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Passion for high mountains, peak bagging, adventure running, alpinism, mountaineering, skiing, and exploring remote areas.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Michelle Peak and Blue Jay Peak (Gott Creek)

February 7-8, 2015

Alex and I decided to flee the wrath of the bad weather system and found ourselves heading to Gott Creek, partly for the skiing, partly for the excuse to escape the rain (and my cooking).

The approach was a long one, made all the more exciting by the icy road that seemed designed to test our car’s traction and our life insurance policies. A few spots even dared to show bare dirt because who needs snow, right?

Saturday greeted us with weather that was about as cheerful as a Monday morning, warm enough to send cornices into a dramatic breakup. Mother Nature really knows how to keep things spicy.

Sunday, however, decided to show us some love. The temperature dropped, the thaw-and-freeze cycle worked its magic, and we got treated to a supportive crust that made skiing feel delightfully safe and somewhat fun.

We managed to bag Michelle and Blue Jays Peaks, ticking those off the list like pros. But when it came to Mount Russell, low visibility and sketchy terrain convinced us to abort mission, because some mysteries are better left unexplored (or at least survived).

All in all, another corner of the world explored, with memories, bruises, and a newfound respect for winter’s mood swings.





Gott Creek FSR

Alex always seems excited even though condition isn't at its best

Where did all the snow go?

At our camp

North face of Michelle Peak

Alex pondering about his next trip up Elusive Peak

Elusive Peak, view from our campsite

Alex is on fire, skinning the last 1km of the road of Gott Creek East

Alex heading towards the col of Blu JAy-Michelle

At the base of Michelle Peak, North aspect

The valley of East Gott Creek. beautifull skiing around this area.

Alex at the col of Blue Jay-Michelle. Wonder Peak in the background

Alex at the col of Blue Jay-Michelle. Wonder Peak in the background

the beauty of thaw and freezing cycle. 

Alex heading towards Michelle Peak and teh West ridge of Blue Jay at the back

Clouds moving in as we approaching the summit of Michelle Peak

Alex motoring up to the summit of Michelle Peak

Wonder Peak, view from the summit of Michelle Peak

We skied back down to the col and had lunch before we headed off to Blue Jay

Alex on the West ridge of Blue Jay Peak. . Cloud ceiling was really low

Skiing down from the summit of Blue Jay Peak. It was v ery rocky

Alex skiing the bowl back to the camp.


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