…At least it was for me, some of you gel inhaling human lungs might need twice as much. But just over 6,000 vert at around 12,000 and 13,000 feet burns plenty of fat, so I’m happy and so are companions Bob Perlmutter. and Jason Gregg. I’ll not go into too much detail as I’d hate for this route to become crowded (that is a joke, please laugh).
First step, drop Blue Peak east. You can take any number of options, all get you down to Blue Lake and the Two Mile Run. The higher peak in the background is Mount Champion. Click image to enlarge.
In general: Summit of Blue Peak down to Blue Lake, climb a few hundred vert out of Blue Lake to a bump, ski Two Mile Run north, climb about 2,000 vert back up west to summit of what I’m going call Geissler Zero, 13,366 feet, north of Blue on the Continental Divide. Ski westerly down Geis Zero then do the classic Three Summits of Geissler. Details and maps for all this stuff can be found at our guidebook website. Here are some photos to get you excited for tiring yourself out at high altitude. Hint: bring more than a liter of water for the day — don’t ask me how I gleaned that tidbit of infinite wisdom.
Bob starting the Two Mile Run. This unusual feature skis you north _up_ the main drainage. Click image to enlarge.
At the summit of Geissler Zero, you're around 4,000 vert into the project and looking at the sweet southerly face of Geissler One. Yes, that is a backpack in the way. Not my most shining moment as a photographer.
Jason skiing off Geissler Zero, with the nice couloirs of Blue Peak in the background. Click to enlarge.
Bob and Jason top Geissler Two. Click to enlarge.
Bob on the last of our 6 summits or high points, Geissler Three. Looking southerly. Now down to the cars at the trailhead. Click to enlarge.
When the weather is right and the snowpack solid, head out and see what you can do! For planning purposes, please know that we didn’t run around this stuff like we were Lycra clad rando racers. Instead, the whole project took about 7 hours. All three of us were whipped, least of all Bob who’d just come from an eight day stint at sea level. He rallied, even though he had the heaviest boots. But I expect nothing less from the man.
Reminder, we will BBQ on the Pass at Upper Hairpin parking, this coming Saturday June 4, 11:00 am after skiing Blue Peak and Geissler area. Please join. Folks bring everything from their own portable BBQ to just a sack lunch. We’ll have some coolers with ice and a small grill. Nice time to meet new folks and just enjoy the alpine without running on home.
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.