
Trip Report
Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Crystal Mountain Backcountry
Good outing to alternate location due to conditions
- Sat, Dec 14, 2024
- Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Crystal Mountain Backcountry
- Crystal Mountain Ski Area
- Backcountry Skiing
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Planned route was not available due to conditions -- high winds and snow overnight and continued strong winds had Crystal's Southback area closed to all traffic both uphill and down. After consulting with Crystal Ski Patrol we chose to tour in the Bullion Basin area instead and this is outside of any area that the planned to perform avalanche control measures.
So we followed the Gold Hills access road and then the Crystal snowshoe trails that follow the old ski runs cut for the 80s era Bullion Basin chairlift. "Ted's Trail" then crosses the creek on an adequite log bridge and then climbs very steeply for a short distance until it intersects the summer hiking trail. This steep section was very challenging for one member of the group -- who since this was their 1st time touring struggled to find sufficent grip with their skins. Some coaching was provided to improve grip, but ultimately they became too frustrated and removed their skis and booted up the steep section to gain the summer trail. More experienced skinners were able to navigate the steep section with only minor swearing.
Following the summer trail from their to the basin was straight Ford with good coverage.
We performed a beacon search practice in the 5700ft basin. We then continued skinning along brought the path of the summer hiking trail. As we reached 6000ft elevation we observed changes in the snow structure -- with addition wind effects and noticed some collapsing of the upper layers . So we stopped climbing and transitioned to descend back to the 5700 ft basin. We skiing/rode one at a time back to the basin -- with some enjoyable turns.
We discussed making an additional lap on the slopes above the 5700ft basin on a slightly different aspect. One person was not up for a second lap. That person and I choose to wait in the shelter of some trees in the basin and make some hot chocolate. The rest of the group climbed until the agreed upon turn around time of 2:30 and 6150ft on a slightly different aspect and made some turns that were enjoyable enough that whooping was heard in the basin.
We then skied out, following the summer hiking trail and Gold Hills access road without incident.