Humble Pie on Middle Sister

Paul ascending Middle Sister 

Well, it may be time to hang up the spurs for the summer. Not entirely, but apparently life continues during ski season, and there are a few things I need to catch up on. Middle Sister was a worthy endeavor for the last day of skiing in June. Situated in the middle of the Oregon Cascades, it offers perhaps the most spectacular view of any mountain in Oregon. It also offers some puckering skiing. After a full season of skiing routes within my comfort level and ability, on Middle Sister I was served a tasty piece of humble pie. 

Paulina Peak - Northwest Chutes

David Ascending into the Maw

Paulina (Paul-eye-nah) Peak is alpinism concentrate. With an approach of around 45 minutes, you can be below some of the most spectacular technical skiing in Oregon. Located in the Newberry Crater, around 45 minutes south of Bend, Paulina Peak is easy to overlook. Unlike most mountains of interest in Oregon, Paulina Peak is not particularly tall or grandiose from far away. From a distance, the mountain is little more than a bump on the horizon. But as you get closer, you will begin to see why Paulina Peak so special.

The NW Chutes on the mountain are steep, tight, and flanked by imposing basalt cliffs. There are numerous skiable chutes on this aspect, ranging from 10 skis to 2 skis wide. Nearly all the chutes open up onto a wide apron. Snowmobilers call the lower area "the playground"...but they don't even know the half of it.