SUMMER SLIDE
The Indian Peaks Wilderness (IPW) looms large west of Boulder, Colorado. South of Rocky Mountain National Park, the IPW is part of the same mountain spine that defines the Continental Divide. We are fortunate to call it “the backyard,” and can arrive at one of various trailheads in roughly an hour (or so) from our homes.
In the Third Season of summer skiing, we get to explore the high peaks, which are often too risky to travel in the middle of winter. In the winter and early spring, less snowpack stability increases the chance of avalanche, and long distances, short days, and cold weather all increase the risk. Increase it to a point where we choose different ski objectives.
But in the summer, these long, steep, highly aesthetic runs above treeline beckon us. And on this particular summer day, Charlie Ziskin and I put it all together, just right.