The Warm-Up

The past two weeks have been incredible on the Coast Range; with meters of fresh snow, followed by sunny cold skies and a stable snowpack. It took little convincing for Travis and Cheddar to join me ski touring from a cozy cabin to bold lines.

The late and great Jack Hannan brought me here on our first ski-day together. At the time, I had no idea what Jack was about to expose me to in the following years. He opened my eyes, and the door to big mountain skiing; leading by example in his light-hearted yet focused and committed way.

Now years later, with a clearer vision, I've returned. Its a big wall and I was happy to test the smaller shoulder's spine, feeling the place out. This was the deepest snow I've skied on something this steep. At times I thought the whole line was sliding on me, but it was ripable waist deep slough.

This spine was the Warm-Up run... So stay posted to see how comfort levels adapt.

Returning Older and Wiser

Back in my late 20s, I was in this frigid cauldron, spending a day's worth of energy climbing the deep snow of the north face. This time bro Dave and I returned with a different game plan.

Accompanied by Jon Johnson, Chris Christy, and Joe Joeseph Lax we started early; making like a mullet and attacking from the back. The day seemed all too easy, strolling up the south side in sunny firm snow, then shredding sweet steep spines down through the crevasse and cerac fields.

A gem like Mt. Swensan/Swanson doesn't always present itself this easily, which is why few have experienced it's thrill. Years of recons, Google earth,a tested and trusted crew, proper snow and weather conditions, and God's blessing all came together for this successful day.