S8 Ski

Date: 04-16-2026
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Box Factory Park
Distance: 10.6m
Elevation Gain: 4700ft
Duration: 8hrs
GPX

S8 14ers.com Page

I was hungry to explore a new zone when I decided to ski S8's east face. A few days before my outing I drove CR9 to Box Factory Park to scout things out.

I discovered that CR9 was good to go (easy 4x4 Subaruable) and that there would be some bushwhacking involed to get to treeline. With plenty of Gore Range bushwacking under my belt I wasn't too concerned.

My only issue was that I was recovering from a tweaked lower back. Hopping over and under logs for a few miles might not be the best idea... especially in snow. I headed out a couple of days later.

Instead of starting from the meadow at Box Factory Park proper, I headed east on the Dallas Trail and found an undocumented road that I hiked for about a mile before heading into the forest. The whacking was mild to moderate. Occasional unsupportable snow made it a little more difficult... but not a show stopper.

The views of Mears' north face were amazing when I reached treeline and the north couloir was mezmerizing!

I swapped shoes for skis and started up the steep first pitch. The views of Mears and S7 dominated.

As I ascended I could see the wind blowing spindrifts higher up and S8's east face looked scoured as it came into view. I quickly realized that my turns would not be soft.

The closer I got to S8's east face the stronger the wind got... I put on goggles.

While climbing the east face the gusts picked up. I was knocked down more than once.

The climb was slow, my back was sore and I was dragging. I counted my steps as I climbed and wondered if it was worth summitting. I was sore, tired, the wind was demorilizing and the skiing wasn't going to be good. I marched on!

I counted steps as I ascened but it didn't feel like I was making progress.

I eventually reached the summit (which I shared with the stongest winds of the day). At least the views were impressive... and I was happy to have made it.

The wind almost blew my skis away as I transitioned to ski mode.

After skiing crusty wind scoured snow back to treeline, I whacked my way through the forest back to the truck. I was completely worked and completely satisfied. That kinda sucked but I was happy to have explored a new and scenic zone. I doubt I will be back unless Mears' north coulie calls my name one day.