Backcountry Magazine 127 - The Formidable Issue

THE FORMIDABLE ISSUE HIGHER STAKES With more than 300 summits taller than 13,000 feet and one of the most avalanche-prone roadways in the U.S., Colorado's San Juan Mountains are filled with physical barriers. And despite their inhospitable, high terrain born from a volcanic past, these mountains have long drawn people with their promise of wealth and adventure. Between towns like Silverton, Ouray and Telluride, summits like The Wilsons, Uncompahgre and Sneffels and passes like Red Mountain, Lizard Head and Coal Bank, this region encompasses a skiing history as rich as those who've struck its ores. This is the complete story of Colorado's San Juan Mountains. GO YOUR OWN WAY In 1995, the college-dropout son of two World War II survivors from Latvia slid into the extreme-skiing limelight with his descent of Mt. Robson, the Canadian Rockies' tallest summit. Ptor Spricenieks, who skied Robson's serac-topped north face with Troy Jungen, has gone on to notch daunting and obscure first descent