South Maroon Peak – South Face Descent

I recently got this report from some obviously on-the-case Crested Butte ski alpinists:

Thanks for the inspiration over the years Lou, we skied the southwest cooly of South Maroon yesterday (4/22/05) after a days approach from Crested Butte. The slight cool down with a trace to 2" of fresh snow kept surface conditions less than enjoyable but survivable nonetheless. Hopefully the boys can use our boot pack to aid them in the soon to be famous elk mtn 14er traverse….thanks, Craig Burbank / Mickey Cook / Zach Marquis

South Face of South Maroon Peak, Colorado. This route is becomming quite popular from the Crested Butte approach, though it can be done from the Aspen side as well.

A more scenic version of the event. Every time I see a photo of this side of the Maroons, I’m stunned by how beautiful they are. With good snowcover, this is a place for world-class alpinism. Thanks goes to Craig Burbank for sending these for blogging! Wish I’d been there!