The True Summit Backcountry Ski Descent — Novel Approach on Missouri Mountain — Colorado Fourteener (06-06-2005)

This just in from Ted Mahon: “Missouri Mountain on Sunday. Count it? I’m crossing my fingers. Pole touching benchmark, Christy and I built the snow ramp about 30 linear feet. Have you ever had to resort to this?”

Well Ted, after everyone in the Dawson family finally quit howling with laughter at your novel approach to skiing from the EXACT summit of a Colorado fourteener (in the photo it appears Christy is laughing along with us), I have to answer your question. Nope, never threw any snow around to connect things up, but have skied over short sections of rock, grass, and dirt for same reasons.

I like your way better than the billy goat method. Less ski tuning and perhaps less road rash. And does it count? Sure. But despite my sometimes overblown writing on the subject of what makes a legit 14er ski descent, I hope I’m not going to start arbitrating it. Folks like you and Sean Crossen seem to have a pretty good idea of what a “real” descent entails. (If anyone wants to read my diatribe, it’s here.)

That is such a cool photo, with the benchmark within reach of the snow and the ramp leading down to nirvana. I love the way you guys left just enough room to touch the mark with your ski pole, instead of building snow all the way to the exact apex. Might as well leave some room for doubt (or humor). Pure art.