Recent storms have produced excellent backcountry skiing.

Looking at layers in the snowpack on a level 1 avalanche course in mid-January. At this time the snowpack consisted entirely of weak, faceted snow grains. This weak snowpack will soon become the source of great instability.

The first of the big January storms arrives on the third day of our avalanche course. The load is too much for the incredibly weak snowpack and avalanches are widespread. In this photo we're touring through safe, low angle terrain in the trees in order to avoid the avalanche hazard.

Vicki performs a tilt test on the new snow and discovers a magnificently weak bond! With this quick test it's easy to identify that slides are likely in steep terrain.

Fortunately the skiing was fantastic! We chose some lower angle terrain that was a good balance between avalanche hazard avoidance and some good turns.

A few days after the big storm Kellie and I enjoyed some really nice skiing on ever-so-slightly wind buffed powder. The avalanche concerns of the previous weekend had diminished a bit so we were able to ride slightly steeper lines on some aspects.

Kellie enjoying some smoooooooth skiing.

Another fine line in the Red Mountain Pass backcountry.

On January 22nd the next big storm rolled through the San Juans. Snow totals exceeded 2 feet in some areas, causing the snowpack to go through a natural avalache cycle. With careful terrain selection it was still possible to find great (and safe) skiing conditions. Bruce sampling some of the terrific skiing on January 23rd.

Sarah putting down a fresh track while Bruce cheers her on.

On the way back up the skin track Sarah pauses for a moment to admire some of our tracks. It's always fun to look back at your tracks!

Sarah cruising through the glades. What a day!

Ice climbing season is off to a great start!

Ilya enjoying the afternoon in the Ice Park.

Ilya topping out on "Pick of The Vic" in the Ice Park. This route is a classic WI4 that is nearly 175' long.

Swing!

On the route "Slip Slidin Away", a 2 pitch WI4 in the backcountry near Ouray.

Ilya finds nice soft ice in the sun while surmounting the final headwall.

Just down the cliff from Slip Slidin Away, the first pitch of "The Skylight" offers enjoyable mixed climbing at an introductory grade. Here Ilya makes it look easy.

Dexter Creek Slabs, another classic backcountry route near Ouray, is in excellent condition right now. Here Erica ascends the crux WI4 pitch. The route has 3 additional pitches of WI3/3+.

There is minimal snow on many of the approaches right now, as can be seen in this photo.

High on Dexter Creek Slabs with the valley unfolding in the distance.

Tyler digs a quick snow profile to evaluate the reactivity of wind slabs.

The avalanche bulletin described the primary avalanche concern as wind slabs near and above treeline, with a secondary concern of persistent slabs. It would require keen observation skills to travel and ski safely.

We began by digging snow profiles to identify layers in the snowpack. On this Northeast aspect below treeline we found no slabs, just lots of nice soft snow to ride!

Our snow profile revealed no avalanche concern in this area, and there was lots of good snow, so we made some turns!

After getting a baseline view of the snowpack on the second day of the course, we spent the third day on a big tour. In order to evaluate avalanche hazard we used our probes to "feel" for slabs by sensing changes in stiffness. In addition to feeling for slabs, we also watched for changes in snow height. Anything greater than the 100cm we saw in our snow profile the day before would indicate slabs were present.

As soon as we neared the treeline our probe measurements started to indicate a much deeper snowpack. In this photo Tyler is finding the slabs.

Once we had found the slabs, our next objective was to determine how extensive they were and whether or not they were sensitive to triggering by a skier. Tyler digs a quick profile to make an assessment.

Our observations throughout the day (probing, profiles, ski test results) had indicated that the slabs were actually discontinuous and isolated to specific terrain features such as small bowls and gullies. After figuring out where we could ski safely, we had a great (and scenic) lunch break and then a nice ride down.

Liba making some turns through soft snow on our descent.

Give the gift backcountry skiing or snowboarding this year with our holiday special.

A beautiful sunrise greets climbers during an ascent of Mt. Rainier.

Chad riding boot-top powder in upper Commodore Basin on November 8th.

Chad ascending a southerly slope en route to Commodore Basin. On this South aspect we found only 12-15" of snow. We will need a few more storms for S, E, & W aspects to be skiable.

Chad dropping into Lower Commodore Basin on our first run.

Skiing the ultra-classic Commodore Trees.

Chad perched high on the Commodore Ridge just before our second run. Notice the substantial snow coverage on the surrounding slopes.

On our second run we skied the first broad couloir above-treeline on the Commodore Ridge. The skiing was very smooth and predictable, and loads of fun!

Free Avalanche Awareness Clinic at the REI in Grand Junction on Thursday, November 3rd.

The week began with two days of climbing with Larry from Michigan. Matt and Larry started by warming up on single pitch routes in Willow Springs, including the classic Spiderline (5.7).

Next up was an ascent of Geronimo (5.6, five pitches) on Jackrabbit Buttress. This image shows Larry on pitch 1.

Geronimo is one of the incredible moderate multi-pitch routes in Red Rocks. The highly featured sandstone offers a multitude of holds, making the climbing surprisingly straightforward despite several pitches that are dead vertical.

Larry gives the thumbs up after another successful climb. The route ascends the crack system on the lower lefthand face and then finishes on the lefthand skyline.

Next up: guide training! Josh and Ben worked with guide Matt Wade to hone their guiding skills in preparation for an AMGA Rock Guide Exam. Here they are racking up for an ascent of Olive Oil (5 pitches, 5.7) on the Rose Tower.

Ben following a beautiful hand crack on pitch 2 of Olive Oil. This is a tremendous route for the moderate climber.

Josh leading out on pitch 3. He's hauling all that gear, trailing two ropes, and he's still smiling! He must be a guide.

One of the guide's responsiblities is to adequately protect traverses for his client(s). This photo shows a nicely protected traverse that allows Josh to make the tricky move around the corner without fear of a whipper. Nice job Ben!

The following day Matt met Jayson for a day of guide training, also in preparation for the AMGA exam. They climbed Physical Graffiti (5.6, 2 pitches). The photo shows Jayson leading off on pitch 1.

Jayson starting pitch 2. What a setting! For being only two pitches, this route is packed with good climbing and good views. It also has some good guiding challenges that helped Jayson hone his skills.

Jayson doing a counter balance rappel during the descent. Guides may choose to do a counter balance rappel in some situations to ensure client safety. Good job Jayson! Looking good for your exam!