nordic ski tour: kings peak - April 7, 2023
The 50th annual Kings Peak ski tour will be organized this year by Mike Berry and Steve Swanson. The outing will convene on Friday night (April 7th) for snow camping along the road to the Henrys Fork Campground. On Saturday, checking in at the Henrys Fork parking area before starting the ski tour and checking out at completion of the day are mandatory. Standard backcountry ski touring gear that you have been using all winter season is best. Essential equipment and supplies include high quality sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, 2- 3 liters of water, a headlamp with fresh batteries, and for those planning to go above Gunsight- it is mandatory to carry a two-way radio or 'Spot' device. Information will be available later on the type of radios and the channel to use. An excellent gear list for this type of adventure can be found at: thegrandtraverse.org/ski/. Many skiers start before dawn (~5:00 am) and some may end after dark. We generally take the 'creek bed' route and NOT the Kings Peak summer trail. Everyone must follow the chosen ski route out and back for safety. Skiers may travel independently from the vehicles to the high basin and back. Elkhorn Crossing is a good, scenic MOD destination, 6.0 to 9.0 miles from the vehicles depending on access road plowing. Gunsight Pass, 4.5 miles farther up is an MSD destination. Typically, less than a third of participants go above the pass. We generally leave our skis below Gunsight Pass and climb the peak (if the weather is favorable) by booting up with Vibram-type soles. In that situation, leaving the ski poles and traveling with a light ice axe in self-belay mode can be more efficient for the two sections of 30 to 40 degree slopes (usually hard, wind-blown) ahead. Anyone attempting the peak (2.5 miles more) needs to be teamed-up with other participants (the 'buddy system') and should be starting across the traverse above Gunsight NO LATER than 12:30 pm. Mandatory turn-around time is 3PM, no matter where you are on the route. Driving directions and more information can be obtained from Mike Berry or Steve Swanson, srswanson_581@hotmail.com (801) 272-5750. *SNOWSHOERS WELCOME*
