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I just got back from Orizaba! I had a guide because I had never used crampons before, and I didn't have the skills to navigate the glacier, but it's really not too terrible other than that. I would love to go back, as I got sick with a respiratory infection on the way to Mexico, and wasn't able to summit. So if anyone is looking for a buddy, I already have all the gear and know how to train for it! I still managed to get to 16,300 just past the labyrinth.

I'm not looking to go (went a long time ago) but is that a new altitude record for you? 'Cause that would be pretty cool!

BTW, I always mask up on planes anymore. The airlines just squish so many people together... I remember when I could use my laptop on a plane. Now it's shoulder to shoulder, and getting sick is inevitable. Good luck on the next try!

Thank you. I took the chance, and did it this past week with Nomada. Some ice in the labyrinth, but avoidable. The glacier was icy and brittle on the ascent, but slightly better on the descent. Weather was good, with low winds. According to the guide the length of the season depends on the precipitation during the previous year.

skyrme17 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 2:15 pm Thank you. I took the chance, and did it this past week with Nomada. Some ice in the labyrinth, but avoidable. The glacier was icy and brittle on the ascent, but slightly better on the descent. Weather was good, with low winds. According to the guide the length of the season depends on the precipitation during the previous year.

Congrats! Cool peak, right? I mean, the views up there... Just amazing. For me, Orizaba was one of my best days in the mountains! I remember being really freaking happy up there

And a good reminder not to listen solely to people who have "done it once" or "read about it." Gotta listen to the locals. They know their s**t.

Thank you! Yes, the views were remarkable. One can also get a good view of the observatories on the neighboring Sierra Negra.

Nice! And congratulations. Brings back memories.

Cool shots. Did you go up Sierra Negra also?

Thank you. I did not go up Sierra Negra. I did Malinche and Izta, the standard program for acclimatization used by most operators on Pico de Orizaba.

skyrme17 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 23, 2025 12:46 pm Thank you. I did not go up Sierra Negra. I did Malinche and Izta, the standard program for acclimatization used by most operators on Pico de Orizaba.

Wow, you got better photos than I did! I didn't do Negra, but I had done Izta a few years earlier. That peak was a blast. Easier than Orizaba. I'd repeat it in a minute!