Welcome to the Thunderdome: World-class ice climbing in Spokane’s backyard
For years, Spokane resident Scott Coldiron has been developing a pocket of ice climbing in Montana. This month all that work culminated in three big first ascents.
Section:Gallery
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Scott Coldiron (right) and Matt Cornell ski across Granite Lake, Montana, on Saturday, March 10, 2018. For the past four climbing seasons, Coldiron has been developing a new ice climbing spot in the Montana backcountry.
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Matt Cornell climbs a never-before climbed route on Saturday, March 10, 2018 near Granite Lake, Mont.
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Matt Cornell looks at the mountains ringing Granite Lake on Monday, March 12, 2018. The day before Cornell and his climbing partner Scott Coldiron established a new 1,100 foot route in the area.
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Pictured here is Scott Coldiron’s base camp on the shores of Granite Lake all winter. For the past four climbing seasons Coldiron has been developing a new ice climbing spot in the Montana backcountry.
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Scott Coldiron and Matt Cornell ski back after successfully climbing a 1,100 foot climb near Granite Lake, Mont. The duo were the first to climb the route on Sunday, March 11, 2018.
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Scott Coldiron climbs the crux pitch of the 1,100 foot route Mad Max. Coldiron and Matt Cornell were the first to climb the route on Sunday, March 11, 2018.
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Scott Coldiron belays his climbing partner Matt Cornell up a pitch on the 1,100 foot route Mad Max. Coldiron and Matt Cornell were the first to climb the route on Sunday, March 11, 2018.
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Scott Coldiron climbs part of the 1,100 foot route Mad Max. Coldiron and Matt Cornell were the first to climb the route on Sunday, March 11, 2018.
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Scott Coldiron places an ice screw while climbing Mad Max. Coldiron and Matt Cornell were the first to climb the route on Sunday, March 11, 2018.
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Zack Turner climbs an ice route near Granite Lake while Marlin Thorman belays on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
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Scott Coldiron (left) and Matt Cornell ski across frozen Granite Lake on Saturday, March 10, 2018. For the past four climbing seasons, Coldiron has been developing a new ice climbing spot in the Montana backcountry.
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Matt Cornell climbs Road Warrior, a 1,000 foot WI 5 M 5 climb, near Granite Lake, Mont., on March 14, 2018.
Scott Coldiron Courtesy
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Scott Coldiron climbs on a WI 5 route near Granite Lake, Mont., on Feb. 24, 2018.
Brian White Courtesy
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Scott Coldiron climbs on a WI 5 route near Granite Lake, Mont., on Feb. 24, 2018.
Brian White Courtesy
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Scott Coldiron prepares to climb on Saturday, March 10, 2018. For the past four climbing seasons Coldiron has been developing a new ice climbing spot in the Montana backcountry.
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Scott Coldiron (right) prepares to start skiing into Granite Lake near Libby Montana on Friday, March 9, 2018. For the past four climbing seasons Coldiron has been developing a new ice climbing spot in the Montana backcountry.
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