Skiing Palmyra Peak
February 16, 2008
Hi Folks,
I had the pleasure of climbing and skiing Palmyra Peak for the first time today. Wow, what an incredible experience!
First off, I'd like to point out that this is not a place for anyone who is not in excellent shape and prepared for some exposed climbing/mountaineering. Once you start climbing beyond Mountain Quail (top of Black Iron Bowl), you're committed to a very strenuous climb to the summit at 13,320 feet - you really shouldn't turn around and walk downhill after you've started because of the pitch and footing.
If you're thinking of going, you should go with someone who has been up there before, carry a transceiver, shovel, water, snacks, extra clothing, and ideally have rubber soled alpine climbing boots as opposed to hard plastic ski boots. Also, a backpack which allows you to tie your skis or snowboard on and carry all your extra gear is essential. This allows you to hold your poles in your hands for balance and stability. I can't imagine carrying skis on your shoulder for this climb.
There are places you will be walking on loose, unconsolidated, rock and even doing the Spiderman thing down on all fours over rock. It took me about 90 minutes to get to the summit from the top of Chair 12. The climb is a little over 1,500 vertical feet.
This morning the weather was perfect. Approaching the peak starts at the top of Chair 12 and the easy part follows Prospect Ridge coming up the right side of this picture. It then gets steep for the last 60 minutes after you pass Mountain Quail:
From the top of Chair 12, this is the task before you, should you decide to go:
This is near the top. You can see other climbers below. There were a fair number of people going up today:
Here's a picture of your's truly just to eliminate any doubt that I actually made it :)
Here's Keith Renke - veteran Telluride Ski Patroller (and super nice guy). Keith was kind enough to show me some incredible routes of uncut deep pow on the decent. I really would like to thank everyone in the ski patrol department who have worked so hard to make this new terrain safe and available for our skiers and snowboarders. The opening of Palmyra Peak this season is a huge deal in the world of in-bounds/hike-to skiing and they should all be very proud of their excellent work. Helitrax (the only heliski company in Colorado) is also to be thanked as they helped haul heavy supplies up with their helicopter and perform avalanche control work earlier in the season:
Did you notice in the picture above that the gentleman on the left has two pairs of skis on his pack? That is because his 12 year old son, Jordan, made the climb also. Here is a picture of Jordan G. from California bagging the peak. You've got to wonder how many pre-teens have done this! Also, he's a telemark skier to boot - very impressive:
Here is another picture of the father / son team approaching the peak. Good job Jordan!
The views at the top are breathtaking (literally). Here is a picture looking down at Gold Hill:
Looking to the north:
This picture was taken about 1/3rd of the way down the northeast face. It's steeper and longer than this picture reflects. One thing that surprised me is that the chutes are wider than they look from down below:
This is near the top of the decent looking back uphill. The big rock spires are awesome. The snow was deep as it loads in from wind transport from the other side of the peak:
Down in the basin, you can see some avalanche debris from the patrol's earlier work:
This gives you an idea of the terrain off the top of the peak down into the basin below. Very impressive ski terrain...
There is really only one place left to explore after the experience of skiing Palmyra Peak:
Feel free to post a comment. Just click on "comments" below, scroll down and you'll find a dialog box. We always love to hear from you! Enjoy the ski season at Telluride! - Dave