On Sunday, March 18, Hans Johnstone and Greg Collins made the first winter ascent of the north ridge of Mt. Owen.

They bivied on Teton Glacier, went up the Koven Couloir, descended more than 1,000 feet on the other side, climbed the ridge (”about 3,000 feet of climbing,” said Hans) then dropped back down the peak to camp. “All we had in our packs was a jacket and a water bottle,” he said. “Sorta had to get over the top.”

In 2003, Collins and Johnstone climbed another first ascent from the glacier — the Golden Pillar (5.12-) on the North Face of the Grand. Johnstone seemed just as pleased with their newest tick.

“Last great problem in the Tetons,” said Hans wryly. “This winter, anyway.”