The original post on this outing was deleted in the transfer of servers, so here is an updated version.
When I first saw Andrew Mclean’s book ‘The Chuting Gallery’ I was dumbfounded. I was peacefully enjoying the powder bowls of the Wasatch Mtns and had no idea of the crazy shit that was going down. Andrew’s book frightened and excited me. My mind was opened to what was possible on skis. I started ticking off 3 star routes in very stable conditions and checking out some of the obscure stuff. However, some of the lines like ‘The Ribbon’ at Alta never even interested me at all. It just looked plain stupid.
'The Ribbon' traverses Devil's Castle at Alta Ski Area
When BJ Brewer called and asked if I wanted to ski it, I really had to think it over and examine if it was something I wanted to do. Somehow the answer came back ‘YES’!
The route crosses several bolted climbing routes so you can place protection along the way. Here I am belaying Andy Jacobsen.
The snow was soft and edgy. Lucky for me I didn't have any climbing experience and didn't lead any pitches
'The block' forces you out on a 8" wide ledge. Bad day to bring the wide skis! Without this crux one could easily 'free' the line.
That is if you don't mind heights. Not a great place for turns, but you do become more comfortable with serious exposure which isn't easy to find in the Wasatch
Here is Andy slowly working his way along. Funny thing is he hadn't skied at all in a month due to injury. This was a pretty stout line to make his comeback!
BJ was getting into photography and shot all the photo's. This was his third time across 'the ribbon'. I can't imagine ever wanting to go back.
It was nice to get off the ledge and into Devil's Castle Couloir where we did link some turns.
All in all a very unique day on skis that took a long time to traverse and descend. My obsessive compulsive mind came up with the thought of skiing all the lines in The Chuting Gallery after having ticked off this difficult piece. A few years later I’m 4 chutes shy of ‘finishing’ the book. Weather and conditions permitting I’ll finish those up and find something more relaxing to read.
wondering what those last 4 chutes are…..
Final four-
Generator- Attempted several times and accidentally skied a different line near by
Pfieferhorn NE Face- Attempted 3 times and failed due to snow conditions
Lightning Bolt- Attempted once and didn’t drop in due to heavy snow
Great White Icicle- Not sure what to think about this one, going to take a ton of snow!
Just skied the Generator, so that leaves 3!