SKI MOUNTAINEERING PROGRESSION

Spent the Solstice linking up two of the finer lines in the Beartooths.  After a 10 mile approach and a precarious bergshrund crossing, I skied a couple variations of east Castle Mountain (perfect corn!).  Then it was back down valley for a go at the uber classic NE couloir of Whitetail Peak.  Not a logical link-up (it’s typically best to start on easts, then work souths to wests, ect. avoiding the avalanche hazard associated with excessive solar heating), but I lucked out and had an awesome refreeze, on the heels of a cold-front.  Which brings me to the topic of ski mountaineering progression… As I see it, with the development of lighter and more efficient touring equipment, in combination with the interconnectivity to other ski alpinist activity (ex:  Joe Ripper just linked the Grand, Middle and South the other day), ski mountaineering in the lower 48 is moving away from 1st descent progression and more into the realm of enchainments.  With the majority of the plum lines picked, I see the future of ski mountaineering progression to involve LINKING multiple peaks/ lines/ valleys/ in a push.  With emphasis on good style.  (obviously ;)