Partners: Carl Dowdy, Derek Dreschel, Marc Barella
Route: Climb and ski of North Maroon’s North Face
Numbers: 7.2 miles, 4,400 feet
Carl, Marc, Derek, and I met up at the Maroon Lake TH in the predawn hours of May 23rd, 2010. Our goal: the uber-classic North Face of North Maroon Peak on skis. None of us had ever climbed or skied this face before, and given the notoriety of this face and it’s history, we knew we were in for a fun one.
We started from Maroon Lake at 3am under starry skies. With most of the approach melted out, we were able to stay in boots and keep skis on our backs all the way to Crater Lake. Heading north from Crater Lake we found ourselves stuck in a willow field, wallowing for several minutes each in branches up to our necks before finally breaking out below the North Face.
Carl craning up at North Maroon’s dramatic North Face. Photo by Derek.
We were treated to outstanding views of Pyramid Peak as we made our way across North Maroon’s 12,000′ apron. Photo by Derek.
After a long break near a rock at the base of the massive face to crampon up and tighten everything down, we started on up. Photo by Derek.
We elected to climb the face in its entirety as none of us had skied the route before. Those who know the way down through the cliff bands have the luxury of taking the ridge to the summit, which is both safer and more efficient.
Above the ski exit chute, we were faced with a long climbing traverse. Photo by Carl.
Through a chute in the center of the face, we traversed climber’s left again across steep ground. Photo by Carl.
The snow was getting soft as this face is practically more east-facing than north. An earlier start time would have benefited us greatly. We decided to pick up the pace but we had a tough battle ahead as the snow just got deeper the higher we climbed.
Photo by Derek.
Carl taking a moment to pause and catch a breath.
Snowmass and Capitol from high on the face. Photo by Carl.
Slowly but surely we made our way to the base of the punk rock band and headed far climber’s left towards a break in the cliffs. Photo by Carl.
We strolled up the final few feet to the summit and immediately geared up for the ski. By now the snow down lower was likely getting soft and we wanted to get things rolling as quickly as possible.
Summit of North Maroon, looking over at South.
The turns were fun in this lofty place. Photo by Carl.
Next was getting past punk rock, which is considered to be one of the cruxes of skiing North Maroon…
Carl makes a turn uncomfortably close to the void. Photo by Marc.
A nice one of Derek. Photo by Carl.
My turn. Photo by Carl.
Down through a chute we traversed back skier’s right, following our booter through the cliff bands.
Locating and skiing down a narrow slot that cuts through the major mid-face cliff bands was another crux. Photo by Carl.
Cutting through the cliffs.
I brought up the rear for most of the descent. Photo by Carl.
After another small, albeit mandatory air, we were on the final traverse left to the exit chute. Photo by Carl.
Once out of the exit chute, we made fun turns down the apron and back to Crater Lake.
The route as seen from Crater Lake. Photo by Carl.
After reaching the parking lot, we retreated to Aspen for burgers and beers. Another classic one checked off the list.
Thanks for reading!