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I look forward to this time of the year………..!
Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 9:35 am
by HokieTom
I cannot imagine the feeling of successfully climbing a mountain during the dead of winter. I look forward to the trip reports and seeing the amazing photos. Great luck to you tough folks at elevation!
Re: I look forward to this time of the year………..!
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2024 8:00 am
by the_hare
A really choice time of year for hiking imo--no crowds, no heat, no waking up at ungodly hours to avoid afternoon storms, no constantly having to look down at your feet to avoid tripping on rocks since they're all snow-covered, more camaraderie with fellow hikers who are also crazy enough to be out there... there's certainly less margin for error and more education and awareness needed to stay safe, but with the right gear and nice weather it can be really enjoyable
Re: I look forward to this time of the year………..!
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2024 8:04 pm
by headsizeburrito
This is a bad time of year for me! It's close enough to calendar winter that I just stay local because if I wait another month I can count peaks as winter summits...
That said, while I've learned to wait for good weather windows instead of just going every weekend and suffering for no reason, I do really enjoy the peace and quiet of winter peaks. It's great to experience our mountains in such a different way.
Re: I look forward to this time of the year………..!
Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2024 8:08 pm
by krishnacd
Hi Tom -
I’m looking for a partner to tackle my first 14er in Colorado this December! I would love the opportunity to climb the mountain with you.
Re: I look forward to this time of the year………..!
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2024 7:36 am
by Gore Girl
the_hare wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2024 8:00 am
"....there's certainly less margin for error and more education and awareness needed to stay safe, but with the right gear and nice weather it can be really enjoyable"
I agree with all your factors, but that "less margin for error" indeed gives me pause - the variability of the snowpack up here can outpace any amount of education quickly. Hence, I use wintertime as a time to cultivate low angle tours and Nordic training - with the mindset that it's keeping me in good physical shape for the upcoming summer climbs.
Any time I want to remind myself of the value of this, I wander over to the memorial at Sheep Creek (below Loveland Pass) and quietly reflect.....