2009.02.21 Skiing Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has always been one of my favorite places in Colorado, especially during the off-season when "tourons" aren't clogging the roads and trailheads. Since taking an avalanche I course through CMS in December '06, I've always wanted to check out some of the stunning couloirs and skiing options throughout the park. I gathered much information from Eli Helmuth's site (check out Eli's useful info and guide services at http://www.climbinglife.com/) as Jesse and Andy joined me for the day trip. We started skinning from the Bear Lake trailhead and proceeded to take a detoured route to reach the series of lakes leading up to the Tyndall glacier area. Our objective for the day was the Dragontail Couloir arising from Emerald Lake.

Our first views of the Dragontail Coulior:

The weather wasn't fully cooperating as swirling winds pelted us with blowing snow for most of the morning. We started our ascent to the base of the couloir, where we assessed avalanche conditions by digging a snow pit. We quickly discovered a fresh windslab layer sitting atop softer snow that sheared very easily. Unfortunately this meant the end of our climb as we all agreed that the avalanche danger was significant. However, we still managed some good turns below the couloir and in the Terrain Park area as the winds eased and we enjoyed a bluebird afternoon.

Jesse makes turns on the apron below the Dragontail couloir:

Andy and Jesse crossing Emerald Lake:

Also, much thanks to Rich for giving us an intimate tour of the Oscar Blues Brewery. And Joel and Devon for letting us use their place as party central later that evening.