11/21/2013
Met up with ultra-running icon Anton "Tony" Krupicka for a trail run. We shared stories from mountain climbing and trail running. Tony is raising on the bar on what is truly possible in the mountains. He moves extremely fast and efficient. You won't believe how fast he can climb Long's Peak.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Post 85.5: Climbing 13ers & 14ers During the Shoulder Seasons
Another great video produced by Fireside Productions for the Colorado Fourteener's Initiative. This video explains a few things to consider when climbing in non-summer months. Oftentimes the shoulder season offers less crowded, more reliable climbing and here's why:
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Post #83 Running with Anton Krupicka
11/13/2013
I'd been hoping to catch up with Tony for an upcoming Tomer's Trails segment. We met up for an interview and trail run - what a great afternoon! I've looked up to Tony for awhile. His work ethic, approach to running, and extraordinary talent are hard to miss. Tony has taken mountain running to the next level. You can read more about Tony's adventures on his blog: Riding the Wind
As a mountain climber I know how long it takes to climb most of the mountains in Colorado. Tony has taken a new approach without all the gear and safety nets. It's just him and the trail, him and the mountain. For example, he'll climb Long's Peak "door to door" in 2.5 hours. Let me put that into perspective. Most hikers take 8-12 hours to do the same thing.
Big thanks to Tony for meeting, talking and running with me! My full story is upcoming on Channel 2 Daybreak & Channel News at 7pm.
11/13/2013
I'd been hoping to catch up with Tony for an upcoming Tomer's Trails segment. We met up for an interview and trail run - what a great afternoon! I've looked up to Tony for awhile. His work ethic, approach to running, and extraordinary talent are hard to miss. Tony has taken mountain running to the next level. You can read more about Tony's adventures on his blog: Riding the Wind
As a mountain climber I know how long it takes to climb most of the mountains in Colorado. Tony has taken a new approach without all the gear and safety nets. It's just him and the trail, him and the mountain. For example, he'll climb Long's Peak "door to door" in 2.5 hours. Let me put that into perspective. Most hikers take 8-12 hours to do the same thing.
Big thanks to Tony for meeting, talking and running with me! My full story is upcoming on Channel 2 Daybreak & Channel News at 7pm.
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| Anton Krupicka |
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| Tony taking it very easy on me |
Monday, November 11, 2013
Post #82: Mountain Weather 101: The Key to Success
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI), Produced by Fireside Productions 11/2013
Weather is the number one factor determining success in the mountains. I helped the CFI with this video produced by the pros at Fireside Production. I talk about some of the things i've learned over the years.
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI), Produced by Fireside Productions 11/2013
Weather is the number one factor determining success in the mountains. I helped the CFI with this video produced by the pros at Fireside Production. I talk about some of the things i've learned over the years.
Post #81: Tomer's Trails Interview with Ed Viesturs
11/2013
Sat down with mountaineering legend Ed Viesturs for an upcoming Tomer's Trails segment. Viesturs was in Denver promoting his new book, The Mountain. It's an inside look at his take on Everest after having spent a cumulative 2.5years of his life on that mountain. I really enjoyed reading the book mostly because it's a more personal look at how Viesturs thinks when he's on the mountain.
My best friend and long-time climbing partner Jon Kedrowski sat in on the interview. Viesturs and Kedrowski shared stories of their time on Everest.
Thanks to Ed for taking the time to answer my questions - many of which i've had for years. Air date TBD.
11/2013
Sat down with mountaineering legend Ed Viesturs for an upcoming Tomer's Trails segment. Viesturs was in Denver promoting his new book, The Mountain. It's an inside look at his take on Everest after having spent a cumulative 2.5years of his life on that mountain. I really enjoyed reading the book mostly because it's a more personal look at how Viesturs thinks when he's on the mountain.
My best friend and long-time climbing partner Jon Kedrowski sat in on the interview. Viesturs and Kedrowski shared stories of their time on Everest.
Thanks to Ed for taking the time to answer my questions - many of which i've had for years. Air date TBD.
