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pepsbandit
Dec 15, 2004, 3:33 AM
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Registered: Oct 4, 2004
Posts: 175
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I'm planning on climbing two 14ers this Spring and was wondering what I should bring and expect. I'll be ascending what's normally a hiking trail, but I'm expecting it to be under several feet of snow.
So here's what I'm thinking...
Snowshoes for the approach, possably the whole thing
Glacier glasses for the obvious
trekking poles
ultralight mountaineering axe
ultalight "walking crampons" in case of ice or a technicle pitch
down jacket " in the pack ready for use"
fleece (over thermal underware)
Shell over fleece
Winter gloves
warm beanie
lost of water, and some food...
what else?
#1 route up Greys and Torres
http://www.14ers.com/...orreys/RGray_105.jpg
http://www.14ers.com/...orreys/RGray_102.jpg
http://www.14ers.com/...orreys/RGray_101.jpg
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atg200
Dec 15, 2004, 4:07 PM
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Registered: Jul 27, 2001
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that gear sounds fine. if the route isn't windblown pretty clear, do your route finding carefully based on avalanche conditions. i did it in the winter years ago, but from what i remember there were pockets of wind slab that i thought could slide. the normal route on bierstadt is very safe and is a good warmup since you won't have that long hump up the road.
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pepsbandit
Dec 15, 2004, 11:51 PM
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Registered: Oct 4, 2004
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Thanks, it's good to get info from someone who's been there and done that. :wink:
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killclimbz
Dec 15, 2004, 11:58 PM
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Registered: May 6, 2000
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It really depends on when in the spring you do it. If it's after Mid April, you'll probably only need snowshoes for the hike through the valley, etc. Once you start climbing, it's usually boot pack. I did Torrey's two springs ago in May. This was after the huge March blizzard that dumped 70 plus inches in the mountains, with quite a few good storms after. We skinned in the base of Torreys than ascending the Dead Dog Coulior. Looking over I could see people hiking up Greys. The descent down Dead Dog was amazing, and I am thinking of doing it again this spring. If you ski or ride, it's worth bringing your sticks to do that one.
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killclimbz
Dec 15, 2004, 11:59 PM
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Registered: May 6, 2000
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Oh yeah, if there is lot's of snow go early enough that you can be on top by noon or 1 at the latest. You definitely don't want to be going down avy prone slopes in full on melt cycle.
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