TR: Berthoud Pass 3/22/2014

After a long mid-winter of poor stability and high avalanche danger, the snowpack has finally started to settle and allow us to access some of the steeper lines in the backcountry. With overcast skis, a few inches of snow in the forecast, and low avy danger below treeline, Ryan and I headed to Berthoud to ski a zone I have wanted to explore for years. Off the beaten path yet hidden in plain sight, the area is a playground of steep spines and pillows.

After a quick skin, we were atop the zone. Unfortunately, the snow was a bit more variable than we had hoped, with the new snow sluffing easily off a layer of sun affected breakable crusts. Fortunately, the terrain made up for it. Ryan negotiates a steep spine.

A bit further down, Ryan hops a pillow. The firm and variable nature of the snow kept us away from the larger drops.

Ryan exiting the chute.

Down in the apron, we found some softer snow to finish off the line.