The Fat Lady Sang on Mount Nebo

You've heard the old adage, "It's not over until the fat lady sings". A week ago a few of us at Backcountry.com who, despite temps that are in the 80's and 90's are still clinging to the passion for sliding on snow, took off after work and headed up to climb and ski down Mount Nebo's north peak here in Utah.

At the last minute while passing the Payson exit we changed plans and abandoned the approach that I had taken this past January from the town of Mona on the West of Nebo. Instead we gambled that the Nebo Loop would indeed be open to get us close to the summer trail.

While "open" is a relative term, we did make it to the trail head after a couple of snowdrift crossing attempts, snow shoveling sessions with avalanche shovels, the removal of several downed trees, and some meaty 4-wheel action that would make any redneck proud.

Starting off at sundown our crew of seven summited the peak just north of Nebo sometime after midnight and there spent the windy night just above 11,000. The next morning we crossed the ridge onto Nebo proper and although the snow was marginal and quickly melting, summited and skied down what we could. Enjoy the pictures:

From the false summit to the summit

Jim, CEO and founder of Backcountry.com, nearing the summit.

Setting up for the summit shot - 12,000' never felt better

The line - NW Chute of Nebo. It looked better in January

Dustin dropping in, but not the knee.

Dirt walking back to the truck in boots - this is when I questioned was it worth it?

I think it's safe to say that the Fat Lady has sung. My skis are officially awaiting October powder.

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