Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Team: BeefCake, C-Bass Route: Standard Democrat Route Time to Summit: 3 hours, 40 minutes RT Mileage: 6 miles Avy Gear?: Yes ATV?: Check
'Twas time for C-Bass to get a ski of Democrat, so we opted for the standard route due to recent hot temps in the area. After getting permission to hit the actual summit, we were set for an easy climb on the 1st of June.
Because "Cheating" is my middle name, we brought the 4-wheeler along to blaze the first couple of miles on the Kite Lake road. Turns out that the large snowbanks near the Paris Mill - normal winter closure - were the only thing blocking a 2 mile ride up the road to more serious snow cover.
After the 5 minute ride, we were at 11,600' and 3/4 mile below Kite Lake. Skis on feet and we were off by 5:15. Why so early? Well, it was only supposed to get down to 34 degrees at 13,000' the previous night and we wanted to hit corn before it turned to slop.
Skinning near Kite Lake:
Democrat's east slope seen from approx. 12,600':
A closer look at the ascent line and snow that would suffice for a June ski:
Climb and ski line:
Plenty of snow on the summit ridge:
*** WARNING ***
If ski photos make you nauseous, click your BACK button now!!!
C-Bass:
BeefCake:
Looking back at the easy ski:
What a great morning!
Hmm, if there was a tree around we could have winched it out instead of digging a 15-foot long trench (29 minutes, 2 cups of sweat, and a few more calories burned). Still beats 4 miles of walking
With the exception of this 50-yard patch of soft snow that we had to blast through, the road was a breeze.
serialclimber,
The simple answer to your original quetion is ”Yes,” but do your research and try to get permission from the owners. Or wait until later this summer for a possible opening.
that the first time I've ever picked up skis, I would have skied a Fourteener? It was a breeze for me to shovel that trench, BTW. You did scare me at first though skiing with such a wide stance like that first picture, I thought you almost didn‘t belong there more than me!
Next up for me: I'm going to rent another pair of sticks and give Capitol a whirl. That one looks so cool!
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.