Mt Helen vs Red Mtn C - ski

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nedryarson
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Mt Helen vs Red Mtn C - ski

Post by nedryarson »

Hi all, I'm considering a mellower peak skin/ski this weekend and am torn between Helen or Red Mountain C. Looking for votes on what I should choose based on quality of snow on the approach and up high. Thanks in advance!
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dustj
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Re: Mt Helen vs Red Mtn C - ski

Post by dustj »

Helen has an easier approach but will not have the coverage up high that Red does. Looking out the window at work, Helen is in from summit, though a little thin in some places. I haven't been up Pennsylvania gulch since the storm two weeks ago but when I skied Red in April, I had to boot a mile and half on the road. My guess is that you will get more bang for your buck if you do Helen. However, if you do Red you can always regain the saddle and ski Hoosier Ridge.
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Re: Mt Helen vs Red Mtn C - ski

Post by nedryarson »

Great feedback, thanks!
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Double Oh Seven
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Re: Mt Helen vs Red Mtn C - ski

Post by Double Oh Seven »

I did Helen this Past Sunday. Coverage was great up high. At this point you are going to have to walk the road. Snow was good enough I would have done 2 laps if I didn't get there so late. But a little disappointing I had to take the skis off around 11000 feet

Here's my condition report

https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/peakstat ... ecnum=8560
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SolarAlex
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Re: Mt Helen vs Red Mtn C - ski

Post by SolarAlex »

the east bowl on red is a really nice ski... way better than helen IMO.
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Re: Mt Helen vs Red Mtn C - ski

Post by bergsteigen »

I've skied Helen twice, and Red 3 times. At this point, both will involve walking on the approach. Helen is good if you want to keep it mellow overall. Red has a few options to keep it really easy or to ski something steeper. I prefer Red because of the options and better snow.
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