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| Ed Viesturs Interview |
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Post #80: Tomer's Trails is BACK!
w/ Leanne, Jon Kedrowski, and Anna Marie Migl 11/7/2013
After a hiatus, Tomer's Trails is back. The Colorado Lottery stepped up and is sponsoring bi-monthly Thursday segments on Channel 2 Daybreak, Channel 2 News at 7pm, and on KWGN.com. Thanks to the Lottery!
This week's installment featured two of my very favorite places to trail run: The Hogback & Green Mountain in Lakewood. I use both as training for mountain climbing. The Lottery has contributed an enormous amount of money to both as well for preservation and improvement.
Here's the video, click on this link:
w/ Leanne, Jon Kedrowski, and Anna Marie Migl 11/7/2013
After a hiatus, Tomer's Trails is back. The Colorado Lottery stepped up and is sponsoring bi-monthly Thursday segments on Channel 2 Daybreak, Channel 2 News at 7pm, and on KWGN.com. Thanks to the Lottery!
This week's installment featured two of my very favorite places to trail run: The Hogback & Green Mountain in Lakewood. I use both as training for mountain climbing. The Lottery has contributed an enormous amount of money to both as well for preservation and improvement.
Here's the video, click on this link:
Post #79: Rock and Roll Mini Marathon
w/ Leanne 10/20/2013
Really enjoyed the 3.7miles we ran together. Hardest part was waiting in the very long Porta-Potty lines and still making it to the starting line on time :-p Weather was cool in the 40s with numerous wave clouds. Would've liked to stay longer, sit and listen to all the music but it was just a little too chilly without sunshine. Race Ambassador, fellow runner and friend Brad Kellmayer said it best, "Running just brings people together. It's a community of all races and origins."
Starting Line Crowd...Amped Up!
w/ Leanne 10/20/2013
Really enjoyed the 3.7miles we ran together. Hardest part was waiting in the very long Porta-Potty lines and still making it to the starting line on time :-p Weather was cool in the 40s with numerous wave clouds. Would've liked to stay longer, sit and listen to all the music but it was just a little too chilly without sunshine. Race Ambassador, fellow runner and friend Brad Kellmayer said it best, "Running just brings people together. It's a community of all races and origins."
Starting Line Crowd...Amped Up!
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| Running with Leanne....I like the smile on her face and the flying pony-tail! |
Post #78: Fall Color Extravaganza
w/ Leanne, Big Aspen Loop 9/21-23/2013
Talk about incredible color this season. It blew us away....beyond our expectations. We made a big loop driving from Denver to Vail to Aspen to Independence Pass to Leadville to Denver. The photo below is one of my all-time favorites. Really enjoyed our time together kicking-up our heels in Aspen!
w/ Leanne, Big Aspen Loop 9/21-23/2013
Talk about incredible color this season. It blew us away....beyond our expectations. We made a big loop driving from Denver to Vail to Aspen to Independence Pass to Leadville to Denver. The photo below is one of my all-time favorites. Really enjoyed our time together kicking-up our heels in Aspen!
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| Leanne and me at Twin Lakes Reservoir |
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| My Favorite Shot This Season |
Post #77: Long's Peak via Kiener's Route
w/ Jon Kedrowski, 8/23/2013
Great having Jon back from Pakistan! We had talked about doing this route for years....and finally decided to do it. I have to say, this route ended up being phenomenal. It's now one of my top-5 favorite 14er non-standard routes. It's a true Mountaineers route -- I totally agree with Roach on that point.
w/ Jon Kedrowski, 8/23/2013
Great having Jon back from Pakistan! We had talked about doing this route for years....and finally decided to do it. I have to say, this route ended up being phenomenal. It's now one of my top-5 favorite 14er non-standard routes. It's a true Mountaineers route -- I totally agree with Roach on that point.
