Cold Fusion

 

The north summit of Timpanogos has some of the most iconic lines in the Wasatch, Cold Fusion being one of the most sought after. I have always looked up at it and dreamed of riding it. This season I had hoped for it early on, but with how the conditions developed I didn't think I would be able to get on anything long and steep.

Tanner picked me up just after 4 a.m. and we drove through the pouring rain into a near white out to pick up Eric and the four-wheeler we would be using. We eventually made it to the trail head and all packed onto the four-wheeler. After knocking close to two miles off of our trip we got the four-wheeler  stuck. After digging it out we began the long slog around the northern end of the mountain. I honestly had no idea what we where in for. After a couple hours of taking turns breaking trail, we made it to the base of Cold Fusion. 

Jim Knight and Skyler Holman had tried to get a hold of me the night before about their plans for Cold Fusion. I knew they would catch us, so we stuck to our original plan. Sure enough, when we were about a quarter of the way into the actual ascent they caught us. By then we were more than happy to share trail breaking duties.  

The snow conditions on the ascent grew more and more precarious with altitude. We eventually decided to drop in. After a belayed ski cut, we realized the actual chute was more stable than what we had been ascending. It was incredible snow. Needless to say, even though we didn't make the summit, I am glad we made the trek. 

Walking out was hilariously miserable. We had fun but were more than ready to be done by the time we made it to the four-wheeler.

 

Skyler kept track of us with his GPS. We still had a ways to go before we would have topped out, but the conditions made our decision for us.

 

Tanner and Eric had chocolate cherry GU shots... what a nightmare. I would rather be tired than nauseous.

 This cirque was massive. You may not be able to tell by the photo, but the large cliff face near the center of this photo is home to a good base jumping spot and a little known climbing route.

 Jim's dog Bette. I love that dog.

 The payoff.