Pinner Couloir from top of Old Mans Bowl
The Pinner Couloir is another Sierra classic. 34oo vert of steep, big wall couloir skiing. I had skied it about six weeks ago in great early season condition, with Dan and his wife Denise. We had nice smooth windblown powder, trip report to come later from that. This was Jon’s last ski day here, on Super Bowl Sunday. The day started cloudy and snowing with about 20 in. new from the last few days.
Entering the John Muir Wilderness near Convict Lake
We followed the trail around the lake and arrived at the base of the couloir with some menacing looking rock walls guarding the entrance. Lord of the Rings type stuff.
Laurel Mountain cliffs
The entrance to the Pinner
Jon climbs to the Pinner
Jon enters the Pinner
We climbed the lower part, and it seemed pretty solid, about 6 inches bonded fairly well. As we climbed higher, the snow started to get a little deeper and a little slabby. We arrived at the bottom of the large upper bowl of the chute, and decided against going any higher. There was alot of new snow hanging above us.
Jon climbs higher in the Pinner
This one is for Jons E Harmony page
We stopped here, notice the little fracture above me.
We started about 3/4 of the way up the couloir due to conditions. Jon skied first and did a little ski cut, it went. It was a small fracture, prob only a foot deep and 20 feet wide, but then it propagated down the right wall. It slid out most of the couloir, all 3000 vert of our descent.
Jon makes his first turn in the Pinner
Jon digs in after a successful ski cut, notice the fracturing on the right wall.
After that we knew we were making the right decision by skiing from there.
Jon gets some debris pow in the Pinner
Jon skis the confines of the Pinner
Huge walls in the Pinner
The Pinner chokes a bit
Jon finds some nice pow
...and some more
Jon nearing the exit
What big walls you have
Almost out
Great snow at the bottom of the Pinner
Make a turn...there!
Jon skis down to Convict lake
The skiing was pretty good in the couloir, even though it had slid out, good soft debris skiing. This was a little humbling, my first avalanche activity since I’ve been skiing in the Sierra. I believe we made some pretty good decisions along the way, constantly evauluating what we were seeing and feeling. Now it was time for my 4th annual Super Bowl bonanza. These partys are known to draw quite the VIP crowds, with tons of new people to meet. I usually have a guest list with assigned seating. This year was no different at the Mono Sierra Lodge #5.
Gentlemens Superbowl Party
No chips and dip at this party.
Time to move on from the fall season plastic table cloth. Got one with snow-men?
Glad to see your eating good!!I think its better that I not look at your skiing photos, though!!!Too scarey for me to look at!! Be safe!!!!!!!
WOW!!! nice scenery. i like it alot. pinner reminds me of the y, in lone peak wilderness, utah. big cathedral-esque walls dominating the perimeter of the line. gorges. looks like pinner slides too? glad you were safe. as far as the super bowl goes fine looking meal there. what are the red strawberry looking items on the plate and is that a pork chop or a porterhouse?
Vodka, Rocks, Squeeze of Lime (An Executive)….Now thats a gentlemen’s drink!
Yeah, not many of those lately, you need a gentlemens bank account to afford them around here. I’ll have one with you in Jackson, I’ll be there first week of march. Spring break 2010!
Yeah the couloir is sick, some of the biggest walls I’ve been between in a couloir.There is another one up canyon that is narrower and a little shorter, mini pinner. The “strawberry” things are roasted potatoes with sage, and the cave man piece of meat was a bone in rib eye.
It would take away from the “fall” themed unit #5.
After a 15 hour drive home to do a 9-5 job, boy I miss the Mono Sierra #5, keeping up with the Kardashians, bone in steaks, and uncrowed backcountry. Speaking of which, ” where is the backcountry?” Tell powder Dan that I been doing dawn patrols before work and there usually 5-10 cars in the lot at 6:30am. Thanks for showing me a “gentlemens” ski week.
Jon, sorry to hear about the whole 9-5 thing. Clear some ski time for the first week of march. I’ll be there. Spring break 2010!
First weekend in march is Sun Valley Helli trip with my sister but the week seems to be opening up.
You guys sure can ski! Thanks for the views!
My name is Piter Jankovich. oOnly want to tell, that your blog is really cool
And want to ask you: is this blog your hobby?
P.S. Sorry for my bad english
UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Saw your dad today and he told me to check out your website!!!!! So beautiful but so scary!!!!! I don’t know how Aunt Sharon sleeps at nite!!!! You’ve got guts, kid! And it’s totally obvious that you love nature!!! Be safe. God Bless!!!
Your cousin,
Pep
P.S. hope your surgery goes well!!!