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Stuck in the RockiesStuck in the Rockies
  • Home
  • The Latest
    • Aspen Times Weekly Column
  • Categories
    • On Skis
      • All “On Skis”
        • 13er & 14er ski descents
        • Backcountry Skiing
        • Hut Trips
        • Inbounds
        • Nordic
        • Rando/Ski Tour
        • Ski Mountaineering
        • Skimo Race
    • On Foot
      • All “On Foot”
        • Alpine Climbing
        • 13ers & 14ers
        • Camp/Backpack
        • Hiking
        • Peakbagging
        • Roped Up
        • Running
        • Ultras
    • Everything Else
      • All “Everything Else”
        • In the Desert
        • On the Bike
        • Photography
        • Press/Media
        • Trailguide/How-to
        • Training
        • travel & destinations
        • Video
  • About Christy & Ted
    • Colorado 13er & 14er Ski Descents
    • The Global Extremes Series

Ice Lakes Basin

U.S. Grant Peak

U.S. Grant Peak

May 23, 2019

We finally made a trip to ski U.S. Grant Peak down in the San Juans up in Ice Lakes Basin.

Vermillion Peak – The Vermillion Dollar Couloir

Vermillion Peak – The Vermillion Dollar Couloir

May 18, 2013

Seven of us stood on the top of Vermillion Peak at 13,894 ft. feeling pretty lucky to have a chance to ski down the highest peak in San Juan County.


Recent Posts

  • Osorno
  • Quetripillan
  • Volcán Villarrica
  • A Big Day on Volcán Lanín
  • Volcán Llaima
  • Volcán Lonquimay
  • Peak Five and Peak Six

About Christy & Ted

Christy and Ted Mahon We met in Aspen in 2000 and have been happily stuck in the rockies ever since, getting out in the mountains every day we can, in every season and by all means possible. Read More

