Mt. Clinton: Monica’s Descent

Clinton (13857 feet) is in the headwaters of the South Platte, just opposite the north face of Democrat. The best ski line on the eastern side goes from just east of the east summit of Clinton. It is hard to resist calling this Monica’s Couloir, since it is the fastest way to go down on Clinton. I skied this with Janet Jacks in June 2001. I also skied it in 2007 with Bob Portmann, 2009 with Elke Dratch 2009 , and 2018 with Henry Gibb. This valley always holds snow very late.

In late May, 2004, Brian Montgomery and I skied Democrat, and that led him to see some nice lines on the eastern sub-summit of Clinton. He and Jack Coming skied one on June 3, 2004. The third picture shows their line: This route might be called Unimpeachable.

Bob Portmann in Monica’s.
Monica’s Descent goes right to left from the summit of Clinton. Unimpeachable is just visible at right.
Unimpeachable.
Monica’s is the broad couloir in center.