked up the Class 1 trail with my lightweight skis and boots on my back.
I followed the summer trail, recently improved by the CFI volunteers, all the way to 13,000 feet. I switched to ski boots, skis, and skins and proceeded to the summit on snow. I had eyed an east-facing line from below that would allow me to ski right from the summit down to about 12k, where I could switch back to shoes and, after a short XC hike, get back to the summer trail.
![Ski lines on the east side of Mount Elbert.](https://stuckintherockies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mount-Elbert-ski-descent-2.jpg)
The whole day was easy, and the corn snow was fun and friendly. While this was only my 3rd time skiing Mount Elbert, it was something I feel like I should have on my spring checklist every year. You should, too!
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