Skiing Eagle, Haynes, and Balsam Mountains 16/33

 Eagle, Haynes, and Balsam Mountains 16/33

I think backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering are the apex of skiing. They bring together all the disciplines for skiing’s truest purpose: to explore and navigate through mountains. I was so happy I was able to bag one last peak before the rain. My attitude this morning was, “Let me take my skis and see what I find,” and I found just enough for what I needed.

Deborah needed Balsam for her 3500 patch and I still needed to ski Eagle, so we drove to the trailhead on Rider Hollow Rd. The coverage up the red trail is thin, but was skinnable this morning. The stream crossings are easily passable. Earlier in the day, the snow was very sticky and it was getting stuck to my skins inhibiting my glide.

We did Eagle and Haynes first. Thank God those peaks are mellow because the coverage isn’t very good. The trails on these 3 peaks are very narrow, and there’s lots of shrubs, tight trees, blowdown, and rocks off the trail that interfere with your ability to bail when you pick up too much speed.

There were a bunch of times where I just held on for the ride and prayed I didn’t hit anything. There are so many rocks sticking out and if you don’t anticipate them you’re just going to be thrown off balance and fall—likely into more rocks or trees.

There were also times where all I could do was slowly kick turn down ledges, but I kept my skis on except for having to take them off momentarily on Haynes.

Balsam was another story. Too many rocks and tight passages through ledges. Eventually, I took my skis off and put on crampons. I’ve already skied Balsam so I didn’t feel compelled to take any more risks than I already had.

Today’s beer was No Haze IPA and then a margarita at J Rocco’s afterward. Perfect day in the mountains.