TR: Rabbit Ears Range 11.24.04

[iskibc]

TR: Rabbit Ears Range 11.24.04
Duph, maggot x, iskibc, and milli




While the rest of Colorado was getting shafted yet again by a split flow, we decided to head up near the border and try our luck on some Utah leftovers. Northern Colorado boasts some of the greatest and deepest snows in the entire state, and a lot of it is left untouched for long periods of time. The population of elk outnumbers most northern Colorado towns by a ratio of 5:1 on an average day. Access to the surrounding peaks gets a little tougher which helps in keeping the slopes untracked and left alone. It’s one of the last areas in Colorado where the word “sprawl” is still unknown and not talked about. Life is simple and the snow is deep.

Duph and I met up with maggot_x (almost certain we have crossed paths before ) in a coffee shop downtown Fraser. The truck was packed, a few words exchanged and then we were quickly off for the trailhead. As we reached higher ground the valves opened up and flakes began to fall. Upon reaching the trailhead the only sound heard was the whispering winds filtering through the trees and the faint sound of flakes tapping against my jacket. It was going to be a good day. Fresh snow on the trees, a good crew, and lots of untouched above us just waiting for the takin’.

We skinned along an old mining road for a few miles before starting our climb up a tree lined ridge. The clouds got thicker and the snow began to fall harder as we gained elevation. By the time we reached the base of the ridge and began our climb the snow intensified even more and the base started to become bottomless. Maggot X graciously broke trail the entire way up through the deep snow. We got above tree line and the winds were brutal:



Visibility was pretty good, but wind loading became a concern as we noticed quite a bit of slab formation. We stopped just above tree line and played it safe by skirting in and out of the trees down the side of a bowl. Just below a small rollover we found lot’s of blower for the taking. I spotted duph and maggot x as they ripped down the slope one-by-one leaving a contrail of cold smoke in their paths.

iskibc:





duph:





maggot x:







Several hundred feet of vert later and a few big grins we rushed to get our skins on for another lap. This time around we skinned up another tree lined ridge just looker’s left of the first skin track and began our ascent.

Round 2:



Another lap was in order so we skinned up again and went after it. This time around we decided to call it quits and skied a couple thousand feet back to the trailhead.

Where's Waldo?:



Always a great time meeting new maggots. Was also good to make turns with duph again after a long hiatus.

[Z]

Noice!!!!! as always

[Trackhead]

I'm partial to this one. Nice snow, eh. Looks tasty.

[Blurred]

way to go kids. "Maggot_X" can hike like no other. Glad to see Duphphy and Ted out there.......

[Foggy_Goggles]

Troublesome Represent!!!

That is a cool area.You should try the fire tower on Hayden.

[duph]

While one of us three has been known to call things like this "another stoopid road hit", well, no such words were dared today. Why? Don't hold your breath. Or, just don't inhale:




What a bunch of beaters!

A name was given, but immediate recognition made for no chance, in this cricumstance, for any deception, for forgetting the rants; you know, that tired old dance. What else rhymes..... hmmm. Anyway, some people say it's unsafe to bring dogs skiing, but Milli was with us and we didn't strike her.

[Blurred]

So did player tee up any big shots today, or just keep the backcountry beater bro-brah alive?

[duph]

So did player tee up any big shots today, or just keep the backcountry beater bro-brah alive?

We made sure he made it down safe. .....no, wait, you weren't there.

[Benny Profane]

This a cool pic. Nearly psychedelic.

[subtle plague]

nice.
i hope the season here starts before christmas ......

[iskibc]

So did player tee up any big shots today, or just keep the backcountry beater bro-brah alive?

Easy you two . Great skiing was had by all yesterday so let's leave it at that.

[Crinkle]

sum= gotten

good work guys, nice pics and write up as usual iski

[Max Gosey]

All hail iskibc, king of sweet TR's!

I don't know how you get so many great shots, mang, but I'm glad you do.

[shera]

Maggot X graciously broke trail the entire way up through the deep snow.

This does not suprise me in the least. What a cool person to have in the backcountry. Hope I get to go the next time he comes this way...

And Dave, your writing on this one was really special. Looking forward to Sunday, but I've gotta say that we might head down to Wolf Creek Saturday night if the weather's right (new snow). Think about coming down there. We'll talk...

edit - Berthoud Pass did not suck this morning. Sluffilicious.

[climb2ski]

what is going on? where are you? why can't I see my hands?

[xboat]

good shit, d. great pics and TR

[sick.bird]

CAW! CAW! CAW!

[Lostinthetrees]

The best report this past week gets my bump! thanks!!!

[Blurred]

Bump for the beater bro-brah!

[ak_powder_monkey]

sickness

(910)

[Lostinthetrees]

bump...

This TR gets my vote for the "Best All-Round BC Adventure" in Fall/Winter 2004. Includes a hike up to capture the goods, photos of pow lines skied, and scenery shots. Really nice to re-visit this.

Thanks and best wishes for more adventure in the New Year! litt