Freeze Fest #2

Ski first
Originally uploaded by emadjim.

Freeze Fest #2 was planned to be a 3 day adventure into the backcountry of Carson Pass. Josh and Bob joined me in this trek. This was Bob's first time on skis!!! Little did he know what lay ahead. Sure I prepared him and coached him along the way but that climb up the mountain and drop into the meadow valley below. The climb and descent over the mountain must be experienced for the novice first timer can not comprehend the true challenge without it. I know I should have taken him on something a bit easier for his first trip.
Still it was a sunny beautiful winter morning with the temperature hovering around 40 degrees F. The snow was a bit slushy, packed and slick. We put our skins on and headed for the backcountry

At the trailhead to the backcountry, headed for Meiss Lake 3 miles of great skiing

Behind the big tree to the right you can see the pass we have to ascend to gain access to the backcountry.


Bob and Josh headed to the pass

Saturday night the wind started howling and a storm blew in dumping nearly 6" of snow on us. Our tents were dug into the snow and buried. Here you can see the roof of my tent peeking above the snow



It was another beautiful day in the backcountry

Skiing back home in the snow

Traveling through the valley headed back to the mountain pass

Taking a break in the snow
Josh getting friendly with the local winter wildlife

Lunch break in the snow



Near the car in the fresh snow
One last look at winter wonderland before reaching the parking lot

Although we decided to cut it short by 1 day it was a great trip with all of the key elements of a Freeze Fest....fresh snow, cold, snow storm and great skiing. Until the next time!!!