Grizzly Peak A
Ski Grizzly Couloir - Class 2
On Saturday June 4th Kristi, Kevin and I packed up our ski gear and mountain biked Lincoln Creek Road to the Portal Campground at Grizzly Reservoir. The next day we climbed and skied Grizzly Peak then biked back to the car. The trip covered 21.9 miles and 5280 vertical. Grizzly Peak A is the highest ranked 13er standing at 13,988... only unranked Sunlight Spire is higher at 13,995.
Partner: Kristi Henes, Kevin Smith
Our route on Lincoln Creek Road to the Portal Campground covered 6.5 miles and 1480 vertical. The climb and ski from camp to the summit of Grizzly was 8.9 miles RT covering 3800 vertical. Total trip mileage was 21.9 miles and 5280 vertical
A view of our line on Grizzly from Independence Pass. (Image borrowed from Internet)
Alex and Kevin stoked for the ride. We carried camping gear, ski gear, food and 3L of water. The packs felt heavy when riding.
Kristi loving the ride to camp. The ride in was roughly an hour and a half.
Kevin and Kristi on the approach
Kevin getting close to the base of Grizzly Couloir
Kristi getting close to the base of Grizzly Couloir with Grizzly Lake
Alex loves booting coolies
Kristi and Kevin and a view of the first half of the couloir
Kevin and Kristi with Grizzly Lake
Kevin in his pain cave
Kristi getting close to the top
Kevin getting close to the top
Kristi topping out
Kevin on the summit of Grizzly Peak
Alex and Kristi on the summit of Grizzly Peak
Kevin contemplates the ski
Kristi shows her corn star abilities on perfect spring corn
Kristi ripping a steep turn
Kevin navigating heavy snow and avy debris
Alex skiing the apron to Grizzly Lake
The ski back to camp. We were surprised and lucky that the snow remained hard enough to make the ski out relatively painless.
Kristi cruising Lincoln Creek Road back to the car. The ride out took about an hour.