Mount Parnassus Ski
Date: 05/28/2021
Partner: Kristi Henes
Trailhead: Urad Mine
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 3400ft
Duration: 4.5hrs
The north face of Parnassus has a lot of fun skiing options and makes for a great little quick hit within an hour of Denver.
We started the day hiking in trail runners on firm snow up a road in the drainage between Englemann Peak and Woods Mountain. It wasn't long before we hung our shoes in a tree and skinned to the north west ridge of Parnassus. From there we booted the final pitch to the summmit.
There were plenty of awesome ski alternatives off the summit and we decided on the north east line as the snow was soft and corny. The snow was perfect and we were able to ski all the way back to the truck.
No fuss... no muss
7m - 3400ft - 4.5hrs
The north face of Parnassus
Kristi on approach with the north west ridge above
The skinning to the ridge was steep but doable. Ski crampons could be helpful
Kristi transitions to booting for the final pitch to the summit
Distracted by the Emperor
Maybe the best view of Torreys
Alex skiing off the summit
Alex
Kristi
Kristi opening it up
Kristi
Kristi
Kristi
Alex
Alex
Alex
Kristi
Kristi
We skied all the way back to the truck