February 22nd 2010 was forecast to be the best day ever so I called a couple friends to see if they could shred. Ring, ring...ring, Birdman picks up and doesn't even say hello. He just says yes, I go to mountains with you and then hangs up before I can say a word. Perfect, just need one more ripping shred master, I know just the guy. Ring, ring...ring and Rex Flake says hello. The conversation goes like this, I tell Rex I want to do 12 miles and climb over 10,000ft in a day. He says, "sounds awesome, what time?" I say 3:15am at Icicle Junction. He says "I am packing, see you soon." Yes! 2 pro's sign up for an exploration of the Argonaut Colchuck basin.
I had just spent 2 days wondering around Sherpa and when we left there I looked up and saw this epic looking ridge with what looked like a fine steep skiing line down its North West flank. I was instantly inspired to come back for a further exploration. Who could be better than the Birdman and Rex Flake! I was stoked and we rolled to the end of the plowed Icicle Rd and started the sled assist to help us on the first 3 miles and thus we started the adventure at the Stuart Lake Trailhead.
Not sure if you know Rex or not but he is the reason that Stevens Pass Ski Area doesn't have any fresh tracks left in the cool lines. If there is good snow, he already shredded it. He is the guy that passes you on the uphill boot pack like your standing still. If there is a track in your secret stash you can most likely blame it on Rex.
As for the Birdman everyone knows him. He is the Methow kid that grew up chasing bears for fun. Luckily his passion switched over to skiing. He spent years in Chamonix mastering his steep skiing skills. He brought back his passion for the steeps and now resides in wonderful Leavenworth Wa where I am fortunate enough to call him a ski partner.
I have to say that the snow was the best, softest, most perfect steep powder skiing snow you could imagine. This snow had that perfect texture, snow so good you can taste it! The first line we shredded was just right of the main rock face. The steepness was around 40+ degrees but the true cherry was the lunch break on the top col. We were surrounded in every direction by glowing mountains and rock walls. Another positive side to this spot other than just the beaming glory was that we were fully sheltered from the wind. We thought we were in a sauna with the best views ever, it was t-shirt suntan weather. We soaked it in for about 40 mins and then began to shred steep perfect snow.
Now at the base of Argonauts N.W. Face we climbed the gully to the lookers left of the main rock face. After another 1200ft we hit the ridge and enjoyed another nice break with views of Colchuck peak, Dragontail, Argonaut, Sherpa and the mighty Mt. Stuart. The shade was moving fast and was about to hide these cool sunny spines I wanted to photograph. We moved quickly to capture the fast moving light on the spines. We were in motion for over 14 hours, did around 13 miles and 5700ft. These are the images we brought back home to share.
Giant thanks to Rex and Birdman for trusting me with their days adventure. Thanks brothers! More tk...
Birdman rides the light.
Rex laughs and says "I have already been on every peak you can see!"
Birdman soaks in the beauty.
It's time, into position!
Rex tries to jump over Sherpa and Mt. Stuart!
Birdman goes black and white!
Rex shreds the steep panel under Argonaut.
Rex rides the mountain in hard charging style.
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