Mount Sneffels' North Face
The north face of Mount Sneffels as seen from Blaine Basin at sunrise. The Snake Couloir is on the right side.
A classic, steep snow climb up one of Colorado's finest 14ers
The north face of Mount Sneffels as seen from Blaine Basin at sunrise. The Snake Couloir is on the right side.
Dominic starting up the couloir. This was his first snow climb!
Dominic gazing ahead at the upper portion of the couloir from the dogleg.
Two climbers high in the top half of the Snake Couloir.
Traversing steep snow above the dogleg to access the upper half of the couloir.
Me in the upper part of the Snake.
After climbing the couloir a short, rocky crux provides direct access to the summit of Mount Sneffels. This pitch is 4th class when dry but snow spices it up and depending on conditions some parties rope up for it. Skiers always seem to rappel it. Two climbers can be seen starting up the pitch.
The pair of climbers offered to leave their pro in for us and we gladly accepted. Dominic did a "sport lead" and I cleaned the gear. Being extreme newbies to this kind of stuff we appreciated the help, especially with questionable weather rolling in.
Dominic belaying me from the summit of Mount Sneffels.
The views from the summit were grand. Dallas Peak is beautiful in its white cloak. The Wilson 14er group can be seen in the background.
Dominic finishes packing up as one of the climbers gives his buddy a belay for the downclimb off the summit.
Cirque Mountain (left) and Teakettle Mountain (right) from Lavender Col.
Beginning the descent down into Blain Basin.