123 days. I had never skied more than 35 days prior to “last season”
Painful to admit it was over and slow to post
I had the mountain to myself is what I’ll remember for my final day
The last day for the season was August 3. Heat (80s), fun the night before, not as fit as I should be, and the altitude had me dizzy then disoriented and I continued up. Add a little storm and I was in trouble. The link below was taken at 8600’ and luckily it was mellow for me at 10’500’ compared to the video.
It was really my last day hiking with my skis and boots on my back as bad decisions added up and I turned and walked down. Skiing Main Chute would have been a much safer option down but I should have turned back sooner and not been alone. I started at 1230pm, was on the mountain getting pounded with hail at 5pm, and got back to the car at 830pm
Calling mrsjmills before I headed down meant she drove to Alta to get me. I was happy to see her hiking up as I was limping down. The bad knee that became both knees walking down and me not feeling that great meant being “reminded” of being dumb wasn’t so bad since she was correct.
Having to pick my car up the next day I may have asked about taking my skis.
I took the QSTs in for a base grind a few days later and sent a text saying the season was finished and she was surprised I admitted it
So close and I walked