Back to the Desert (this time with skis)

 
My climbing and ski partner, Chris Benson, is based out of Moab UT from April to June. This April has been a transitional month for me in many ways, and as I transitioned out of my life in Colorado I decided to stop by Moab for some skiing, climbing and camaraderie. Chris has been talking up the La Sal Mountains and their ski mountaineering potential for the last two years. After a few days of cragging around Moab, we took a break from the heat and crowds and headed up to ski above the desert. 

Who would have guessed that one day we could be climbing desert sandstone and the next kicking steps up a 50 degree couloir? It was a gorgeous day in the La Sals and the higher we climbed, the more spectacular the scenery became.

Our objective was to climb an interesting NW facing couloir and ski down the North Face of Mt. TUK. We aptly named the couloir the Brimmed TUK Couloir because we had to tunnel out of it through a large cornice. (Plus I love brimmed tuques!)

Here is a photo of Chris topping out on the summit after we climbed the knife-edge East Ridge.

The descent was a mix of dirty snow, wind slab and various breakable crusts. UGH! Nevertheless, it was fabulous to ski above desert and see the canyonlands from above. The North Face of Mt. TUK cliffs out at the end and we had a bit of a sporty exit!

Here is a shot of our line!

Skiing was our rest day from climbing in Moab. Somehow, I didn't feel too rested after our 4,000 ft day but we drove down to Indian Creek that night. 

We arrived at the Creek ready to hone some crack skills and prepared ourselves to get humbled. As usual, the Creek beats you up and then spits you back out stronger. This trip was no exception!

Here's a shot of me on the FUZZ. It had a tricky thin hands start over a bulge and then finished with a steep to overhanging perfect hand crack. It's early season and needless to say, I got a bit worked! 

I just wanted to give a special thanks to Benson for being a great climbing and ski buddy but also one heck of a life coach. Look forward to seeing you in July! And one last thanks to Don Pelo for all the #1, #2 and #3 camalots! It's off to OR for me!