First, thank you @RandyHiker for the route suggestions.
It was just under 2mi and 1200ft of gain to Henskin Lake. A nice quick snowshoe if you’re at Crystal and want to get away from the crowds. The snow had a somewhat nasty crusty ice layer in the morning once we ventured off of the groomed road. That aside we were lucky to have blue skies and a mostly clear day despite having high avalanche danger.
First thing, check in with Ski Patrol. Required (and recommended!). After we checked in, we started by going up the Quicksilver hill/lift (groomed, unless you go up the road that runs directly under the lift).
Looking up Quicksilver
From the top of the lift we headed south. We crossed over Elizabeth Creek and made our way the short distance to Henskin Lake for a nice snack.
Henskin Lake
From there we wandered a bit further east toward Bear Gap, but decided not to take our trip much further as Avalanche conditions were high and we were aiming to meet some coworkers soon down at the lodge. It would be fun to come back out here on a lower risk day and go up to Bear Gap via this route. Do note that they don’t downlift on Quicksilver, so expect to walk (or glissade) down the hill or road under the lift.
Funny you should mention the leash for my ice axe. I was just talking with zephyr about it a few days back at a NOLS reunion. I'll definitely be picking one up soon .
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