James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne & Dwight hike toward the illuminated east face of James Peak.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne & Dwight hike toward the illuminated east face of James Peak.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
The sun rises over Kingston Peak.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
The sun rises over Kingston Peak.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
To reach the east face we have to first lose several hundred feet of elevation.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
To reach the east face we have to first lose several hundred feet of elevation.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
The mighty east face of James Peak with three snow lines: (left to right) Sky Pilot, Shooting Star and Superstar. Superstar is the shortest and steepest of the three. Its my first snow climb this year and the first time I've been above treeline since March so I must admit I'm pretty intimidated right now. Seeing a team of skiers climb the couloir roped the entire way adds to the intimidation.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
The mighty east face of James Peak with three snow lines: (left to right) Sky Pilot, Shooting Star and Superstar. Superstar is the shortest and steepest of the three. Its my first snow climb this year and the first time I've been above treeline since March so I must admit I'm pretty intimidated right now. Seeing a team of skiers climb the couloir roped the entire way adds to the intimidation.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
The snow has begun to soften up a bit in the early morning sun and we find very comfortable conditions on this steep snow climb. My fears disappear.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
The snow has begun to soften up a bit in the early morning sun and we find very comfortable conditions on this steep snow climb. My fears disappear.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne leads the way up the couloir in its entirety, following in the steps of a pair of skiers who are above us.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne leads the way up the couloir in its entirety, following in the steps of a pair of skiers who are above us.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Dwight starting up Superstar.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Dwight starting up Superstar.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne measured the slope to be consistently in the low 50s.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne measured the slope to be consistently in the low 50s.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne sizes up the last portion of Superstar from the side of the couloir. A pair of skiers is screwing around atop the cornice and we don't want to be in the fall line.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne sizes up the last portion of Superstar from the side of the couloir. A pair of skiers is screwing around atop the cornice and we don't want to be in the fall line.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne heads for the cornice as the skier duo rappels down.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne heads for the cornice as the skier duo rappels down.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Dwight near the top of Superstar.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Dwight near the top of Superstar.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne tackles the awkward exit. Today we're able to scramble up choss rock and squeeeeeze around the edge of the cornice. The moves aren't that hard but pulling them above a 50+ degree snow slope is kind of intimidating and it ends up being a little harder than it looks from below.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Wayne tackles the awkward exit. Today we're able to scramble up choss rock and squeeeeeze around the edge of the cornice. The moves aren't that hard but pulling them above a 50+ degree snow slope is kind of intimidating and it ends up being a little harder than it looks from below.
James Peak via Superstar Couloir
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
After topping out Wayne drops a hand line for Dwight & I to be on the safe side.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
After topping out Wayne drops a hand line for Dwight & I to be on the safe side.
James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
June 11, 2011
Sunrise on the flats above St. Marys Glacier.