March 17, NE Shoulder of Chair Peak

Hooked up with Kelly and Eric again for a little ski tour.  Headed up the Alpental Valley to drop over the NE shoulder of Chair Peak.  Currently we are in a bit of a freeze thaw cycle.  Skinning up above source lake was not overly enjoyable.  Luckily the slopes had been dusted with a little fresh snow overnight that allowed our ski edges to get enough bite that we did not have to resort to pulling out the ski crampons.  Above the thumb tack we found a less supportive crust that made our boot to the ridgeline a bit interesting.   Views off the backside to Snow Lake were glorious as usual.  Snow surface had a little wind feathering but overall looked pretty sweet.  Dropped off ridge in what felt like six inches of untracked snow over a firm crust layer.  As we approached the lake, the fresh snow had unfortunately slid off the crust layer making for a firm descent down to the lake.   From the lake, I lazied out and headed for snow lake divide and home, while Kelly and Eric, made a lap up under Roosevelt Peak.  Another good day in the backyard.

Kelly heads up into Chair Peak basin

Eric leads the final boot section

Eric

Kelly dropping in off the ridge

Eric

Kelly

Eric makes turns on the final pitch before Snow Lake