March 20, Red Mt.

Hooked up with Crispin for our first trip into the Commonwealth Basin this season.  The objective was the iconic Red Mt., elevation 5,890 feet.  Red offers a big face for lots of turns.   Easy skinning led us up to the lower slope of Red.  Just above treeline we strapped the skis to our backpacks and continued on to the summit by foot.   It took us 3 hours from car to summit.   We attained the summit right about noon, then chilled out for about a half hour as we let the snow continue to soften.  Firm turns off the summit led to perfect creamy turns on the lower slopes.  Great day to be out in the mountains.

Crispin nears the summit

Two other skiers, chilling on the summit

Mt. Thompson

Firm turns off the summit

Creamy snow down low.  Avalanche debris from previous day

Red Mt. Elev. 5,890.        2,870 feet above pass level