Very cool report did something similar with road to paradise being closed, some great skiing in those upper basins and in those open trees below eagle peak.
Bronco and JasonG are giving you great advice, evo and proski northbend are great bootfitters and have great knowledge about skimountaineering. The light skimo bindings these days are amazing. I've been running dynafit speed radical toe pieces and plum 150 heel pieces for many seasons, light and no funky releases. I'm the same size as you and ski my gear very aggressive. The advice to lift ski as much as possible, is so you can handle all the conditions you will find off piste. Cheers!
Had a similar experience with the crossing on very hot day, crossings were all above the waist. Been involved with body recovery in rivers before so we went climbing at liberty bell instead, got it later in august.When in doubt wuss out.
I agree with Rad, the scree skiing, that boulder, and goats that walked right up to you for some salty goodness. Highly recommend west arete, good rock, easy fifth class. Going up that scree slope has to be a real bear
Loved the saturation levels, soon friends and loved ones will comment on your funky mildew stank. Looked at skookum today after skiing it did look damp. Very entertaining write up.
What no angle grinder, bolt cutters, or 6ft pipe?That's what all the tweekers carry from burlington when they go for a hike. Great photos as usual.Keep the TR's coming.