TR: SW Couloir, Peak V, Gore Range, 4.8.06
TR: SW Couloir, Peak “V”, Gore Range, 4.8.06
Kya, iskibc, mtnbikerskierchick
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”In my opinion, the two most rugged mountain ranges in Colorado are the Gore Range northwest of Dillon Reservoir and the Needles Range in the remote San Juan Mountains.” -John Fielder-famous Colorado Landscape photographer.
Peak "U", morning light:
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The Gore Range has some of the most densely packed, rugged unnamed peaks, and saw-toothed ridges in all of Colorado. It has more than 50 peaks above 12,000’, in which most all of them consist of high points along consistently steep ridges. In terms of square mileage, the Gore is relatively small compared to some of the other big mountain ranges in the state. However, the steep valley walls, pyramid-shaped summits, and glaciated basins make it look and feel like it goes on forever. Travel within the Gore Range is some of the most difficult in the state as well. There is no “easy” way into the Gore. There are only a handful of named summits, in which most of them are named after letters in the alphabet. In 2002, there was still one peak in the Gore that had yet to be climbed. On August 25, 2002, Joe Kramarsic and two other mountaineering partners made the first ascent of Peak “T” (12,640’). There are many routes and descents up for the taking in the Gore. All it takes is a little determination and desire. Most of the other peaks in the range had been climbed in the 1930s and 1940s, with some of the tougher to reach peaks not being scaled until the 1970s and early ‘80s.
East Face of Peak "V":
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The Gore in the winter reminds me of terrain one would come across in AK. Big, sharp peaks piercing straight up into the sky, with spines and flutes filing down the steep faces. It’s a beautiful place to be in the winter. I have yet to come across another set of tracks or people for that matter while ski touring in the Gore. Solitude and beauty are the two words that best describe this mountain range.
With my obsession of this mountain range, I’ve decided to dedicate a large chunk of time this spring and summer to skiing lines deep into the Gore. There is absolutely nothing out there in terms of documentation about ski mountaineering the Gore. I know there’s a core group of individuals who do a lot of skiing back in the Gore, but there really isn’t anything in terms of beta about this magical mountain range. My plan is to spend a bunch of time back there for the next couple of years and possibly put something together for others to use. It’s amazing how the range goes unnoticed and untracked since it sits right next door to the mega resort of Vail, and lies within a stones throw from Summit County.
The last two ski trips I’ve been 0-2 in terms of reaching the intended goal. There’s nothing wrong with failure, as it is a great learning tool, however it is nice to taste success every once in a while. I didn’t let the lack of success get to me, so I planned for another big goal with the hopes that the third time would be a charm. I’ve been looking at a couloir off Peak “V” all season, and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to come up. I knew it would take perfect weather, a solid set of partners, and a little bit of luck in order for this mission to be successful. I went over the plan with Kya and mtnbikerskierchick earlier in the week. They were game and so we made the final arrangements to give ‘er a go.
Heading up the narrow Pitkin Lake drainage:
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The peak lies in the very back end of the Pitkin Lake drainage. It’s a little over 5 miles in to the basin and 5,000’ vert up to the summit from the trailhead. We met up at the trailhead around 4 AM to a starlit nightscape and a slight cool breeze. We skinned up along the river through the narrow and steep walled valley until we reached Pitkin Lake.
Looking over towards Peak "X" and Mt. Solitude:
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The transition from night to morning was fabulous as we made good time up through the valley. Some of the most beautiful sights I have seen a long while.
Leaving one horizon for another:
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It’s amazing how still and quiet it is back there. Of course that was until we got buzzed by a low flying helio in the lower part of the basin.
Lower Pitkin basin:
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Kya and mtnbikerskierchick skinning:
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We continued to climb at a good clip, gawking in every which direction at the surrounding terrain, until we came to the base of the couloir. The sun and heat from the day before had sloughed some of the new snow down the couloir.
Taking a much needed break:
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Not out of the ordinary: solid work
Damn, dude, NICE pictures. What are you shooting with?
And serious day. Very well done. Great TR. Just good all-around.
