Dawn Patrol Fun

By:  Ben
April 19, 2011


We had such good luck with our first dawn patrol that we decided to try it again. But where to go? Fortunately, we discovered a little-known book by someone named Andrew Mclean. This book told us of a mountain we had only heard rumors of. Allegedly located just across the canyon from popular resorts Alta and Snowbird, Mt. Superior apparently towers over LCC. Unfortunately we couldn’t find any solid beta online or in books about the mountain. No pictures, no trip reports, really nothing other than hearsay even suggested to us that this mountain was skiable. We decided to go for it anyway.

Another day, another sunrise

The approach was grueling, a never-ending slog that makes Allen and Sam’s recent North Twin Adventure seem like a roadside attraction.

The sun was already rising by the time the skinner finally started uphill

I won’t go into any great detail on the assault on the upper mountain. Needless to say there was a great deal of nervousness as we entered terrain that (perhaps) had never seen another human footprint before (except for the bootprints of the people who got up earlier than we did). Finally we reached the summit.

Monte Cristo in the morning sunlight

Kate STRUGGLES up the final bootpack in full-on conditions

Oh ya, there was some skiing too. This story takes place immediately after the 3-4 feet of snow from the Wasatch Sanctions…

Mike drops in on the SE Face

Walker getting some snow in his face

Kate didn't want to be left out either

By the lower apron, Walker is questioning the wisdom of leaving for work

I decided work would be more fun after a little air time

Thanks for reading! We were pretty stoked to have over 3000 vert of great snow for our (not) first descent of Superior!

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Read about the author:   Ben
Enjoy this TR? Read another: TR: Stowe April 28th, 2010 – 20 to 30 inches

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9 Comments

  1. Adrian
    wrote on April 19th, 2011 at 12:04 pm  
    1

    Wow that first shot of Superior’s face, “Monte Cristo in the morning sunlight” is awesome! Looks like a great playground indeed.

    Respond to this comment/comment thread
  2. Greg
    wrote on April 19th, 2011 at 12:24 pm  
    2

    Great TR! Where’s the exclamation point in the title though?(!)

    Respond to this comment/comment thread
    • Ben
      wrote on April 19th, 2011 at 4:07 pm  
      3

      My exclamation point key broke due to overuse. It’s being repaired now though, so i’m sure it will be back soon

  3. Harvey44
    wrote on April 19th, 2011 at 1:31 pm  
    4

    Beautiful photos Ben.

    Respond to this comment/comment thread
  4. christian
    wrote on April 19th, 2011 at 5:51 pm  
    5

    nice pow!! that portaledge must have come in handy.

    Respond to this comment/comment thread
    • SBR
      wrote on April 19th, 2011 at 7:53 pm  
      6

      Ha, that’s funny, I was thinking the same thing about the porta-ledge and the aiders. Oh, yes, nice skiing by the way.

    • Greg
      wrote on April 20th, 2011 at 11:16 am  
      7

      portaledge!!

      lol. didn’t get the joke at first.

  5. icelanticskier
    wrote on April 19th, 2011 at 8:08 pm  
    8

    mmmmmm, emmas. if you still lived back out west here, you wouldn’t have to get up so early. ;)

    rog

    Respond to this comment/comment thread
  6. Porter Haney
    wrote on April 21st, 2011 at 8:45 pm  
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