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| Me Traversing Broadway |
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| Me Ascending the Diamond Step |
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| Jon and Me on the Summit of Long's |
Post #76: Capitol Peak via West Snowmass Approach
NE Ridge Direct, 7/30-31/2013
Wanted a challenging trip with lots of vertical so I chose to start at the West Snowmass Trailhead. Very few people use this route and the trail is not maintained. There's some bushwhacking to be had along the way. Put in 5,000 feet of vertical climbing to get to my campsite at 13,000feet. Some serious solitude in this basin. Didn't see a single person going in or coming out. Woke up to clear skies and leisurely ate breakfast as the sun rose. K2 was lit-up in morning glory. Left camp at 6:30am for the NE Ridge direct to K2.
Scooted around K2 and across the Knife Edge. Chose to climb the NE Ridge all the way to the summit instead of wrapping all the way around the mountain on the standard route. Lots of Class 4 but it was exhilarating. Finished directly on the blocky summit ridge. Arrived on the summit at 8:00am and sat for 30minutes eating and drinking.
Descended back down through the quarry and to my campsite. Packed up and bushwhacked back to my truck.
NE Ridge Direct, 7/30-31/2013
Wanted a challenging trip with lots of vertical so I chose to start at the West Snowmass Trailhead. Very few people use this route and the trail is not maintained. There's some bushwhacking to be had along the way. Put in 5,000 feet of vertical climbing to get to my campsite at 13,000feet. Some serious solitude in this basin. Didn't see a single person going in or coming out. Woke up to clear skies and leisurely ate breakfast as the sun rose. K2 was lit-up in morning glory. Left camp at 6:30am for the NE Ridge direct to K2.
Scooted around K2 and across the Knife Edge. Chose to climb the NE Ridge all the way to the summit instead of wrapping all the way around the mountain on the standard route. Lots of Class 4 but it was exhilarating. Finished directly on the blocky summit ridge. Arrived on the summit at 8:00am and sat for 30minutes eating and drinking.
Descended back down through the quarry and to my campsite. Packed up and bushwhacked back to my truck.
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| The Seldom Used West Snowmass Approach |
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| Ascending the NE Ridge Direct to the Summit |
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| Summit of Capitol Peak |
Post #75: Long's Peak & Mount Meeker Combo
July 21, 2013, 7 Hour day
It was time for a "Two-Fer", as Ed Viesturs would say. Chose to ascend the Loft to get Meeker first then across to Clark's Arrow and up to Long's Summit. Stayed well right of the Homestretch to avoid rockfall.
Weather was solid with no storms so I took my time....gotta love those kinds of days!
July 21, 2013, 7 Hour day
It was time for a "Two-Fer", as Ed Viesturs would say. Chose to ascend the Loft to get Meeker first then across to Clark's Arrow and up to Long's Summit. Stayed well right of the Homestretch to avoid rockfall.
Weather was solid with no storms so I took my time....gotta love those kinds of days!
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| Summit Mount Meeker |
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| Summit of Long's Peak |
Post #74: Stephen's Gulch Circuit
July 16, 2013, 8 hour day
It was time for a big day. Decided to link up Kelso Mountain, Gray's, Torrey's, Edwards, and two other 13ers in this circuit that circumnavigates the entire basin.
I parked at the junction of Grizzley Gulch and Stephan's Gulch and ascended Kelso Mountain (13,164ft), then up Kelso Ridge to Torrey's Peak (14,265ft), over to Gray's Peak (14,264ft), across to Mount Edwards (13,850ft), and across two other smaller 13ers as I traversed rest of McCllellan Ridge to its terminus. I descended bushwhacking back to my truck.
July 16, 2013, 8 hour day
It was time for a big day. Decided to link up Kelso Mountain, Gray's, Torrey's, Edwards, and two other 13ers in this circuit that circumnavigates the entire basin.
I parked at the junction of Grizzley Gulch and Stephan's Gulch and ascended Kelso Mountain (13,164ft), then up Kelso Ridge to Torrey's Peak (14,265ft), over to Gray's Peak (14,264ft), across to Mount Edwards (13,850ft), and across two other smaller 13ers as I traversed rest of McCllellan Ridge to its terminus. I descended bushwhacking back to my truck.
