POV: Telluride Backcountry 1/31-2/1/09

[cold_smoke]

We had three beautiful days at the Alta Lakes Observatory in the Telluride Backcountry. This was my third time at the hut and we were ready to ski one of the bigger lines in the area. We had thoughts of a stong snowpack in mind as the local crews have been getting shit done yet again this year, but with a very close call in the creek a day before our arrival, we were sure to be even more suspicious and on our toes like you always have to be in the San Juans.
The first line is Alta 1, an esthetic pow shot behind the hut. The second line is our day three. It was time to step it up in the Silver Couloir. With the entire ascent being very variable ranging from non-breakable to breakable crust to pow, constantly changing, we decided on a variation that took us through the upper tube, to a traverse on a hanging snowfield, to the face adjacent to the Silver where we hoped the snow would be an improvement. After getting comfortable on day three I was wishing there was a day four and five...
Need to get down there a lot more, although we didn't use them, T-ride offers the best lift accessed backcountry in the state and arguably the country.

Anyway enjoy, No music on this one...I think you'll agree it gives a better feeling of being there hearing as well as seeing...

Here's the link:


Can't figure out how to embed directly to the forum (first time using vimeo). Help me out!...

[Vicious]

This makes me even sadder about not making it...again.

Good stuff B...glad you boys had good times. Perhaps I need venture up your direction here soon...

[brettf]

sick.

here's how (click quote to see what I typed):

[Dam Skier]

Yea Billy, looks a little variable for sure.

[NT]

nice

brings me back

[reidhresko]

good times, BG, good times.

[cold_smoke]

Hey brett, I can't see what you posted, may have to do with the work computer. I'll check when I get home...

Here are some pics to go along with the vid....

cold_smoke entering the first tube.



the line from the hut's shitter. Take it all in while letting it all out!


Another angle, tracks visible in both photos...

[skier666]

Grimey!

[encore]

Damn dude....good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[goldenboy]

Quality line at any time of year, let alone mid-winter. Way to git some.

[Storm11]

Damn, those were your tracks I was looking at from the top of Prospect lift on Sunday. I was jealous. Hardly ever see tracks in Alta 1. Nicely done.

[sierraskier]

We had three beautiful days at the Alta Lakes Observatory in the Telluride Backcountry. This was my third time at the hut and we were ready to ski one of the bigger lines in the area. We had thoughts of a stong snowpack in mind as the local crews have been getting shit done yet again this year, but with a very close call in the creek a day before our arrival, we were sure to be even more suspicious and on our toes like you always have to be in the San Juans.
The first line is Alta 1, an esthetic pow shot behind the hut. The second line is our day three. It was time to step it up in the Silver Couloir. With the entire ascent being very variable ranging from non-breakable to breakable crust to pow, constantly changing, we decided on a variation that took us through the upper tube, to a traverse on a hanging snowfield, to the face adjacent to the Silver where we hoped the snow would be an improvement. After getting comfortable on day three I was wishing there was a day four and five...
Need to get down there a lot more, although we didn't use them, T-ride offers the best lift accessed backcountry in the state and arguably the country.

Anyway enjoy, No music on this one...I think you'll agree it gives a better feeling of being there hearing as well as seeing...

Here's the link:


Can't figure out how to embed directly to the forum (first time using vimeo). Help me out!...

very solid. high gnar factor.

[mtsprings]

props, serious gnarage

How do you like your Katana's?

[assgasorgrass]

after the heart beat sounds from the first segment, title could have been "The Tell Tale Heart".

crazy lines.

[stihletto]

wow. sooo steep. cool stuff.

[khyber.pass]

huffin' likuh olivia newton john workout. nice.

[skier666]

Finally watched the vid.....

All I can say is SWEET!

[cold_smoke]

How do you like your Katana's?

They're sweet, they were pretty pristene BEFORE that run!
and nice sig!

[whitethrash]

Great Weekend thanks for showing us Sum Co guys around Billy!!!

[Deep Days]

You sounded scared and tired. Reminds me of exactly how I feel in those sorts of situations--the "DO NOT fuck up here!" situations. And then the close call towards the end. Nice work, man. Very cool.

[cornmeal]

Very sweet

[Danno]

Bumping an old thread because I'm considering planning a trip to the Alta Lakes Observatory and looking for basic info.

What's the terrain like? We won't be skiing stuff like in the video of the OP, but are there areas or lines that are reasonably safe? Since this trip has to be planned far in advance, can't predict snow conditions, and want to go somewhere that has decent safe skiing. Also, what is the access to the cabin from the ski area like?

Anything else you want to share, if you've been, would be great.

[cold_smoke]

Wow, blast from the past! There is more big mountain stuff but plenty of low angle tree options above the hut and in the surrounding amphitheater to play around in. Didn't realize Alta Lakes was available to rent out again, that is fkn awesome! What an amazing display of hand-hewn architecture and detailed craftsmanship which is worth the trip in itself. Maybe the geode inlaid soaking tub is back in business as well!

[Danno]

Nice! Yep, the hot tub is supposedly back in action. It's pretty pricey so I don't want to go if big mountain slide prone stuff is all that's available.