My partner and I are wanting to do a winter climb(standard routes) and are looking for info on 14ers that are accessible for 2 guys new to crampons and ice axe work. We were hoping to find peaks that are not as avalanche prone. We also would have to consider the approach, vehicle or foot and snow levels hindering that. I know lots of you all climb in winter and hope you'll lend us your experience. Curtis has climbed 18 and I have 7, all of mine in the Sangres.
Thanks,
Matt
Ideas on winter climbs
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mmcclellan
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Re: Ideas on winter climbs
This should help with your question:
http://www.summitpost.org/list/337648/C ... inter.html
The East Ridge of Elbert (assuming you stay on route) is one of the safest winter routes on a 14er. It is very long if you do it in a day though.
Quandary is perhaps the easiest winter 14er. It usually is safe from avalanches, but on rare occasions can have some danger. Bierstadt used to be the easiest winter 14er, but that varies with the road closure. See the above link for more information on other peaks.
http://www.summitpost.org/list/337648/C ... inter.html
The East Ridge of Elbert (assuming you stay on route) is one of the safest winter routes on a 14er. It is very long if you do it in a day though.
Quandary is perhaps the easiest winter 14er. It usually is safe from avalanches, but on rare occasions can have some danger. Bierstadt used to be the easiest winter 14er, but that varies with the road closure. See the above link for more information on other peaks.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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MtHurd
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Re: Ideas on winter climbs
Lincoln, Bross, and Democrat are all pretty good winter 14ers with low avalanche issues. Bross is the easiest and safest and is a much better climb in the winter than in the summer. You'll want to be careful if the snowfall has recently been heavy, but otherwise it's usually pretty safe. You'll have to add a mile or two to your approach as the road to Kite Lake won't be open all the way.
