January 25: Dawn Patrol
January 25: Dawn Patrol
The 5:15 AM alarm cut through the darkness of morning more harshly than usual. It was Saturday, time for Matt to meet John at the rta bus stop. First signs of light emerged as the bus curved along the Gunnison River into Almont. Once we had our skins on at the base of Crested Butte, the peak was poking through clouds and Red Lady was orange in morning alpenglow. We took the day route, past Gothic views and the Umbrella Bar to Red Lady lift and back. The serenity and purity of first light on a dusting of snow while skiing through forest is so peaceful. We skied corduroy before crowds, feeling grounded and energized for the weekend ahead.