Decent start to the new season- Catherine Pass

But man my bases are not happy about it!

Main Baldy

I was reading a blog the other day that pointed out this is the time of year to choose lines that can be a bit more interesting when the snow is low. Turns out the main baldy chute is one of those low snow spectacular chutes! I was a bit blown away with how steep the walls could be when its not filled in. The base had still held out from last winter and it was covered with about a foot of fresh tracks. I had no idea there was skiing like that to be had this early in the season. The sad part was I had such low expectations that I didn't even bring along my camera. Ill never forget that again.

How about a little late season Y-Not

Looks like the snow is sticking around in some of the more sheltered areas where it has stuck nice and firm. Sounds like a good time to go check out the Y- Not Coulior.

We Booted the Y and made the last right instead of a left to reach the shoulder of the ridge. From there it was a quick jot over to the top of the Y-Not.

Staring from the top down

Ran into a bit of ice just before the repel

Spring skiing and a waterfall repel

The way out

All in all, a good day

The ever elusive Phipherhorn

The first time I skinned to the base of this wasatch icon I had already defeated myself. I was running on about 3/72 hrs of sleep trying to prep for exams. I left the parking lot by headlamp with a pack full of 5hr energies and the determination that goes hand in hand with a caffein high. Honestly I am surprised I even made it to the east ridge before throwing in the towel. I was ready to get out of there and no one was going to stop me. Getting back to the car I felt terrible about such a missed opportunity but also determined to return. This time around Ill get it right.

East ridge where I gave up on the first try

It was late in the season and we were hopeful that there would still be sufficient snow in the NW Coulior to ski the line. We started by headlamp again and made good time. This time I was sure to sleep the night before and held off the caffein till at least a few hrs into the trek.

This time we decided to approach from the east cirque and bypass the east ridge all together

After successfully reaching the summit we took in the scenic view of that valley and the not so scenic view of the rocky snowless coulior. Racking up another failed attempt of the NW, we skied off the back and back down into the cirque.

Next season.

First trip up the Y- Coulior

Tip #1- Memorize your left and rights before leaving the parking lot.

We figured it out eventually... I think