Main Chute Mission Accomplished!

I did it!!! My goal for the season has been accomplished. I successfully skied Main Chute. What a rush!

Me about to drop into Main Chute

As I mentioned in this morning’s post, the conditions were perfect. My buddy Andrew had just returned from an early morning hike up/ski down Superior (This is my next goal but, since it requires new gear, will have to wait until next season). He said the conditions seemed good for possibly opening Baldy. We agreed to meet at 10:00 am and see if it happens.  Then I plucked away at this morning’s post and threw water and some beers in my pack.

As we rode up the Collins lift we saw no signs of anyone hiking up or skiing down the area in question. We were about to move on to Plan B when we arrived at the top of the lift and saw the first hiker starting to climb Baldy. Our timing was near perfect. We just zipped down a groomer to ride up the Sugarloaf lift to position ourselves at the start of the hike. If we moved quickly we could hike to the top of the mountain before the fresh powder got skied off.

Just crested the steepest part of the hike, but plenty more to go.

The beginning of the hike is the steepest.  With my skis strapped to my back, outer shell tied around my waist, and poles in hand I scurried up.  Luckily the guy behind me was a little slower than me so I didn’t feel like my pace was too slow for the line starting to form behind us. At one point the hike was so steep that I felt uncomfortable using my poles for balance because it required me to stand straight up. Scurrying like a squirrel was preferable because than you could lean into the mountain. Remember, we’re wearing ski boots for the hike and hard plastic on snow isn’t the grippiest of materials.

After the initial steep part, we just hiked along the summit to where the chutes begin.

Hiking to the summit of Baldy

The top of Baldy offered some amazing views from 11,068 feet (3374 m) of elevation. It was also perfect for throwing back a beer.

Cheers with Beers (and my buddy Andrew)

While up there, others also completed the hike. One guy recognized me from the bar and called out that it was appropriate for the bartender to be found on top of a  mountain with a beer in hand. We also met an 81-year old man who had just completed the hike and told us he tries to do it at least once a year.  Everyone on top of Baldy was psyched to be there.

Still, the point of hiking Baldy is to be able to ski some awesome terrain.  So we strapped on the sticks and swooshed over to the top of Main Chute.  With Ellie Goulding playing in my ears (of course I need a strong female voice for this virgin run) and flashed a quick smile at my cameraman and dropped in before my nerves could set in.

The snow was great! My guide was great! (Thanks Andrew!) And when we got to the bottom we banged out a Baldy shoulder run before hitting up Alta Java for celebratory hot beverages.