Our lane, human-powered turns, is a relatively niche lane. Often, there’s the urge to broaden the niche. This is where ski alpinism takes a bow. The ski alpinists’ art, as much as it can, is having a moment. Practically speaking, staying in our THR lane is hard when discussing ski alpinism.
The etymology of ski alpinism is a deep dive for another day. But, to give credit where credit is due, ski alpinists stand on the shoulders of alpinists.
For over a year, or maybe two, we’ve been aware of a video gem exploring the intersection of skiing and alpinism. In February 2021, The Teton Climbers’ Coalition organized a great discussion about Sultana’s (Mt. Foraker) Infinite Spur route. The event’s main characters were Michael Gardner, Michael Kennedy, and George Lowe.
Gardner is becoming synonymous with fast, light, and bold—and frequently with skis. Kennedy and Lowe are generational talents with many legendary ascents. The story begins with Kennedy and Lowe and their Infinite Spur first ascent in 1977. Without burning through the details, you’ll learn about them in the video discussion; accessing the route is complex, the climbing is complex, and the descent is a high-focus zig and zag.
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