Free Beer Tastes Better

My Inaugural First Ascent: Happy Hour Boulder, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

"Want to bolt a route?" Wesley's text message ignited a spark I'd been waiting to ignite ever since I first learned about route development in rock climbing. With Wesley and Nick in tow, we ascended the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and trekked an additional 25 minutes to the cirque nestled below the renowned tram and iconic "Corbet’s Couloir."

Following an established route, we scaled the house-sized boulder, then navigated to anchors pre-installed atop the new route. Once the rope was secured, we each ascended, using climbing tape to mark the optimal spots for protection bolts.

It was time to drill. Taking turns on the rope, we wielded the Bosch Bulldog hammer drill, boring holes into the rock, followed by blowing dust out with a tube, brushing away remaining particles, and finally hammering climbing-certified concrete anchors into the rugged dolomitic limestone.

After the installation, I eagerly attempted the first clean lead but faltered at the crux. Nonetheless, I achieved the inaugural lead ascent, knowing the first redpoint ascent would have to wait for another day.

Descending to the restaurant atop the gondola, we were greeted by our friend Scoot, who rewarded our community service of establishing a new climbing route with complimentary beer. Thus, "Free Beer Tastes Better" 5.11b was born.