Big Mountain

Big Mountain: A Southern Winds Classic!

Video Summary

I had Friday off, and the forecast was calling for blue skies, warm temps (40 plus) and no winds. I figured it'd be a good day to do something big. Got up early, checked the avi forecast on-line like I always do (http://www.jhavalanche.org/viewAdvisory), usually while slurping coffee. The forecast doesn't really apply to the Southern Winds- but it can give you a general idea of what's happening with snow conditions across the state. I noticed on the 5pm summary there were a couple of fatalities in the Tetons from the day before. So... I checked the next website, I usually rely on for information and beta in the Tetons... http://www.tetonat.com/ (Steve Romeo's website). I knew something was wrong when there was a picture of him holding a baby's hand on the front page. Shit! Steve was one of the fatalities... http://www.jhunderground.com/2012/03/08/avalanche-kills-2-on-ranger-peak/.

I never skied with Steve. I swapped a few emails with him over the years. Sent him my TRs (he was on my email list). I almost did a trip with him a couple of times- years ago, but logistics never panned out. He did several trips with some of my friends over the years. His website was amazing- and very helpful. I didn't really agree with him much when it came to some of his philosophies... particularly about snow machines. However, I did notice a few times this year, that he was starting to come around to idea of using them to access different areas. Even said he'd probably own one at some point. There was hope! Ha!

Incidents like this really drive home how dangerous the things we love can be. I used to fathom skiing big gnarly lines-- still do-- but the list is getting smaller. I'm more content just to ride and ski good snow and be in the mountains now. After learning of this tragic event- I changed my plans. Figured I'd just do Big Mountain- nice, big low angle runs. Fairly safe place to go by yourself... fairly... anything can happen out there. Probably even more true when you're by yourself. Seems like I'm ever more conscience of that, yet I still have to go. I thought about this accident and Steve for most to the day.

The Routes (click to enlarge)

On approach, only 1,100 more feet to go!

Getting closer.

On the boot pack, near the summit.

On top of Big Mountain. 40 degrees- no winds. Nice!

Dropping from the top.

A look back at my first few turns from the summit. Spring-like conditions- warm snow on a firm base.

Looking across at my tracks as I head up for another run.

My shadow falls over my skin/ boot track as I near the top of another peak.

Made it!

A nice view of Christina lake.

This one's for you Steve.

Gotta love the looks of that!

Weehoo!

Dropping!

A look back (click to enlarge and make out the tracks).

Another one.

A look back at Big Mountain, from Christina Lake.

All made possible by... Skidoo.