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| Summit of Mount Edwards After Kelso Mountain, Gray's & Torrey's Summits |
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| My Route |
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| View of the Entire McCllelan Ridge |
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| Heading across the connecting ridge to Mount Edwards and McCllelan Ridge |
Post #73: Little Bear Peak (14,037')
March 29-30, 2013, Lynn Bailey, Jon Kedrowski
I saw a two day weather window perfect for a snow climb of Colorado's most dangerous 14er. (Moniker applies to rockfall in the "Shooting Gallery")
Met up with Dr. Jon and Lynn Bailey at 7,800ft on Lake Como Road. We hit deep snow and postholing about halfway up the road. We setup camp upon reaching Como Lake. (TRT 2.5 hours from Car to Lake Como)
Jon played the role of Chef and sliced and diced numerous chicken breasts, mushrooms, and peppers. He wrapped them in foil and laid them on hot coals -- they cooked in 10 minutes. Turned out to be excellent fajitas, which we smothered in BBQ sauce and High Fructose Corn Syrup. Lynn pulled out the State Puff marshmallows and the night was complete.
We settled in for a cold night with overnight temps around 14 degrees.
The next morning we kept our crampons on from camp to the summit and all the way back to camp. The first notch couloir was in good shape with a few sections of unconsolidated powder. Mother Nature's Stairmaster!
March 29-30, 2013, Lynn Bailey, Jon Kedrowski
I saw a two day weather window perfect for a snow climb of Colorado's most dangerous 14er. (Moniker applies to rockfall in the "Shooting Gallery")
Met up with Dr. Jon and Lynn Bailey at 7,800ft on Lake Como Road. We hit deep snow and postholing about halfway up the road. We setup camp upon reaching Como Lake. (TRT 2.5 hours from Car to Lake Como)
Jon played the role of Chef and sliced and diced numerous chicken breasts, mushrooms, and peppers. He wrapped them in foil and laid them on hot coals -- they cooked in 10 minutes. Turned out to be excellent fajitas, which we smothered in BBQ sauce and High Fructose Corn Syrup. Lynn pulled out the State Puff marshmallows and the night was complete.
We settled in for a cold night with overnight temps around 14 degrees.
The next morning we kept our crampons on from camp to the summit and all the way back to camp. The first notch couloir was in good shape with a few sections of unconsolidated powder. Mother Nature's Stairmaster!
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| Ascending the Hourglass Couloir. Lynn cracks a smile as Jon acts like a Sherpa breaking trail. |
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| Up, up and away. Ascending towards the Keyhole out of Lake Como Basin. |
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| Little Bear Summit with Lynn Bailey. |
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| In the Hourglass. Lynn and I ascending. |
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| Little Bear Summit Group Shot. What a great day! |
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Post #70.5: Long's Peak Northeast Face, Wind Machine
2/2013
Wind & wave clouds greeted Dr. Jon and me as we climbed Long's exciting northeast face. It was a long 10-hour day roundtrip. The wind so strong all day it sounded like a jet engine forcing us to yell at each other just to be heard.
Tip #1,074: High winds are an almost constant fixture of the Front Range peaks. When you see mountain wave clouds you should expect high winds.
2/2013
Wind & wave clouds greeted Dr. Jon and me as we climbed Long's exciting northeast face. It was a long 10-hour day roundtrip. The wind so strong all day it sounded like a jet engine forcing us to yell at each other just to be heard.
Tip #1,074: High winds are an almost constant fixture of the Front Range peaks. When you see mountain wave clouds you should expect high winds.
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| Jon and Me with Long's & the Boulder Field behind us. |
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| Ascending the NW Face to the Summit |
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Post #70: My Best Photography
I've taken a lot of photos over the years from places that very few people venture. I decided to put a few of my all-time favorite hi-res photos into a gallery FOR SALE. There are a few from our Sleeping on the Summits book project - very unique photos you won't see anywhere else.
Click here to see the Gallery: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chris-tomer.html
For example, here's one of those photos for sale:
I've taken a lot of photos over the years from places that very few people venture. I decided to put a few of my all-time favorite hi-res photos into a gallery FOR SALE. There are a few from our Sleeping on the Summits book project - very unique photos you won't see anywhere else.
