I got a call from Derek Weiss to go ski Mt Nebo the other day. It seemed about time to get down to check out this nearby peak that has been beckoning for years. Derek posted a great TR with amazing pics HERE on the Teton Gravity Research forum.
The line we skied off the summit was a nice tight steep chute that dumps into the monster couloir.
Our fearless leader Derek climbing towards the summit pyramid.
This was Derek’s third attempt to climb and ski Nebo. He was wary of every little cloud that appeared after having been closed out by bad weather on his previous outings.
Nothing but blue skies on the summit for Jason and Derek.
We originally planned to skit the huge chute that runs off the West shoulder. Large overhanging cornice made the entry a little too spicy so we pieced together a little side stepping over rock into a chalky sub chute that angled into the huge main chute.
Derek working through the pepper rocks of the summit.
Real original pic of ski tips over intended descent.
These are next year’s Megawatt skis from Black Diamond. I recently exploded the white ones on a tumble through some rocks. They are a bit big for tight turns in the steeps or for ‘ski mountaineering’, but they worked great in all the variable snow we met from the bottom of the chute to the car.
Derek in the upper chute.
Jason keeping it tight and in control in the no fall zone.
The slice and dice courtesy of Derek.
I have skied with few people who enjoy playing in the mtns as much as this man.
Nebo has always held a place in my mind as this huge daunting peak. But with easy climbing and skier friendly conditions this beast was just a fun classic day in the mountains.
This has made my day. I wish all posingts were this good.
Can you explain how you got on the north ridge? I went last year and went straight up the main couloir, but we had to stop about 50 ft from the ridge because it got too steep and the snow was to rotten to toe point. Looking to go back, but want to get it right.
Seth,
I’ve been up 2 different ways. Straight up the chute once and we had to tunnel through a cornice to get out onto the ridge. The other time we stayed on the Mona Pole road instead of heading up the chutes apron. We followed some avy gullies up and worked our way to the ridge quite a ways North of the summit. Then just followed the ridge to the summit. This second route was pretty easy with some rock scramble and steep snow climbing near the summit. I hope that helps!
makes me wish I was back in utah. congrads,sking nebo was one of my best memories. we climbed off the loop rd and skied down the east face. my buddy missed his first tele turn and slid all the way to the bottom on his back barely missing some rocks. I was fortunate to stay upright, I’ll never forget it. that was in 1985. thanks for reminding me Andy