TR: Dyer Mountain 3/29/2014

Several of us were in the mood to go tag a peak. However, with 12-18" of new snow in the previous couple of days, stability was a bit questionable. We settled on the south face of Dyer Mountain (13,862') in the Mosquito Range. Part of the allure for me was that I could use my snowmobile, Molly, to skip the annoying 3mi road approach and drive right to the base of the climb. I proceeded to pull one of my classic springtime moves and sleep through my alarm, and Hans and Mike decided to just head up as planned and skin. Sam also has a sled and elected to wait for me and take the lazy access.

After Sam and I enjoyed a very, very fast sled ride to treeline, I failed to capture the best part of the day. I attempted to ride a sidehill on the road rather than drop down into the valley. I failed miserably, bailed off Molly, who promptly began seeking the lowest point in sight, Unfortunately, the lowest point was a tree well. Sam and I spent a good solid half hour digging her out while Mike and Hans enjoyed a good laugh and continued skinning. Once Molly was free, we quickly joined them.

Mike skinning high above Iowa Gulch with the dramatic west face of Mt. Sherman in the background. Too bad it doesn't seem to hold snow...

Hans finishing up the climb.

Mike has an affinity for Mountain Dew on the summit.

The snow descending was... variable. There was also an inordinate amount of traversing involved. Mike making the best of it.

Sam through the first rocky section.

Hans dropping off the summit.

Photographing the photographer, Part I.

Hans in the middle of the face.

Sam finding a soft turn.

The classic photographing the photographer photographing the skier shot.

Mike completes the descent into Iowa Gulch in some surprisingly good snow.

Sam finishing the descent.

Another good day in the mountains!