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For Medicinal Use Only | UNITED STATES, NEW MEXICO | 02/27/2008, by lowPro
We set out from the resort around 9:30, the sun had already made its way over Kachina Peak and was lighting the way. Our original objective was to work our way higher to Lake Fork Peak, but as we skinned up into the cool forest and observed the snow and winds, we decided on the Five Fingers instead. Warm temperatures and a North / NorthWest facing shade line would ski the best, we thought as we climbed up and away from the hustle and bustle of the ski resort.
Backside Kachina Peak
I reached the first meadow after about 15 minutes and instantly saw what we would end up skiing, the Bong Chute. Tele Matt joined me and quickly agreed that it would be a fitting tribute to our President on President's Day, to Rip the Bong. The route would give us several options for skiing, depending on what we found in our snow pit up top. As an added bonus, this line had untouched, perfect looking powder snow, just what we needed.
Fingers - Bong Chute, Peace Chute, Middle Finger, Ring Finger, Pinky
We quickly set out up the hill and worked our way through a healthy high alpine forest filled with Bristle Cone Pine and chattering black squirrels. Frazer Mountain, Mount Walter, and Wheeler Peak all glistened in the sunlight as we ascended. The climb took a little over an hour and a half, and gave us a unique perspective of Taos Ski Valley. As we broke tree line, a golden eagle soared below us and we knew we had chosen well.
The Bong chute
It was not long before we crossed over the top of the Bong Chute proper. We had talked of skiing the Slide, or the Choke because of possible avalanche danger and safe skiing zones, but decided to dig a pit in the top of the Bong chute and see what the snowpack looked like. We dug into the hillside at around 12,000 feet, right at tree line. Our observations were that we had a snowpack of over 9 feet, mostly consolidated springlike snow on West / NorthWest aspects. We did not see much instability except where the sun had pierced through the trees and baked out the far side of the chute. A shovel sheer test revealed a consolidated layer about 100 cm thick. Shovel compression tests and ski cuts finished off our decision making process and we decided that it was relatively safe to rip the Bong as long as we stuck to shade line and the cooler, fresher snow.
Tele Matt in the Pit
Tele Matt Rippin the Bong!
I dropped in first, getting several exhilarating moments of untouched, knee deep snow and steep turns as I dropped into the 35 to 40 degree chute. The snow was silky smooth and hissed softly as I accelerated into the choke. I felt nothing but sheer bliss as I exploded into the runout and let em rip. The forest welcomed me back as I finished my turns. Looking up I saw Tele Matt grinning from ear to ear, laying down big, smooth turns in the soft snow and feeling that bliss I had just found.
Still Celebrating President's Day!
We skied back down into the resort, slowly working our way through the lines of people and lifts. The wilderness lay quietly behind us, waiting for our return.
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Chris M. wrote on 02/27/08 at 11:41:03 am pst:
Nice to see what's going on in Taos. Great way to spend President's Day!
Vic wrote on 02/27/08 at 4:41:15 pm pst:
Those look like some fun lines, what aspect are they?Judging by the pit, it looks like taos is doing pretty good for snow!
Rob Griffin wrote on 02/28/08 at 05:41:27 am pst:
I purchased boots and had them fitted at the Telluride shop! Best money that I have ever spent. I highly recommend the Boot Doctors.
lowPro wrote on 02/28/08 at 4:41:42 pm pst:
Hey Vic, yeah, Taos is doing well for snow, as is almost everyone else. We've been hearing that this is the best year in a long time so, take it for what its worth and come down and visit, you too Chris M ,the snow is fantastic! The lines face west. The shadow line is facing almost north, mostly northwest.Rob, right on - highly recommend the Boot Doctors, Taos or Telluride, experience counts and they've got it.
