Hidden Falls Hi-Lite reel

So once again I've neglected to keep up with my posts, but at least this time I've got enough good pics to sort of wrap up this past month of ice climbing at Hidden Falls. Also got the privilege of introducing ice climbing to two close rock climbing friends, Mike Zadd who was in town visiting from his law job in Kentucky, and Jacob McGuire a good buddy and sold front range rock climber. They both did awesome, which just solidified my enjoyment of guiding and introducing people to new things in the mountains...


Cory Fleagle asking me for a little privacy before he launches up a mixed line in awesome form.
Uhh....I don't think so Dude!!

Mike Zadd enjoying the experience.......Yours truly chopping away...
Jacob making some delicate moves on the ice curtain ...Till next time.....
Peace, Jason

Dirt Bag!

Hidden Falls

Ted and I ventured out this past weekend to Hidden Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, a popular ice climbing area with almost a 100 ft of vertical ice a mere 40 minutes from the car. First sight of the flow from the trail.....


The ice was looking good upon arrival and with only one other party already setting up their ropes our chances of climbing ice were guaranteed .....No crowds yet.
Closer inspection of the flow revealed that the party of two that beat us there also had the most solid and driest line, unlike our line that was running with water. Looked like it was going to be a wet one. With this being the first time either Ted or myself have climbed here we took what we could get.

Ted looking surprised after taking a football sized chunk of ice fall to the face...
What was left of his protective shield...





The climbing was definitely what we were looking for as for steepness but the frozen shower you had to deal with made it a little hard to fully enjoy the pump.
And it was WET!! Frozen rope...















Some interesting looking mixed lines in the area....




So after the right side of Ted's face started to swell up and we were both soaking wet and partially frozen we decided to call it a day, vowing to return when the temps got a little colder.

My rope thawing out in the shower, still frozen...
Peace, Jason

Ice is Nice!

Started the new year off by climbing some ice. Clear Creek Canyon and Boulder Canyon have formed up pretty well thanks to the cold temps these past few weeks. Haven't been up to the "Park" yet but I bet there's some good stuff in up there. Here are some pics from the weekend climbing with Ted and Russell.
Clear Creek Ice/ Lower flow, west of the Little Eiger.

Boulder Canyon ice in some afternoon sun.




Yours truly swinging away.

Russell climbing in fine form.

Interesting lighting on the ice makes for a cool perspective.





Pretty good start to the year.



Peace, Jason

To Ski ? or to Climb ?

About two feet of snow fell in Boulder on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, much more in the mountains. But ofcourse its Colorado and on Friday it warmed up into the 50's and boulder melted out just as fast as it froze everyone in.


Snow Bike










Saturday :


Chris taking flight to avoid the Butters obstacle...

Hoping to get some weekend ski track leftovers Chris and I strolled up to Caribou to scope out conditions.
Not much up there yet but we made the most of it....Fast hard wind slab turns..I'll take it.


Cruising back down Boulder Canyon it felt like summer and when I saw people climbing I had to remind myself that climbing season wasn't over, I had to get out and climb the next day. The remainder of the drive I continued to swerve my way down the canyon, pointing out to Chris in the process, all the cool stuff we could climb. I guess I'm a good salesman, Chris texted me later that evening that he was down to go.
So this morning we headed up to the Bihederal, a popular sport and mixed climbing area not to far up the canyon. With its perched southern exposure, and relatively easy approach, I knew this place would work great.
Chris on the 3rd class approach


tying in


I felt that these were some of the best shots I got of Chris pulling the crux on Puff Daddy 5.10a
Pretty Sweet!




Nice work Doody!!


Nice view of the Bihederal from the road. Climbers visible high on the wall.

Peace, Jason

East Portal RECON

Chris, Butters, and myself headed up to the train tunnel on Saturday to do a little recon on the snow conditions.



After about three and a half hours of hiking we finally made it above tree line and saw that there was not much filled in just yet. Looking at the SW ridge extending from Frosty Mt.



With the daylight we had to spare we decided to drink a beer and refuel our motivation levels. While drinking our lunch we spied two mini couloir's that looked quite interesting .
Chris and Butters scouting out the mini couloir. Our line is the longer of the two vertical snow ribbons.





Although short it proved to be a pretty exciting descent. I think Chris measured it at about 42degrees. Steep, narrow, and fun!Yea! Butters first Couloir!



Felt good to slide on snow again.






Looking back on the peaceful prairie.
Peace, Jason

Back at it !

I feel that its about time I catch up on some writing. Unfortunately when my adventurous friends as well as working buddies got laid off last April so did my blog. Having to work full time at the couriers left me searching for energy and motivation, not only to keep up with the weekends activities, but also my new blog. So I'm back, and determined as ever to document as much as possible this winter season.
This summer went by way too fast! From awesome climbing adventures in the Park, Lumpy Ridge, and my new favorite place, VEDAWOO ,( Thanks Cory )
I feel the need to hold on a little longer to one of the best summers Ive had yet in Colorado.

But winter is approaching quickly and its now time to sharpen those edges,wax up the skis, and check those batteries in your beacon.....Lets get it on!!

Peace, Jason