Cronin Peak
North Ridge 2+ Ski East Couloir
Cronin was a great first Centennial for Kristi and I to ski together. We left the Baldwin Gulch Trailhead at 6:30am and summited at 1:30pm. Our day covered 12.3 miles and 5115 total vertical feet. We climbed the North Ridge and skied the gut of the Northeast Face. The North Ridge was relatively rugged... especially in ski boots. The skiing on the Northeast Face was absolutely fantastic with perfect spring snow. The day started out sunny but by the time we summited visibility was minimal... making the skiing even more exciting. Our pace was comfortable and steady... with 30 minutes on the summit and maybe another 45 after at the bottom of the NE Face. We were back to the truck and headed to Eddy Line for a meal and brew by 5:30pm.
Partner: Kristi Henes
Here is a link for the GPX file from our trip.
We left the Baldwin Gulch Trailhead at 6:30am and summited at 1:30pm. We were back to the truck by 5:30pm. Our day covered 12.3 miles and 5115 total vertical feet.
Kristi skinning the jeep road towards Baldwin Gulch
Ptarmigan just above treeline
Kristi skins to the ridge with Antero in the distance.
Kristi skins to the ridge with Tabuache and Shavano in the distance.
Kristi decides to put on her crampons and carry to the ridge line. I opted to keep my skis on.
Almost to the ridge... looking over to Cronin's summit
Looking up Cronin's north ridge
Kristi on the north ridge as weather begins to blow in
Alex climbs the north ridge
Kristi on the north ridge with Princeton and Antero in the background
The clouds soon came in bringing light snow. Thankfully the wind wasn't too bad.
Alex getting close to the summit
Alex getting close to the summit
After a quick bite and transition on the summit we approached the Northeast Face
According "Climbing and Skiing Colorado's Mountains" by Conners and Miller... the steepness ranges from the upper 30s to the low 40s.
Alex on the NE Face. The snow was perfect... soft and carvy spring snow
Alex on the NE Face
Kristi on the NE Face
Kristi on the NE Face
Kristi on the apron
Kristi on the apron
Alex on the apron
Alex on the apron
Alex and Kristi stoked to say the least
Cronin's Northeast Face
Cronin's Northeast Face
Leaving Cronin
Alex enjoying a few last turns
Looking at Antero.... The basin between the two mountains.
Until next time!!!