An All Women’s Crystal Peak Ascent: Trip Report
A NEW VIEW FROM THE TOP
Beyond the summit: finding strength in the mountains
You may have heard of Brittany Konsella, one of just 2 women – yes, ever – to ski ALL of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks. She’s also an adventure guide, avalanche educator and published author. But what you may not know about Brittany is her mission to act as a vocal advocate for creating spaces for women to thrive in the backcountry. She appreciates the value found in all female programming in the outdoors: creating positive environments where women build confidence and learn through empowerment.
Brittany grew up skiing the ice of the east in Ohio, and grew to love the outdoors after spending extensive time in the backcountry with her father. She learned perseverance at a young age through outdoor experiences, imbuing her connection to nature as she continued on her path to pursue competitive skiing and mountain bike racing. She competed in freestyle skiing for 6 years, and later coached at Winter Park. Brittany typically teaches avalanche education courses for Colorado Adventure Guides- but when we had an opportunity for her to guide an all women’s Crystal Peak ascent with also amazing assistant guide Carly Tobias, we knew they’d be the perfect duo to lead our group.
FIRST STOP: FRANCIE’S CABIN
(Near Breckenridge)
The trip began with the short hike to Francie’s Cabin. Tucked away at 11,264 feet in the breathtaking Crystal Lakes Basin near Breckenridge, Francie’s Cabin is one of Colorado’s most well known and cherished backcountry huts. With a hike of just a couple miles from the trailhead, it’s a popular destination for backcountry enthusiasts year around- pictured here in winter for our popular hut based Intro to Backcountry Ski & Snowboard course.
Upon arrival, the group of 8 women with various levels of experience ranging from seasoned mountaineers to total first timers established a sense of camaraderie over a custom meal, compliments of Backpacker’s Pantry. This lucky group also got to enjoy a backcountry cocktail experience with Breckenridge Distillery!
That evening, Brittany led a discussion on the plan for the next day’s ascent of Crystal Peak. A storm system was predicted for the next afternoon, so she carefully gauged the group’s goals and comfort levels given all the variables. A unanimous decision was reached to push for an early start and a desire to summit before storms push them back down the mountain.
THE ASCENT
Preparations for the peak ascent began well before dawn, packs topped up with water, snacks secured, and footwear tightened to perfection. The group set out at first light, navigating the trail by headlamp. The weather was clear and crisp, with slight chill to the air adding to the group’s motivation to get moving.
Mother nature offered up clear skies and stunning views of the surrounding peaks including nearby Quandary, Pacific, Fletcher. Chatter, smiles and words of encouragement filled the air while the group made steady upward progress. Reaching the summit of Crystal Peak at 13,852 feet at 10:15am, the group celebrated a successful climb and relished in incredible 360-degree views with a sense of shared accomplishment, empowerment and uplifted spirits.
FINDING PERSPECTIVE
One of the most memorable moments was from a Breckenridge resident. Although having hiked all over the local trails, she had never actually summited a peak locally, as she said, “in her own backyard”. Her sense of awe and personal achievement on the summit was a powerful reminder of why our guides do what they do.
For her, the experience was a mind-blowing realization of what she was capable of—an outcome that Brittany’s advocacy for women in the outdoors is all about.
WHY HIKE A 13ER?
(hints: peace, solitude, ample parking)
The group descended safely and efficiently, reaching the trailhead just as the predicted storm rolled in. They realized they hadn’t seen a single soul on the entire trip besides their group and for Brittany, this is a definite benefit of summiting a 13er instead of some of the more popular and busy 14ers in the area.
For some, this was a personal first and for others it was another day relished at high altitude in good company. Everyone was able to walk away with an incredible experience with memories to last a lifetime…plus fresh perspective on how guides can act as a catalyst to our own growth in the outdoors.
A strong support system can transform a tough climb into an uplifting and confidence building experience- that’s why we guide!
YOUR GATEWAY TO THE BACKCOUNTRY
By creating spaces for everyone to learn, we’re not just conquering mountains- we’re building a new generation of confident, capable and empowered adventurers who will carry newfound strength far beyond the trail.
Special thanks to Brittany Konsella and Carly Tobias for guiding an awesome trip and to Brittany Konsella & Carly Holbrook for the trip photos!
Ready for your own peak ascent, avalanche course, or outdoor adventure? We welcome you to join us on your next journey!
