Mount Shavano Ski Descent

Skied the Angel of Shavano on May 14, 2021. We had something out of the ordinary planned. We exchanged rings and married ourselves at the top of the  mountain! We are looking forward to getting married with friends and family next year May 14, 2022. :)

Video of our day is at the end of the post.

As we got to the campsite around 9pm and would be waking up at 4am we opted to sleep in the back of 4runner instead of setting up a tent. It was a cozy not too cold night!

We thought we were closer to the trailhead so we got a slightly later start up the trail the next AM. Soon we were quickly gaining elevation above the valley floor. It's a steep, straight, and rocky trail. After about 1.5 miles in we were able to put the skis on our feet and start skinning the rest of the way to treeline. Just after  treeline we got our first glimpse of the angel of Shavano.

The name comes from that when the snow melts out in the Spring it looks like an "angel" with a body and arms. When we were there it was definitely melting into  this pattern but it was kind of harder to tell than later in the season.

Eventually it gets steep enough that you don't want to skin straight up it but its not too steep where you need to boot it. We were able to keep the skis on the feet the whole way but opted for the ski crampons to feel nice and secure on the kick-turns. (Julia said we needed to add more description on certain things so... For those that don't know the ski crampons clip into the binding and help you grip the snow. It's the blue metal underneath my ski boot. For a kick-turn example, see the video below.)

The snow was not continuous to the top, so we stashed the skis on the ridge and made the final climb to the summit. On our way we met a marmot friend.

Finally we were at the top after ~4600 ft. With stellar views and the 14er summit to ourselves we exchanged rings, 'I love you's and kisses. Though it may not have been our original plan - we were happy to have this adventure in the mountains to make our love official. Watch the full video to see us marry ourselves!

With the sun warming the snow and clouds coming in, we hurried down to our skis to get some turns in.

The plus side of long day is that there is a lot of skiing! We kept the skis on as long as possible as it is much preferred to post holing. We put the skis on the backpacks for the final walk out to the car and then rushed to Leadville to sign the official paperwork to be married!

I am so happy to have found my forever partner and this day was no different. When the climb gets tough we know how to get through it and that is as good of a symbolism for marriage as any. I love you Andrew and am so lucky to not only have you by my side but also as my personal ski photographer.  

Love, Shelby

Video