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@tedmahon on Instagram

Always an adventure trying to keep up with the cov Always an adventure trying to keep up with the cover girl! @aspenchristy @stio #lettheoutsidein
When you realize that precipitation isn't the only When you realize that precipitation isn't the only component of a weather forecast to consider💨💨💨🌋😲😆 #skichile #volcanllaima #volcanvillarrica #skiingistheeasypart
Love this place! 🇨🇱 fortunate that the fickle weat Love this place! 🇨🇱 fortunate that the fickle weather has cooperated so far- we haven't been shut down an any day we've been out, the two rainy days we've had have coincided on our travel days when we weren't skiing anyway! After Lonquimay and Llaima, we managed to pull off a one-day ski of Lanin, followed by Villaricca, and then Quetrupillan. That's five different volcanoes climbed and skied in about as many days. 👍 Thanks to @ngrstyle for showing us the way on Villaricca- what an awesome day with an amazing local guide- I highly recommend Rodrigo if you're in Chile and need one, or even if you don't but want some local flavor- you won't regret going out with him! Now we're moving south from Pucón to Puerto Varas to check out Volcan Osorno and keep the adventure going! 🌋⛷️😁 #chile #skichile #pucon #volcanvillarrica #alwaysgo #skimountaineering @kastle_usa #forskiers @stio #lettheoutsidein #andes #volcanlanin
Chile ski adventure 2025 🇨🇱 we had two great days Chile ski adventure 2025 🇨🇱 we had two great days on two volcanoes so far- Lonquimay and Llaima - the sun and corn snow we got one day ☀️was countered with frozen spring snow, whiteout, and high winds 💨 the likes of which we haven't experienced in a while, if ever at all at this level. Definitely the type of conditions that makes things memorable! 😆 Now we're in Pucon, enjoying a rainy day out of our ski boots, checking out all this amazing place has to offer. Tomorrow we'll be back out in nicer weather on some more local volcanoes, looking forward to the continued adventure! 🌋⛷️😀👍 #chile #volcán #skichile #andes #alwaysgo #skimountaineering @aspenchristy @kastle_usa #forskiers @stio #lettheoutsidein
The Joint Trail - such an amazing place. Worth a v The Joint Trail - such an amazing place. Worth a visit, or a revisit if it's been a while! @canyonlandsnps #needlesdistrict #desert #alwaysgo @aspenchristy @stio #lettheoutsidein
Fall desert season 😀 always so fun! @aspenchristy Fall desert season 😀 always so fun! @aspenchristy #canyonlands #utah #desert #trailrunning #alwaysgo
Capitol Peak, in between the waves of passing weat Capitol Peak, in between the waves of passing weather. #capitolpeak #14ers
Fall riding with snow on the peaks 🚴‍♂️❄️🏔️🍂 The s Fall riding with snow on the peaks 🚴‍♂️❄️🏔️🍂 The snow may not stick around very long, but it sure is fun to see! @aspenchristy #colorado #seasons #maroonbells
Back in the local high country and the seasons are Back in the local high country and the seasons are definitely changing! 🍂 won’t be long before ❄️🎿🌨️⛷️#colorado #backpacking #13ers #alwaysgo
Ervin Peak, 13,538 ft. - Named in honor of Bill Er Ervin Peak, 13,538 ft. - Named in honor of Bill Ervin, who along with friend and occasional climbing partner, Carl Blaurock, are credited with being the first people to climb all of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks, way back in 1923! ⛰️ I can only imagine what the experience might have been like 102 years ago. The list of peaks was shorter— there were only 46 summits on the list at the time— but few people were climbing peaks so they had to figure out the routes as they went. ⛰️ There were no well-built trails like we have today, no websites to gather route beta beforehand, no trailhead directions. Simply travelling around the state was a challenge… the road system was primitive, I-70 didn’t exist, much less SUV’s, 4wd, or any reliable car for that matter. ⛰️ They did them in the style of larger, lengthier expeditions to the different ranges by train and horse— unlike the weekend missions we think of nowadays. ⛰️ Each outing must have brought with it considerable time commitment and uncertainty. Success, even on the most non-technical summits, was never guaranteed. ⛰️ Ervin Peak is located next to another 13er named for his friend Carl— Mount Blaurock. You can find these two summits in the Sawatch Range, on the long ridge between Mount Hope and La Plata Peak. ⛰️ It would seem deserving that the two would get 14ers named after them, but by the time Coloradans had the thought to honor these two trailblazers (finalized in 2003), the 14ers were all officially named and the process to make changes was just too onerous. ⛰️ I think they would be pleased with these two summits. They have steep faces, interesting ski lines, and because they are seldom climbed, they still don’t have any real trails that lead to their summits— they’re actually quite similar to what they were accustomed to a century ago! ⛰️ If you’re into 13ers and want to get off beaten path— check out Ervin and Blaurock. They’re worthy summits. I can only wonder what the two of them would think of the popularity of 14er climbing these days! ⛰️ #14ers #Sawatch #coloradohistory #13ers #alwaysgo #peakbagging
Another summer of wildfires across the west as our Another summer of wildfires across the west as our leaders collectively yawn with indifference 👎 (Images from a recent trip to the San Juan’s).
The Weminuche. I made my first trip into this spec The Weminuche. I made my first trip into this special area 25 years ago, and since then have always felt this wilderness area in the San Juan Mountains was unmatched in all of Colorado. 🥇⛰️ The impressive mountains and landscape combined with the challenge of accessing the rugged region made for such tough yet memorable efforts— the definition of Type II. And it was always the case that as soon as the soreness, scrapes, bruises, and fatigue passed, I would start thinking of my next trip. 🏕️ On this, my 15th adventure into the zone, Christy and I set our sights on some new summits, all 13ers, in the area of Ruby and Noname creeks. We have been through this area before, 20 years ago, for Christy’s birthday to climb Pigeon, Turret, and Jagged, and more recently in 2014/2015 to ski those same peaks and others, as part of the Centennial Ski Project. During those trips, we always found ourselves gazing over at a trio of 13,000-foot summits— Monitor Peak, Peak Thirteen, and Animas Mountain. And those were the primary focus of this visit. And since we were in the area, we took the opportunity to climb some other nearby high peaks— Peak Twelve, Five, and Six. After four days, each challenging in its own way, we emerged back at the Needleton train stop 🚂 for our ride home, with a sense of fulfillment that is hard to put into words. Now it’s time to reflect on our experiences, consider what we learned and what we’d like to do in the future, and plan our next trip! 😊 #weminuchewilderness #colorado #sanjuans #13ers #alwaysgo #backpacking @aspenchristy @stio #lettheoutsidein
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Recent Posts

  • Osorno
  • Quetripillan
  • Volcán Villarrica
  • A Big Day on Volcán Lanín
  • Volcán Llaima
  • Volcán Lonquimay
  • Peak Five and Peak Six
  • Monitor Peak, Peak Thirteen, and Animas Mountain
  • Crestolita and Broken Hand Peak

