20 Attachment(s)
TR: Silverton Mountain 2020 - Bluebird, Bootpacks and a Bell 205
Silverton Mountain - 2020
Our group's annual pilgrimage south, including mag Hawkgt, kicked off last month to the one and only Silverton Mountain. Here's some stoke from one of my favorite places in Colorado.
The trip started with warm up laps at Powderhorn. It was our first visit to this hill, and we were quite impressed with the terrain. It reminded me of a pint sized Steamboat, except with ~50 people on the mountain.
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Ouray Hot Springs is becoming a mandatory pit stop before the crawl over Red Mountain Pass.
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-7F awaited us at the base, and the sun was in no hurry to climb above Cement Creek. After the safety talk, we boarded the rickety double to the much warmer summit
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The Pyramid, Grassy & Butter Bowl in the distance. Single heli drops will take you to this zone.
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Although the bluebird skies were welcome, the area hadn't seen big snowfall in two weeks, and it became obvious that conditions would be a mixed bag. Silverton is never really 100% open, as the terrain rotates daily, and we feared slim pickings within the ropes. Luckily, our guides were able to find some great snow all over the mountain.
Our opening run was the right side of Cabin.
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It was time to hike, and we headed to Mandatory Air. This line usually is open until the crux, where you traverse to Waterfall Ramp or Two Smokes. This time, we scored big and gutted the run top to bottom, a rare treat! This is most challenging line I've ridden there.
Mandatory Air crux
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Working our way through numerous twists & turns
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Looking back at Mandatory Air
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After lunch, we headed to Rope #2. Rope -> Dope seems to provide some of the best conditions on every trip.
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Our final lap was on the right side of Sunset
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On day two, we went with 3 run heli package. With minimal wind, clear skies and low avalanche danger, it was a great time to fly. This year, they are flying the yellow A-Star and the "Party Bus", which comfortably sits 10 people.
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Our crew at the top of Cabin, awaiting the pickup
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For our first run, we hit Grassy Bowl. Conditions were better than expected, even on the south aspects.
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The lower face provided the best turns of the trip, especially in the NW facing trees.
L-R is Hanging Valley, Dope Chute, the Billboard, Rope 4-1, Nightmare and Mandatory Air
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The second run took us near the summit of Bonita Peak. When you get out of Velocity Basin, it's a whole new world:
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Our final run was the Meatball Couloir, which brings you back to the exit road.
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Much like Grassy Bowl, we found the best snow on northwest aspects
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I don't break out the GaperPro often, but when I do, it's usually here:
https://youtu.be/3BqbEnAnmU4
While the crew retreated for beers & brats, I took a few more laps and hit Raff Cliffs, Teabag Squeezer and Chainsaw.
Silverton continues to deliver the goods year after year, and I always return from this trip with a wide grin.
The mountain is in great condition, and the unguided season should be excellent. Get down there if you can!
:yourock:
TR: Silverton Mountain 2020 - Bluebird, Bootpacks and a Bell 205
Guided has its pros and cons. It’s certainly not for everyone.
To get the best experience , there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Full group of 8, building rapport with guide, being patient and full of stoke, following instructions to a T, etc.
Ultimately, if you want to ride their phenomenal terrain in mid winter with <100 people, you do it on their terms.
TR: Silverton Mountain 2020 - Bluebird, Bootpacks and a Bell 205
Rope 1 right above you (?) Rope -> Dope is one of my favorites runs in CO.
Good share, I'm looking forward to returning in January & March.
