Quandary Peak Ski Descent Spring 14er Skiing!

April 10-11, 2010: This weekend Phil and I took off Saturday afternoon and went down to the Quandary Peak trailhead, just south of Breckenridge, up a switchback or two.  We parked, hiked in a little ways (maybe .10 mile past the trailhead sign) and camped for the night.  We got up in the morning and skinned up the ridge 3.3 miles 100% uphill (which made for a fast descent).   The last bit up to the summit was very firm snow and maxed out the angle for skinning.  Most people (including myself) clicked out (sacrilege, I know!).  Phil cut wide switchbacks instead.  The weather was beautiful – sunny, blue skies, with gusts of wind.  It took us 4 hours and 15 minutes from our camp to the summit of Quandary Peak. 

From the summit, instead of skiing the icy hard-packed ridge, we descended a perfect bowl to skier’s left.  A few other parties were dropping in to the Cristo coulior directly from the summit.   Got back to the tent about 1 hour later.

Quandary Peak is a novice colorado 14er descent, but very worthwhile, especially for skiers new to the backcountry.