Northwest Ridge with North Face Ski Descent

Begin at the Lake Creek Trailhead. Cross a bridge and continue for 0.3 miles on the South Fork Lake Road until past private property, and find trail signage. Follow trail/skin tracks 200 meters until you find a bridge that crosses a gorge of the South Fork of Lake Creek. Follow trail/skin tracks east until you cross La Plata Gulch Creek (go up and higher if crossing is difficult). Follow creek until out of the trees, and pick your ascent up the North Ridge. Follow the North Ridge up to the top of La Plata Peak.

At the summit, head northwest to a small windbreak. The steepest run is just left of this. I preferred the next couloir to the left. Ski line to the basin, then ski left of the lake, and stay as high as you can to reach the bench of the Northwest Ridge without too much effort. Return by heading west and slightly south until you reach the creek. Return as you came up.

For more detailed information reference:

Trails Illustrated Map, Aspen Independence Pass, No. 127.
Roach, Gerry. Colorado's Fourteeners From Hikes to Climbs.
Dawson, Louis. Dawson's Guide To Colorado Fourteeners, Volume 1, The Northern Peaks.

Lake Creek Trailhead is on Colorado 82, 14.5 miles from the intersection to Twin Lakes (US Highway 24 and Colorado 82). The trailhead is well-marked.

Depending on amount and condition of snow/ice, crampons for accessing the ridge and the last 1,000 feet to the summit; avalanche gear; and for the descent a tool for potential self-arrest.