For me, a day off used to mean a day full of relaxation and recovery so I could be prepared for the next block of training. Doing something that required a great amount of energy was definitely a no-go. So it was a strange feeling when Ramon (one of the coaches down here) asked if Andrew and I wanted to go on what he said was a 4 hour ski tour on the day off and I immediately said yes! Ski touring is one of the things I want to pursue more in my post ski racing life, so I wasn't about to turn down an opportunity to do it at the end of the world! (Plus when he asked I was in the middle of watching "Yes Man" so there was no way I could say no!
Ramon was kind enough to scrape together enough back country equipment for the three of us and we were on the first chairlift ride up the mountain to start our day. Actually my day really started when I walked head first into the staircase and then about 10 minutes later proceeded to fall down a flight of stairs, I had to hope that luck didn't last long!
Remember this shot from last blog? The peak on the right was our goal for the day. And believe me, I used a pretty solid zoom for this picture... Its a long way off!
Ramon was kind enough to scrape together enough back country equipment for the three of us and we were on the first chairlift ride up the mountain to start our day. Actually my day really started when I walked head first into the staircase and then about 10 minutes later proceeded to fall down a flight of stairs, I had to hope that luck didn't last long!
Remember this shot from last blog? The peak on the right was our goal for the day. And believe me, I used a pretty solid zoom for this picture... Its a long way off!
We hiked around the back of the ski resort and tested our beacons before starting the long traverse over to the bottom of the climb
Early morning wake up right out of the gate! A nice, steep, icy cornice will wake you up faster than the strongest coffee!
Next came the first bushwack of the day. Struggling through trees and bushes all the while trying to keep our altitude... less you ski down, the less you hike up.
Turning point. Putting the skins on and ready for the hard work.
Hard work is a lot easier when you have a backdrop like this!
Still slogging with the peak getting closer!
As we stopped for a much needed lunch on the glacier, the clouds started to burn off and we were more keen than ever to reach the summit!
The gnarly, steep boot pack section. When you have to use your hands.... its gotta be steep!
Success!!! The view was incredible as we bagged one of the highest peaks around. My joy was hardly even dampened when Ramon informed us that the ski out was no piece of cake... It was a good thing I didn't know what he meant at that time...
Ramon checking out the amazing view of Tierra Del Fuego
Skiing off the peak on a blue bird day. Nothing better
Andrew and I scoping our lines.
Although it wasn't powder we got come great turns down the perfectly smooth glacier.
After reaching the top, Ramon told us the way down was going to be challenging. Ramon wasn't joking when he said the way down was no cake walk. Yes that is the moon and we hadn't even hit the trees yet!
I think this picture was ruined by me gasping for air. But two happy tired boys as we hit the road and waited for our pick up. 9 hours and 45 minutes after setting out.
It may have been longer and harder than expected. But as you can see from the pictures it was one of my best days off that I can remember. A big thank you to Ramon for taking us out!!
No comments:
Post a Comment