December 10, 2006, Pickhandle Basin

MikeC and I headed out on our maiden tour of the backcountry around Crystal.  We skinned up to the ridge between Bullion and Cement Basins via the west face above what I believe is Chair 7.  Took a run down the southwest facing slope towards Pickhandle Basin.  This aspect was mostly dust on crust, but at least it was a fully skiable crust.  We skinned up to Pickhandle Basin.  There we found some great boot top powder and the only two other people we saw all day.  We made a couple of laps on the north facing head of the basin.  The snow was pretty light and cohesionless.  We found some slabs starting to form near the crest of ridges, but the slopes we skied were great.  It was still snowing when we made out way out of the basin.  We both agreed it was a great first trip to the area.  Thanks to Jerry and Phil for the beta for future trips.  We both left our cameras behind, so no photos.  Sorry.