The most entertaining route we could find was a chute on the far right. Josh and I skied down that while Ben set up for photos. We talked about what would be best and went for it. Looking the other direction, Josh also took a few photos of Ben. It felt good to be skiing. Often I wonder if I would climb the volcanoes if I couldn’t ski them. I’ll probably never know.
Josh skiing far right on the Roman Headwall.
Ben skiing the headwall.
Photographer: Josh
Once we reached Ben’s rope, we veered to the north, off of the ridge and down onto the glacier. While skiing down, we managed to meet some of the ice we were attempting to avoid. It was as if someone pasted ice cubes to the surface of the snow. These weren’t as big as ice cubes, more like dice. Your best bet in this type of stuff is to aim for the nearest patch of styrofoam (consistent packed powder, similar to groomed). We live for the unexpected. Often I think the unexpected is attracted to us. Youthful ignorance will do that to you. Only luck and skill allowed us to get to the bottom without falling.
The next 5000 vertical feet whetted our pallet for spring powder. This made every step up worth its weight in gold. We rarely get to ski wide-open powder in the Washington Cascades, especially on a volcano. We were stoked to say the least. We scoured the slopes, looking for photos and lines. What we found, added to the excitement. The snow couldn’t have been any better. It was fast, fluffy, and the boards pounded turns as if they had a mind of their own. Our yells echoed across the valleys, and our skis ravished the mountain. We were in heaven.
Josh takes advantage of some steep powder.
Jason busts a beauty.
Jason and Josh bomb the traverse.
The final 1000 vertical feet of glacier provided the best turns of the season. We went around this slope on the way up so its perfection caught us off guard. That was probably a good thing because we might have spent all day making laps instead of going to the summit. Ben went first and discovered the secret.
Ben enters perfection.
Photographer: Josh
Josh exits.
On our way back through the trees, we were able to follow a more direct route. It went so fast that it made me wonder how we could have wasted so much time that morning. Sometimes darkness makes things seem so much more difficult. Approaches often provide the greatest challenges.
All good things must come to an end. Some just last longer.
Back at camp, we gathered our gear, put it in our packs, and humped it on our backs. After waving goodbye, we put on our skis, and headed down the road. We were tired, but satisfied, which was just what we were searching for.
Twenty minutes and five miles later, we were at the car. Over 9000 vertical feet from summit to snow park. Not bad for a Sunday afternoon.