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Our Favorite Place — Spring at Independence Pass — Colorado

by Lou Dawson May 30, 2017
written by Lou Dawson May 30, 2017
A mighty fine day from the start.

A mighty fine day from the start.

Near here in Colorado, we have an alpine road that’s closed all winter and usually opens around now, providing amazing access to high altitude spring ski touring. Independence Pass. This past weekend included a Saturday storm day, (which incidentally was when folks were planning an informal party, subsequently rescheduled to next weekend). The weather dropped a few inches of new on nicely frozen substrate. Sunday was the day. My old friend Art Burrows came along and shot some pics, and Lisa did some photos as well. Check it out.

Lisa and I had last seen this gal when she was knee high to a grasshopper, now she's all growed up and ripping.

Lisa and I had last seen this gal when she was knee high to a grasshopper, now she’s all growed up and ripping.

Lisa high in the rocky mountains.

Lisa high in the Rocky Nountains.

Art  shot.

Art shot.

Hardly a tree in sight, I like it that way. Though trees are nice as well.

Hardly a tree in sight, I like it that way. Though trees are nice as well.

Friends we intersected near the top.

Friends we intersected near the top.

Tour mark.

Tour mark.

If you want the true hero shot, wear red.

If you want the true hero shot, wear red.

Al leads the charge.

Al leads the charge.

Art takes a run.

Art takes a run.

Bekka, always smiling.

Bekka, always smiling.

Dreamy turns back to the car.

Dreamy turns back to the car.

Lou Dawson

WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.

www.loudawson.com
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