Click here to see the Gallery: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chris-tomer.html
For example, here's one of those photos for sale:
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| Guarding Capitol Peak |
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Post #69: John Fielder's Colorado Gallery, Book Signing and Presentation
12/8/12, w/ Leanne, Jon Kedrowski, & John Fielder
We were fortunate to be invited to John Fielder's Colorado Gallery off Santa Fe in Denver. Colorado Icon John Fielder wrote a great, cerebral Foreward for our bookSleeping on the Summits: Colorado Fourteener High Bivys. Dr. Jon Kedrowski and I signed books, chatted with folks who stopped by, and gave a brief presentation. We talked about Sleeping on the Summits and a little about Jon's climb up Mount Everest through the "Death Storm". Thanks to everyone who came out!
12/8/12, w/ Leanne, Jon Kedrowski, & John Fielder
We were fortunate to be invited to John Fielder's Colorado Gallery off Santa Fe in Denver. Colorado Icon John Fielder wrote a great, cerebral Foreward for our bookSleeping on the Summits: Colorado Fourteener High Bivys. Dr. Jon Kedrowski and I signed books, chatted with folks who stopped by, and gave a brief presentation. We talked about Sleeping on the Summits and a little about Jon's climb up Mount Everest through the "Death Storm". Thanks to everyone who came out!
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| Jon, John, and Me |
Monday, November 4, 2013
Post #68: Keynote Speakers: Meteorologist Chris Tomer & Dr. Jon Kedrowski
REI-Denver 2012
FOX-31/Channel 2 meteorologist Chris Tomer and Mountain Geographer Dr. Jon Kedrowski present Sleeping on the Summits: Colorado Fourteener High Bivys and Mount Everest 2012 "Death Storm" to a packed house at REI-Denver. Chris and Jon are available for speaking engagements and keynotes.
Video Courtesy Josh White, Expedition Pictures LLC: http://www.linkedin.com/in/skyjosh
REI-Denver 2012
FOX-31/Channel 2 meteorologist Chris Tomer and Mountain Geographer Dr. Jon Kedrowski present Sleeping on the Summits: Colorado Fourteener High Bivys and Mount Everest 2012 "Death Storm" to a packed house at REI-Denver. Chris and Jon are available for speaking engagements and keynotes.
Video Courtesy Josh White, Expedition Pictures LLC: http://www.linkedin.com/in/skyjosh
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Post #66: Old Friends: Green Family
Naomi Green makes our book and calendar look better than Jon or I ever could. Thanks Naomi for ordering both!
I've known the Green Family since my early days at KJCT-8 ABC-TV in Grand Junction, CO. At that time the Green Family lived in Montrose, CO, about an hour south of Grand Junction. I can still remember when Naomi and Darren brought their son Noah to the station for a visit.
Thanks for all your support over the years!
Naomi Green makes our book and calendar look better than Jon or I ever could. Thanks Naomi for ordering both!
I've known the Green Family since my early days at KJCT-8 ABC-TV in Grand Junction, CO. At that time the Green Family lived in Montrose, CO, about an hour south of Grand Junction. I can still remember when Naomi and Darren brought their son Noah to the station for a visit.
Thanks for all your support over the years!
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| Naomi Green |
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Post #63: Back to Back Sell-Outs
REI Fort Collins & REI Boulder 9/6-9/7/2012
What a ride! Jon and I did presentations/book signings on back to back nights - talk about two long days for me. I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be some of the best memories of the summer so far! Big thanks to everyone who took the time to attend. Great seeing fellow mountaineers Alan Arnette and Jim Davidson at REI Fort Collins.
REI Fort Collins & REI Boulder 9/6-9/7/2012
What a ride! Jon and I did presentations/book signings on back to back nights - talk about two long days for me. I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be some of the best memories of the summer so far! Big thanks to everyone who took the time to attend. Great seeing fellow mountaineers Alan Arnette and Jim Davidson at REI Fort Collins.
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