@aspenchristy on Instagram

Annual Halloween Run through some of Aspen cemeter Annual Halloween Run through some of Aspen cemeteries, celebrating the ghost of Aspen’s past! #aspengrove #utecemetery
Annual art trip with my dad— 14 years running — an Annual art trip with my dad— 14 years running — and still one of my favorite traditions! This year: the breathtaking Gerhard Richter retrospective at the @louisvuittonfondation — a full museum takeover! From morning runs through Paris and the bold Kandinsky show, to the energy of Art Basel Paris and Niki de Saint Phalle lighting up the Grand Palais — art inspiration everywhere. Best city in the world!❤️🇫🇷 🖼️ #ArtTrip #GerhardRichter #LouisVuittonFondation #ArtBaselParis #Kandinsky #NikiDeSaintPhalle #ParisArtScene #FatherDaughterTradition #ArtLovers #ParisMuseums #ArtInspiration
That a wrap for our Chile Volcano Ski Tour 2025 🇨🇱 That a wrap for our Chile Volcano Ski Tour 2025 🇨🇱🌋⛷️Finished these iconic peaks with Volcán Osorno just out of Puerto Varas. With the most memorable rest days spent exploring Chile’s spectacular national parks, beautiful hot springs, and a thousands laughs along the way. Plus 22 new life birds! Can hardly wait for ski season to start at home! #chile #skithevolcanoes #puertovaras #volcánosorno #forskiers @kastle_usa @tedmahon @stio #lettheoutsidein #objectivepro #madeformavens #chasebliss
Volcano hopping in southern Chile 🌋❄️ Summits, ste Volcano hopping in southern Chile 🌋❄️ Summits, steam, snow, and turns for days. Chile, you are pure magic 🇨🇱 The relationship here with the land and nature is so powerful! And we have only seen such a small area of this special place…✨ Starting in Malalcahuello - a small village in the Araucanía Region, were able to climb and ski Volcán Lonquimay & check out the ski racing training grounds @skicorralco. Then Volcán Llaima in the @parqueconguillio National Park, with its Monkey Puzzle Trees . We moved to Pucon, an amazing adventurous place, and our home base for skiing Lanín, Villarrica, and Quetrupillan Volcanos 🌋 Volcán Lanin - the “house of the spirits” was a 8,500 ft day but had 6,000 ft of skiing! Villarrica - is the most active volcano in Chile was wild and shared with our friend Rodrigo Vera @ngrstyle with @mawidadventures. And Quetrupillan- the “Quiet One” - with Magellanic Woodpeckers and a magical forest 🌳 So grateful for a rainy rest day as we move further south to Puerta Varas…#ChileVolcanoTour #SkiMountaineering #VolcanesDeChile #AndesMountains #SurDeChile #VolcanLlaima #VolcanVillarrica #VolcanLonquimay #VolcanQuetrupillan #VolcanLanin #skibirding #forskiers #objectivepro #lettheoutsidein @kaestleski @stio
Weaving through the Needles - Feeling small in the Weaving through the Needles - Feeling small in the big stuff #canyonlands #theNeedles #publiclands #trailrunjoy #lettheoutsidein @tedmahon @stio @canyonlandsnps
First snow of the season! Made for some good color First snow of the season! Made for some good colors & snowy passes and peaks ❄️ 🏕️ 🍁 🏔️ 🍂 @tedmahon @stio #fallequinox #skilines #lettheoutsidein
Tellurium is symbol Te, atomic number 52, and is s Tellurium is symbol Te, atomic number 52, and is silvery-white, brittle, and relatively rare in Earth’s crust. It’s also a local 13er (13,300ft) that we have never climbed! Great mile-long ridge scramble to the top and fun loop back into Brooklyn Gulch. Sandhill Cranes at the summit to top it off! #alwaysgo #backyardadventures #fallisinthehair #lettheousidein @stio @tedmahon 🍂🍃🍁❤️⛰️🏕️
Little slice of heaven up in northern Michigan 🍒 🌊 Little slice of heaven up in northern Michigan 🍒 🌊 🚤 💒 🥬 Thanks @lucyleatucker for sharing this amazing place with us! And congratulations @qshean and @bsprunge! 🫶🏼✨🤍 Hearts are full!
High alpine scrambles above the clouds and another High alpine scrambles above the clouds and another 14er checked off for @cabenedetti So fun to share Mt. Lindsey with this incredible woman who’s always giving back to our community #citycouncil #mom #friend #speedyrunner #boardmember #foodgrower #bookclubmember #marathoner #mountainclimber #mtlindsey #colorado14er #sangresdecristomountains #lettheoutsidein @stio
Day trip to @sfmoma to see the mesmerizing Ruth As Day trip to @sfmoma to see the mesmerizing Ruth Asawa retrospective before it closes. Forms within forms, layers and shadows, lithographs and flower drawings and watercolors. Definitely worth a trip if you can make it! #wirednature #artforall #ruthasawa #cityfix
We love sharing the spirit of mountaineering with We love sharing the spirit of mountaineering with the next generation of mountain climbers! So honored to be with @liesl_missbrenner on her first summit of Pyramid Peak⛰️ Nice job, Liesl! Can’t wait to do more together 🫶🏼 And thanks @tedmahon for being the best partner 💜 #backyardadventures #pyramidpeak #14ers #14,018 #achievinggoals #lettheoutsidein @stio
Ted’s Birthday was a great excuse to take a couple Ted’s Birthday was a great excuse to take a couple summer days off and head into our favorite place in the state: The Weminuche Wilderness! After spending a lot of years on the Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Train with our skis, we decided to head back into Ruby Creek (a trail-less, Type 3 kind of fun) to climb Monitor Peak (13,707 ft), Peak Thirteen (13,705 ft), and Animas Mountain (13,786 ft). Threw in Peak Twelve at sunset in our way to No Name Basin. Pretty much heaven up there, just a little hellish to get to! Not to mention the smoke that blew in from all the fires happening around the state. #climatechangeisreal🌎 #rubycreek #noname #weminuchewilderness #heavypacks #notrailshere #nopeople #happybrithdayteddy #lettheoutsidein @tedmahon @stio
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