Clinton Peak (13,857′) 5.3.08

A late season snowstorm brought a good 10″-18″ of fresh powder to parts of Colorado on Friday night. Our original plans to head to Aspen for the weekend were scrapped after looking at the forecast. Instead, we headed for Clinton Peak, another fun high peak between Copper Mountain and Leadville. The climbing and skiing was lots of fun and conditions ended up being near perfect for our ski descent. The skin up the Clinton Amphitheater is a bit tedious as it is flat and boring for a good 2-3 miles, but once you start gaining elevation at the base of Clinton it becomes a super fun climb.

Clinton Peak is Colorado’s 80th highest peak and sits in both the Mosquito and Tenmile Ranges. After Clinton I only have McNamee and Traver left to ski to finish off the string of peaks between Copper and Leadville. Some good ski days have come about from this row of peaks. Pacific north face, Crystal north face, Drift west face, the Bermuda triangle off Atlantic, a powder run off the top of Jacque Peak, etc.

Mark just cresting the shadows nearing the apron:

We ended up skiing the NW couloir off the summit of Clinton. Weather was near perfect, although a bit cold on the summit, and the ski conditions were really good as we skied powder and some nice corn all the way back to the trucks down at the base of Clinton Reservoir. Enjoy the pics.

Click on images to enlarge and view full size

Mark:

Skin track up the apron:

Mark skinning:

Bootpacking up the middle section:


Sawatch Scenic:

McGyverying Mark’s broken heel piece:

Mark charging on his new binding setup:

Apron pow:

2nd lap of the apron:


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Published:
05.07.08 / 8pm
Category:
backcountry snow adventures