mtnclimber90 says: A friend of mine and I are looking to head out for a 2-4 day trip in mid-December. We both have winter hiking experience, but are looking for a semi-technical snow climb. Our main concern is avalanche danger. What kind of snow conditions should we expect that time of year? Any ideas for a cool place to go? I have browsed the forums and it seems that a lot of people recommend Sherman and Quandary, but I would prefer something a little challenging/rugged if you know what I mean. I was thinking maybe Harvard/Columbia or Gore Range, but am open to about anything. Thanks.
centrifuge says: Works great in Safari and Firefox on my mac without having to make ay adjustments. It even looks great on my iphone when I open it to the full site. Now maybe someday adobe will build a flash version for the iphone so i ca see the flash on my iphone too... but I dont think you can do much about that
COmedic04 says: "JeffR" Wow, good eye(s). Thanks all!
BTW, I was shocked when I read about a crash that occured near this peak. http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/25/us/air-force-says-pilot-committed-suicide.html
Woah, crazy! Wonder if they ever found the missing 500-lb bombs he was carrying?
killingcokes says: Landcruisers can switch out of AWD into Regular 4WD.There is a selector that engages the feature. The simplified difference is the central differential, with AWD and the lack of central Diff on 4WD.
Independent front suspension isn't that bad. My '98 4runner kicks *ss with IFS. Granted I'd like to have a straight axle up front but that's a ton of money.
Just look at all the Baja Race Trucks, IFS rules that circuit. IFS has it's place
As for the Subie, I got a Toyota Tercel Squareback AWD over Tincup Pass, yes through the lake as well, Up Owen Road by Irwin, Scofield and Crystal as well as Paradise Divide. Tons of Places. It just takes careful driving and momentum. Skid plates are a great idea
steelfrog says: The only way LEGALLY is to go through the nature conservancy and you can prolly get to climb Mt. Livermore, the tallest peak. Having said that, people have been known to access the western slopes of Sawtooth Peak (the non-fenced side) and it is a veryt nice mountain. Right on the highway. Be discreet.
taylorzs says: I was wondering if anyone has been up on Shavano lately and specifically the Angel of Shavano Snowfield? I may be headed up there thursday/friday. A couple specific questions: a)Can you skin from the Angel of Shavano trailhead yet? Can you ski all the way back to the trailhead? From where on the trail/ what elevation can you skin if consistent snowline is above the trailhead? b) Is it possible to still drive to Blank Gulch trailhead? and if so can you skin from the trailhead? From where on the trail/ what elevation can you skin if consistent snowline is above the trailhead? c)What is the snow coverage like on the Angel snowfield? Can you snowboard/ski off the summit? If not what elevation can you ski from and how much elevation can you travel on snowboard/ skis? How much elevation will you be walking? d)Anyone done any snow stability tests on this line(shovel shear, compression, ECT, Rotsch) and what was the score recorded and test administered? Any other snowpack observations specific to this line? e)Any other pertinant info for this climb right now? I know traditionally the Southern Sawatch recieves less snow than many other areas but I heard there was alot of snow on Monarch Pass and that this area has gotten hit pretty hard with snow due to upslope snow this year. I have not been in this area since summer. Please no speculation, just specific first hand information! Thanks for any info in advance, Zach
pvnisher says: What are the huts like in April/May? I've been to Uncle Bud's many years ago, I'm thinking of trying to plan something either mid-April or mid-May. Maybe Betty Bear - Skinner or something.
Kiefer says: A couple, maybe a few of us are heading up December 29th and staying until January 4th or so. If all goes well, I'm toying with the idea of scoping out Thunder Pyramid (not sure if it's seen a winter summit or not). Gonna attempt both Bells and Pyramid. If you're interested, shoot me a PM.
Mountain Woman says: "summit co kc" Reusch makes a battery heated mitt. Solaris heated $450 bucks. You also may try keeping your hand warmers on your wrists, it will keep your whole hand warm.
TomPierce says: kc: OK, thanks. I thought it might be an obscure alpine ice climb worth exploring. Not so keen to do snow climbs any more, did my couloir thing years ago and can't find any of real interest to pursue, more interested now in alpine ice. But thanks mucho for the beta, -Tom
TylerStorm says: Anybody interested in the west ridge of Pacific? I'm been wanting to climb this one for awhile! I have Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday off. I could also possibly do it on Wed. and Fri., but I'd have to be to work by two. Take it Easy!
mountaindude says: Bored. Thinking of driving up to Leadville tonight for early hiking tomrrow (Sunday 11/29), Belford/Oxford combo. Short notice, but if anyone's interested, would like to start trailhead by 4am. Can carpool and split gas, or meet up tonight in Leadville, or rondayvoo early at trailhead.
ColoradoGuy says: I can see Mt. Princeton and the highest ridges of Mt. Columbia from my living room. Mt. Yale and Mt. Antero are sadly just out of view.
