Three Ring Circus

The climbs in Eagle River Valley are in peak condition right now. The ice on Three Ring Circus was blue, thick, and succulent. An avalanche had come through just the day before, and it didn't look like much snow was lingering above the climb.

A look down the Eagle River valley.

 

 

I think that getting down this climb, is almost physically harder than going up. There are four rappels, three of which are over long lower angle snow ramps, and the rope just ends up being a snarly globular mess. The twistiness of the route also makes for some arm burning rope pulling...great exercise : )

Cassi Rappelling

 

I know I've said this before, but this is one of my favorite routes. The ski out last night was amazing. It was snowing/almost raining lightly and the snow was so slick the glide was brilliant.