As a history major, all I ever knew of the state of Montana growing up was General Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn. I had no idea they had mountains. Years later I would come to learn it had mountains, and for some reason, I assumed being so far North from Colorado, that these mountains covered the entire state – like Alaska. In reality, the state is majority plains, as far as the eye can see. Keep reading…
Six of us pulled into the Paradise parking lot on June 2nd, eager to gear up and approach Mount Rainier for a ski attempt on the 3rd. The previous night we had sat on the porch of the Whittaker Bunk House contemplating our future as rain pelted the roof over our heads for hours on end. Skeptical moods were only reinforced when we arrived at a socked in Rainier Rainier Ranger Station and received reports of heavy weather/precipitation over the previous week. Read more…
Just got back from skiing Taos with the old man, the ski highlight of 2012 for me so far. Every year (for the last 6 years or so) my Dad and I have gone on a father/son ski trip either out of state or at least well off the beaten path here in Colorado. Silverton has been excellent the past few years, but I’d say this year’s Taos trip may have topped it. Read more…
About two months ago Carl pitched me the idea of going for the Grand Teton via the Upper Exum Ridge, a route about as classic as they get. Immediately I was interested; the Grand stood high on my wish list as one of those must-do-in-your-lifetime peaks, as it does for many. For weeks we researched and discussed the plan, ultimately deciding on the last weekend in July as the best window for our trip. Keep reading…