Climb24 says: Take an avy course for sure. Going with a certified mountain guide can be a very valuable thing to do, your learn a lot and most importantly you learn it safely. You can also join a group such as the Colorado Mountain Club. As previously said above that particular ski patrol does very good avy courses. And cheap!
globreal says: "noxinj" A buddy and I are looking to climb a 14er this winter. We were wondering which 14er would be the best for winter climbing and when would be the best time in the winter to climb. Thanks for any help
noxinj,
If you are somewhat new to climbing 14ers in Colorado, and especially in winter, the BEST thing you can do is to get educated. The risks and dangers are magnified in winter. A simple sprained ankle could mean you don't get out of the back country and an overnight stay could mean death from exposure. Choosing the wrong route could mean death from avalanche. So, you might consider taking an avalanche class as a prerequisite.
Even some seemingly simple hikes can turn dangerous. Here's two threads WORTH reading.
I've been using a Canon HD HF10 video which takes fabulous video and stills.
I fashioned one of these into a chest mount for mountain biking using an old heart rate monitor strap. No cold weather problems except having to take my gloves off in high winds can cause problems with my hands.
aspengirl88 says: I have a 10 year old Golden that I rescued a year and a half ago. I thought he was a hospice patient...until I took him out on the trail. He kicked my butt! He's an awesome 14er climber, although he gets in some tight spots while rock scrambling. I've taken him camping dozens of times as well. All I bring for him is: plenty of water when I know we'll be away from a water source, 2x as much food as I normally feed him (to make up for extra calories burned), a leash, poop bags, his Ruff Wear booties, and a doggie backpack that he hauls his own stuff in. Sometimes a tennis ball I've never seen the need to spoil him with a bed, as he steals my sleeping pad anyways. He's a lovely novelty to have when it's cold outside, especially when he's at my feet. He's a truly awesome dog. Good luck with Lily! I bet she'll have a ton of fun following you around Below is a picture of Aspen on the descent of Gray's. Check out his awesome booties!
Snowgirl says: Man buys ski boots. Man skis 40 days in them. Man returns for new pair. Man lathers, rinses, repeats.
I think I got one of those pairs of ski boots. $32 @ REI garage sale, they had been used for one season and were in practically pristine condition. Best $32 deal on kick-ass Salomon ski boots ever.
Dancesatmoonrise says: Got that right, nothing lately from Elks except Kiefer and Kimo's TR on Hagerman.
I may have some interest in Snowmass from the east side (always have some interest for anything in that area.) But personally have no idea what it looks like at the moment.
Agree, skip the Crystal side. Hiking or snowshoeing is way better than digging snow out from under a car. Used to live in 'bonedale and would go for the RFV side ten to one.
Let me know if plans firm up. Would even be happy just to be at the lake during the quiet time of year. (Maybe a full moon New Year's Eve?)
Dancesatmoonrise says: OMG, what an incredible day. Got to see the sun setting from Devil's Playground near 13,000 feet. Beautiful warm moonlit evening back to the car...
There are moments....this was one of those moments!
zruffert says: +1 for the Illustrated Version in the Amazon link above. I took a two week mountaineering course through NOLS and learned all of that stuff (once) when I needed to review that book was the best resource, it was the next best thing to actually practicing it out in the field (for me at least).
I have also never seen illustrations describing proper knot tying that were as easy to ready as they are in that book. It's what happens when extremely talented cartoonists become experienced mountaineers.
glacierPaul says: Randal's pic's are what it still looks like now, we have had more wind of course, and got 4+" earlier in the week. The parking lot is snow packed in some spots. Still great weather, all things considered. Hope all had a great Thanksgiving!
randalmartin says: Honestly for the price you are looking at paying you could get a quality softshell jacket and just layer underneath with inexpensive warmth (like fleece).
Bullwinkle says: It would be hard to beat Grindelwald or Zermatt for beauty and charm. Either can be reached by train (no cars allowed in Zermatt anyway), and the train trip enroute should be considered part of the entertainment.
sstratta says: So what's the best way to approach Bierstadt now? hike up the road and start at the main TH, or hike from the gate towards the mountain and hook up with the main trail farther up?
Bean says: Hm, that's not really what I was hoping to hear. I want something light that I would be happy in spring without a baselayer, and happy in winter with. I figured the backcountry guide was more winter-weight and alpine was for spring, but it sounds like backcountry is for deep-freeze and alpine is for winter.
It's a shame they don't have suspender loops on some lighter softshells, so much better than a belt for all-day comfort.
So what should I consider for a light weight, not-black (the lighter the better) softshell pant that has thighs and cuffs wide enough for skiing, that I'll be happy and comfortable (read: not sweating my balls off) wearing in May and June?
I've never seen the need to spoil him with a bed, as he steals my sleeping pad anyways. He's a lovely novelty to have when it's cold outside, especially when he's at my feet. He's a truly awesome dog. Good luck with Lily! I bet she'll have a ton of fun following you around