Face it, powder skiing is easy. It is elation, beautiful to capture on film and just plain fun. Problem is this time of year, powder skiing is pretty much over.

( That said as I write this it is currently snowing out my window…)

Steep skiing is the stronger, silent, older brother of powder skiing. You know, that guy, somewhat intimidating, quixotic and a bit misunderstood. Steep skiing is hard. It is dangerous, approaches tend to be heinous and it is alive and well in the Rockies this spring.

Capitol Peak, the hardest ski over 14,000 feet in Colorado has seen two new routes on it. Led by Ted Mahon of Aspen and Frank Konsella of Crested Butte, both parties have added proud descents and agreed they would likely never go back up and ski those lines again.

The Landry line on Pyramid saw multiple repeats, a new line on Thunder ( a sub peak of Pyramid ) was skied as was the Otter Body on the Grand Teton. There have been countless others, some purposely kept off the radar.

So what is it about steep skiing?

Well, it combines risk, challenge and physical exertion - all in a breathtaking alpine coliseum. And it’s intensity is shared among friends.Toque’s off to steep skiers, but remember she is a harsh mistress. Ski for yourself as the margin of error doesn’t equal bragging rights at the bar.