TR: NYC's crown jewel descent: The Brooklyn Bridge

[gmdesigner]

With the recent mini-glut of snow we had in NYC I figured it was high time to hit that line often seen from afar, but only skiable after a good dump, the south aspect of the Brooklyn Bridge. A lofty 100' in elevation this peak is summitted by no more than a couple million hardy souls a year. Even more rarely, however, is a ski descent attempted...



THE APPROACH was a 1/2 mile overland dawn trek through Brooklyn. An early start is necessary beacause of the life threatening changeable weather patterns on the summit as well as reducing the risk of gapers walking through the (presumed) stash waiting above.




THE ASCENT up the south face of the bridge. Sadly it had been repeatedly plowed throughout the night. Ice axe proved unneccesary to complete the climb, but it was reassuring to have in case of the need for emergency self arrest.




BREAKING TRAIL through the nearly 8 inches of plow slough at the edge. I thought it only kind to establish a skin track for those who might try to poach this hallowed face later in the day.




SKINS OFF before reaching the summit - unfortunately between the wind shear and effective golf-cart-with-a-blade plowing, the snow ran out within 20 verts of the summit. I decided that since I couldn't descend from the summit it was prudent not to risk life and limb by continuing on for the glory.



BECAUSE avalanches don't take holidays.



AND THE DESCENT. I'd like to tell you all that it was the light, fluffy, knee deep east coast pow we've come to associate with NYC, but I would describe it more as firm but edgeable 1.5" over wood and concrete.





THE FINAL AND MOST DYNAMIC TERRAIN of the decent...







Peace out mags. Maybe tomorrow I'll report on my Empire State Building huck...

[Schnappi]

Dav would have skied from the summit.

That last line was pretty rowdy though.

[SPREAD EAGLE]

Gnar! - I especially liked how you avoided getting mugged at such an hour!
Scweet

[summit]

hahhhahahah cool

[Trackhead]

Quite possibly pic of the year.

[alto]

Best TR of the decade.

[BFD]

the bar is being raised on the east coast.

[spindrift]

Epic!

Glad to see you put safety first & were beeping. You can't be too careful under those kinds of snow conditions...

[jfost]

that would be funny if you got jacked for your beacon...

[Crampedon]

Solo in the backcountry!

Dude, that beacon will do NO good except in a body recovery.

Next time wear a side-arm.

[Bcar]

classic! GWB is next!! LOL!

[jsw630]

Hahaha GREAT JOB man! NYC is a epic ski spot!

[mogul5480]

I'm sitting in the SFO airport waiting to catch a flight to that sick NYC pow right now. All about the storm chasing....aww yeaaaa.

Thanks for setting the skin-track for me.

All jokes aside - that's rad. Well done.

[lumpygravy]

Way to get at it!

Next dump: we'll scale the heights/ palisades in Jersey City

[truth]

There is no shortage of win here.

[gmdesigner]

Thanks. I have to confess now that I didn't put batts in the beacon. If that slab had slid I'd be a goner for sure.

[gmdesigner]

Way to get at it!

Next dump: we'll scale the heights/ palisades in Jersey City

I have for realz considered that one.

[Altaholic]

Where was your avalung????

[Vt-Freeheel]

I'm waiting for the Fresh Kills TR. Nice job slaying the BB.

[Rubicon]

[pepperdawg]

Well PLayed sir......thx

[fool]

Crampons not required? Nice work: great TR!

[goldenboy]

Nice touch with the rope, etc. hanging off the pack. Sweet stuff

[gmdesigner]

Crampons not required? Nice work: great TR!

You know I got them out this morning, but thought it might be too much.

Nice touch with the rope, etc. hanging off the pack. Sweet stuff

Hah..thanks. I was hoping the ice axe and shovel on my pack would show up in the pics, but my sherpa had an unsteady camera hand.

[bennettc14]

Maybe I'll wear my avalung to the DA's office and you all will see core.