Missile Sled Mountaineering
Lackawanna MSM
Date: 4/24/2024
Partner: Brandon Chalk
Start: State Highway 82 - West of La Plata TH
Distance: 3.9 m
Elevation Gain: 3600ft
Duration: 3hrs 30min
GPX
Some have called missile sled mountaineering (aka swiss bobbing) dangerous and irresponsible.
"You are going to kill yourself" they say.
"Think of your family and loved ones" they plead.
I don't know how many times I have been asked "How do you control speed? How do you stop or even steer?"
My response to these questions is simple.
Careening thousands of vertical feet from the summits of Colorado's highest and steepest peaks at speeds of 40mph is not for the faint of heart.
The bases of these sleds are coated with a new non caloric silicone based kitchen lubricant Brandon has been perfecting for years. The lubricant creates a sliding surface 500 times more slippery than any cooking oil known to man.
But know this... we are professionals. It is common knowledge in the swiss bobbing community that we are in the upper echelon of competive missile sledders. Despite the accolades and honors, we been critizited for pushing the sport too hard and too fast. The steep and trecherous peaks of Colorado are just too much they say.
So before just jumping in... we highly recomend that you seek the proper coaching and mentorship before attempting this dangerous sport for yourselves.
3.9 m - 3600ft - 3hrs 30min
Brandon and Ellie ascending on supportive snow
What a day!
Sawatch Views
Star Mountain
Kicking steps close to the top
Summit ridge
La Plata
Elbert
Ellie livin the good life!
The highest Colorado 13er Grizzly
Elks
Pyramid and The Bells
Ready to Missile!
Firm fast snow made the low angle ridge near the top a little exciting
The snow softened and we descended the steeper part of the bowl into the gully
POV
Speeds topped out in the mid 30s
Won't be able to wipe that shit eatin grin off for at least a week