Here are photos of  ski trip January 2020 from the upper tram tower to the Sandia Crest House.
DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS TRIP, UNLESS YOU ARE VERY EXPERIENCED AND WELL EQUIPPED !!!

This adventure was the most awesome, dangerous, exhilarating, extreme, demanding and rewarding ski trip I have ever done in the Sandias.
This part of the adventure took 4 hours to go about a mile and a half. Part of the time was for taking photos and experimenting with a new camera. As you will see, most of the way, one slip would probably have resulted in severe pain, death and other harmful side effects. That may look like nice soft snow, but it was often icy under the top few inches. 
I will never attempt it again under the same snow conditions.
Here are some of the 200+ photos I shot on this trip.



Looking south to South Peak


The snow was frozen underneath a couple inches of fresh powder.

   


I had to stomp the skis into the snow to keep from sliding down the slope.


        

       
I thought it would get easier as I got to the middle part.

   
I even considered climbing up to the crest.        It finally did get easier.


Looking back, this part was great.


The city spreads out below.


The snow was magical.

    
You had to be there.


Looking down on the tram cables.

   
Slipping here ws not an option.


I thought, maybe I should climb up to the crest ahead at the corner.


What was I thinking? It's too late to turn back.


There really is a trail under there.


I had to pack every step on these slopes..


Testing the telephoto camera.


Clouds rolling over the crest.


180 degree view. The panorama feature works great.

Fresh powder.


Looking back. Snowshoe tracks. Someone else has been here.

   


The trail is a trough.


Amazing beauty









Climbing up the stairs with skis was a real challenge. The railing made it possible.


They are steep.


180 degree view at the top of the stairs.

 


Climbing up to the Crest House.


Topping out near the Crest House.


Kiwanis Meadow  This was a trip I won't forget.

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