Here is a short edit I just made in the last 3 hours. Just bored on my day off and re-visiting in my mind one of the greatest places on earth.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Adirondack Ski Trip March 10th-11th
Waiting in anticipation for the big move to Utah, I decided to take a trip one last time to the Adirondacks with a fellow MICA guide, Jonas. Reports of 8 inches of fresh snow that Saturday got me quite excited to say the least.
Upon arrival, we decided to climb up and ski down one of the Adirondack High Peak's, Dix Mountain.
The weather was great, however what I didn't realize is how much ice they received from the storm! The entire trail up to Dix was completely blown in. We brought enough to stay the night at the base in case we were too exhausted from the complete bush whack we had to do. Caring 187's on your back isn't exactly ideal in these conditions for the 5 mile approach.
So we finally bust out of the trail and onto the slides. For the most part, the snow on the trail soft enough to get a boot in. However, on the slides, the initial first 2 inches consisted of
an icy layer. We changed into crampons and had out ice tools for a possible self arrest. Once the top layer shattered, it was nothing but very very hard pack snow or boiler plate ice. Sadly speaking, no way you could lay an edge and ski this terrain. You can view the darker shades of snow in the pictures which is in fact boiler plate ice.
After some deliberation, we decided it was best to head back down. It was simply getting too steep and a fall would warrant a serious injury if you couldn't self arrest. I am very much of the school "up is optional, down is mandatory." Going up wouldn't be much of a problem, however the return down would of been quite sketchy.
We were able to strap on our skis lower down the mountain. Still not able to sink our edges into the snow. Here is Jonas:
Chapel Pond Ice Climbing
Upon arrival, we decided to climb up and ski down one of the Adirondack High Peak's, Dix Mountain.
The weather was great, however what I didn't realize is how much ice they received from the storm! The entire trail up to Dix was completely blown in. We brought enough to stay the night at the base in case we were too exhausted from the complete bush whack we had to do. Caring 187's on your back isn't exactly ideal in these conditions for the 5 mile approach.
So we finally bust out of the trail and onto the slides. For the most part, the snow on the trail soft enough to get a boot in. However, on the slides, the initial first 2 inches consisted of
an icy layer. We changed into crampons and had out ice tools for a possible self arrest. Once the top layer shattered, it was nothing but very very hard pack snow or boiler plate ice. Sadly speaking, no way you could lay an edge and ski this terrain. You can view the darker shades of snow in the pictures which is in fact boiler plate ice.After some deliberation, we decided it was best to head back down. It was simply getting too steep and a fall would warrant a serious injury if you couldn't self arrest. I am very much of the school "up is optional, down is mandatory." Going up wouldn't be much of a problem, however the return down would of been quite sketchy.
We were able to strap on our skis lower down the mountain. Still not able to sink our edges into the snow. Here is Jonas:
And finally, the only spot where you could edge was at the end of Wrist Slide:
Sweet view at the bottom of Wrist Slide
We decided to stay the night in the lean-to. It hit -7 Monday night in Keene Valley, so it was a few degrees colder up on the mountain. 
Overall, it was a great adventure. I only regret bringing my skis. Here are some scenic shots from the rest of the trip..
Overall, it was a great adventure. I only regret bringing my skis. Here are some scenic shots from the rest of the trip..
Chapel Pond Ice Climbing
Lake George frozen over enough that I walked on it: 
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