Trip Announcement:

Wolf Creek Pass / Feb 23 / Class 3+ Climbing Skin Tour

Starting from the parking lot on the north side of Wolf Creek Pass, we will skin up [~900' ascent] to Lobo Overlook. As a warm-up, we will ski the terrain immediate to the overlook. After that, we will determine which descent option to ski. From the Overlook, the descents options are 1500-2000 feet of forested terrain. There are a few sections with very dense trees, but most of the tree skiing is more open in mature and thru healthy old growth forest.

Prior to starting, will need to drop of a car [or 2-3] at the bottom of the run, a bit below the tunnel on the north side of the pass.

Required:

Ability and desire to ski powder in 20-30 deg terrain thru potentially dense forest. Otherwise, you can ski the terrain off of Lobo Overlook [with a buddy, please!].

Your gear will include climbing skins, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe... and knowledge to use it.

Discipline to ski with a group, do not go off the front nor disappear off the back and be flexible with decisions to deal with avalanche risk, weather and anything else that comes up.

Ascent: 1500-3000'

Descent: 2500-5000' [maybe we have time to do two complete laps?]

Rendezvous: Driving off from the Pagosa Bakery at 8:00 sharp. Come early if you want to sample some of their great eats.

Please let me know if interested by replying directly to my e-mail or message/call my cell [505] 238-812 three. If you are going to the club meeting, feel free to tag me then.

Let it snow,

Barry Ritchey

barryxwind AT msn DOT com

[505] 238-812 three

PS - I'm not going to lead this trip option, but touring the road grade from the parking lot to the Lobo Overlook is a nice kick and glide tour which doesn't require climbing skins or avy savy.