down blue highways

Big Monarch BC Lines

Settled snow means bigger/epic lines

farmin' a hidden pow stash.

Hidden Chute

I cannot get enough of Monarch Pass. Ski buddy Vince lead me over here today. Steep was just what I needed.

Ski (tele)Buddy Karl laid down some sweet turns. However, after this steep shot, Karl's considering AT.

Mornin' at Chicago Ridge

I skied Chicago Ridge today. Spent the night in Leadville with some friends. I had to break trail  as no one had skinned up the super secret route in a while.

The shot in the sparse trees marks my destination.

From up top I picked my line. It was nice to see only a few of the infamous stumps exposed. Mount Massive fills the horizon line.

Made some nice turns. A grand way to wake-up.

BC again?

Another day at Monarch Pass. That's me! Vince and Scott provided great company. This is day 7 of BC turns for me.

Set-up!!!

Now that I'am done with the bar I have time... to blog about skiing. Let's talk set-up. I wanted a rig capable of some in-bounds skiing, but mainly BC skiing. I picked up the K2 Apache Chief(s) this season and mounted a "Freeride" binding on them. Minus the MTV name, the bindings are great. I left them stock and have had no problems as of yet.

The skis are stiff. They surf well and are not very heavy. The only mod to the skis I have made is a notch in the tail for my skins (table grinder). For day tours, I cannot rave enough about this set-up; at the shovel 131, waist 98, and tail 116. I have had days on powder, crud and corn/ice with no problems. With a universal Swix wax, blue Toko mix, with a kick wax of the day in the kicker area, these skis are FAST!

Flat Stanley Skiing

My Girlfriend received a Flat Stanley from a relative. I offered to take him skiing. Stanely had a great day of chest deep powder turns off Monarch Pass. He almost was blown off the mountain during this photo session; hence, the two hand hold-down. Monarch Ski Area is in the background, so you may be able to guess where Stanley and I made multiple backcountry runs.

San Luis Valley

Penitente Canyon? Growing up in Pueblo, I cut my teeth here. I stopped by and found the area had changed a lot on the outside (grated road, sites, etc...), but the silence of the place still cuts. Blessed.

Done with the bar

Spending time clocking hours in the hills with my good buddy.