Pastoral Peak (4,764’), situated at the head of Center, Lyon and Bertha creeks, is the most prominent peak on the non-motorized side of Turnagain Pass area. It is a popular and scenic ski tour with an easy route to the summit and several potential descent routes from the summit and on a sunny stable day one will encounter multiple parties working their way up valley towards the summit. Ascending Pastoral is perhaps my favorite tour in the Turnagain area and I have climbed 20+ times over the past 25 years. The first recorded ascent of the peak was on January 21, 1967 by Nick Parker, Bob Spurr and Gerry Garland.  They approached via the Taylor Creek valley and skied up and over Taylor Pass and ascended an unknown route on the north side. They named the peak “Pastoral” referring to the excellent conditions they had that day. That night they camped near Taylor Pass and skied out the next morning.  Upon returning to their car they “were greeted with a most disheartening scene”. The car they had left was “sitting forlornly on the snow, minus tires, wheel and windows, and most everything necessary for travel in auto”. The party had to...  [ Read More ]