121 | A-Basin, Colorado

Compared to last season when I wasn't fully introduced to backcountry skiing until March, I have spent the majority of this year away from the resorts which is now beginning to take its toll on my body. With unpredictable weather looming over most weekends, the desire to venture out and tackle not only the mountains but the elements as well has gone to zero. The only goal that remains this year and this is to ski the Y Couloir off Mount Ypsilon, an 1,800-foot chute with a consistent pitch of 40-degrees for the entire length and between 45 and 50 degrees for the first 1,000 feet. In the first picture below, you can see the intended line marked by red dots and dashes. The second photo highlights the drop zone.










Other than that, the temptation to continue skiing will only be reserved for those bluebird days with no wind and plenty of warmth. One exception to this rule is to join a bunch of friends at A-Basin for Mardi Graz on ice:




Arriving at seven in the morning with my better half and Eric, we took great liberty in cracking a few beers while sitting down on the couch waiting for the sun to rise above the mountains to the east. This would be ground zero for the better part of the day:




Pretty soon, more people were showing up and it wasn't before long that we had quite a scene brewing:




Then it was my job to get the bacon and burgers ready:


(photo by Brennan Metzler)


While a few people took a liking to the hula-hoop action:


(photo by Brennan Metzler)





And yes, We did manage to get some skiing in ...



Here's Brett flying over a rowdy group:


(photo by Brennan Metzler)


Bernardo turning in circles:


(photo by Brennan Metzler)


Nick exposing his manhood to all the ladies:


(photo by Brennan Metzler)


And Brent sailing high and tight:




Some of us couldn't handle our liquor:




And soon found a corner to hide in:




Others simply couldn't ski too well:


(photo by Brennan Metzler)




No day at A-Basin should be considered complete without the always necessary kayak race down the Hogan Headwall:






Until next time ...



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