TR: Shit for Brains Couloir 5.22.2010

[Mike_Records]

This past Saturday Ethan and I skied Shit for Brains Couloir near Abasin. We skinned from the CDOT shed on US 6 up to the base of the couloir and then booted from there to the top. As we approached the base of SFB there was one group ahead of us, who were moving really slow, or so we thought. However, upon arrival this was quickly explained by a delicious combination of breakable crust and postholing through the bottom third of the couloir! The rest of the way up was smooth sailing. The descent followed the same route back down. Last year I started at the CDOT shed and followed the ridgeline to the North of SFB up, and would definitely say that following the ridge is significantly easier, though not nearly as fun.

The views on the way up were wonderful:

Dave's Wave


Marjorie


The East Wall


Ethan approaches SFB


Up!


Up!


More beautiful views from the top:

Grays and Torreys


Buffalo


Dry Gulch


Me


Ethan


Ethan


Ethan


This can only end well


Overall the snow conditions varied from frozen avy debris to smooth corn. But its hard to beat such easy access, a good climb, and a good ski!

[dk_alaskan]

well done.

[BDKeg]

good shit...looks hella fun

[adam]

The reason I stopped and talked to you at Loveland was because I recognized Ethan's jacket. If it had not been for that, I wouldn't have known it was you.

[Tin_Cup]

Was thinking about doing that last weekend, looks a bit beat and chunky but fun as hell. Nice work

[ACH]

Nicely done!
I miss that place, seeing the pics or Torreys and Grays really brings back some great memories.

[Ireallyliketoski2]

Nice work dudes. How steep is that in its steepest place would you guess?

[Mike_Records]

Nice work dudes. How steep is that in its steepest place would you guess?

It seemed kinda steep hiking up, but not really when skiing down. I would guess it tops out at the mid 40s to maybe 45 degrees. But, it is consistently steep the whole way!