Before heading there, we had to do our normal shenanigans: night on the town in Santa Fe, then some good climbing. It was our first visit to Penitente Canyon. What an idyllic climbing spot!
First time I've ever managed two consecutive 5.11 on-sights (11a then 11c) -- I WAS PSYCHED! Then I got served so hard I had to bail one bolt from the top of a 5.12a. Oh well. Good climbs.
The Sangre de Cristo range was looking suspiciously white across the valley.
How did we get there? In the α-gaper monster van!
Wake-up call at 4 am, looking good.
HEY BOO
We keep it gnar, even on the approach.
Crestone Needle was flirting as we moved up the valley.
At first sight I was swooning.
I was slightly concerned about the new snow but intermittent clouds kept it chill.
Another beautiful island in the sky
Now it's time to get it! Dropping
YES
The skiing was consistenly NICE
When he skied by me, he just DID IT.
I vaguely want to ski Crestone Needle again now that it looks PHAT.
It can wait until next year; we need to go ski another range for a while....
