Thread: This Mountain is why I need to get some training in Mountaineering

http://www.climber.org/TripReports/i...herOnRidge.jpg

As we climbed, salt-water fjords came into view. I have never been at altitude, on ice, looking down at continuous slopes into an ocean! The weather was holding, but as we neared the summit we lost sight of Denali (formerly McKinley) behind distant clouds. From the top, however, we picked up views of Blackburn, Sanford, and Mt Saint Elias - which means that from the top of Marcus Baker you can see every really high peak in the state... and it's a BIG state, too

13,174 feet, the tallest peak in the Chugach, that picture is in July and the snow looks amazingly powdery

Marcus Baker is a nice slog(weather dependant)--Think Sanford if your looking for a big ski descent--but if the snow was "amazingly powdery" those dudes in the pic. would be in up to their necks!

I don't think skate skis will handle that very well though...

He'll be the team mascot!

Go climb and ski Sanford instead. We flew over this puppy on the way out two years ago. Looks cool.

http://www.experimentalairplane.com/...rd-wingtip.jpg

OK fine I'll do both

another picture! rumor has it that in good snow years you can ski all the way back to the highway!

MMMM that looks fun, crevasses would probably make skiing that interesting. Glacier skiing is a whole different ball game (I think). When skiing glaciers do you ski roped together or follow your tracks up or what?

Akpm, you answered your question in your first post!
"need to get some training in Mountaineering"

Originally Posted by ak_powder_monkey

MMMM that looks fun, crevasses would probably make skiing that interesting. Glacier skiing is a whole different ball game (I think). When skiing glaciers do you ski roped together or follow your tracks up or what?

Just go and find out...

Originally Posted by Trackhead

Go climb and ski Sanford instead. We flew over this puppy on the way out two years ago. Looks cool.

http://www.experimentalairplane.com/...rd-wingtip.jpg

The Wrangells and surrounding areas are out of this world... trackhead, when was this shot taken?

Originally Posted by BakerBoy

Just go and find out...

BakerBoy: Wannabe Blurredelevens

Crevaces scare shit out of me.
Glaciers have crevaces.
Therefore, glacier skiing scares shit out of me.

Originally Posted by ak_powder_monkey

BakerBoy: Wannabe Blurredelevens

AKPM = wannabe summit1776 or wannabe Mountainman? Tough decision...

Tip #1: SHOOT IN FOCUS.

Tip #2: STICK TO BEING THE MASCOT THAT EVERYONE PEES ON.

Hey AKPM -- don't let these others jong you into oblivion. I recommend reading a good book: Mountaineering, the Freedom of the Hills. Oh, and ask more questions on internet boards.

I would note that in the text you quote, the writer speaks of being "at altitude, on ice" -- I didn't think AK powder was that much heavier than Maine powder.

Originally Posted by ak_powder_monkey

BakerBoy: Wannabe Blurredelevens

Bwahahahahahahaha!

Originally Posted by TeleAl

Crevaces scare shit out of me.
Glaciers have crevaces.
Therefore, glacier skiing scares shit out of me.

hahah... TeleAl, seeing as how I'm going to be skiing with you in a few weeks, I'm glad you think that way. Crevaces scare the shit out of me too- although I've never glacier skied, I can't imagine falling into one. I would need a lot more knowledge about glaciers than I have (I have none) for me to go venturing out onto one.

akpm - while a lot of people have pursued formal classes via NOLS or other similar programs, or individually via AMGA or UIAGM certified guides/schools, the best way to start is just to start getting educated. Take Yeti's advice and start reading.

Originally Posted by Trackhead

Go climb and ski Sanford instead. We flew over this puppy on the way out two years ago. Looks cool.

http://www.experimentalairplane.com/...rd-wingtip.jpg

After Rainier you wanna add this to the list? I've wanted to climb this peak for a long time. Beautiful peak, beautiful.

nice, AKPM. Looks like an admirable goal. Just get that training you're talking about first.

Originally Posted by TeleAl

Crevaces scare shit out of me.
Glaciers have crevaces.
Therefore, glacier skiing scares shit out of me.

The AK heli ops ski on glaciers all of the time. The nice thing is that during the months the ops operate (Feb-Apr,) the glaciers are pretty stable. So, as long as you know where your crevasse boundaries lie, the chances of something opening up below you is pretty low. Not 0, but hey, you can get killed in your bathtub, right?

Originally Posted by ak_powder_monkey

... When skiing glaciers do you ski roped together or follow your tracks up or what?

Lot's of different things get done in different situations. If it is a route you know well and the crevasses are not open yet, and the snow is firm enough for a bridge to have some integrity, just go for it. Upclimbing your down route gives you a better idea of the hazards and make for a more free descent.

Sometimes, when conditions are sketchier, we will use wands to mark the boundaries of a safe zone and then pick them up on the way down.

skiing roped is a last option. It generally means you picked the wrong route. Sometimes we will rope across a suspect bridge or a 'shrund, but the idea is to pick a route that you can ski down, and roped skiing isn't really very much like skiing, IMHO.

Now, something like Sanford or Drum is a bit different. They are w-a-a-a-y big, so you are probably going to get a ride up. In which case, you have well-studied photos with you. You might want to leapfrog -- the first guy skis slowly, suspiciously, watching for hazards. The next guy gets to rip a bit until he passes the watcher, then he slows down to explore ahead for the next skier, and so on. Basically, you don't just drop in at the top and rip a new line in glaciated terrain, unless you have radio, heli support and a movie contract.

Originally Posted by BakerBunny

Basically, you don't just drop in at the top and rip a new line in glaciated terrain, unless you have radio, heli support and a movie contract.

Dear Santa,

I would like:
a) radio;
b) heli support; and
c) a movie contract for Christmas.

I have been a good boy.

Thank you, Al.

Originally Posted by powstash

After Rainier you wanna add this to the list? I've wanted to climb this peak for a long time. Beautiful peak, beautiful.

I'd consider it not this spring but next. Do Rainier this year, and possibly AK next.

I have mixed feelings about the St. Elias. I got my ass handed to me there last time. Most of the negativity was due to VERY poor weather, and the inability to get out of the tent to do anything for two weeks.

But my memory is poor and short, so yeah! I'd love to go again.

It would like to go with four strong, experienced, mellow, safe folks. No aggro bullshit. Partners are everything on a trip like that.

Originally Posted by Trackhead

I'd consider it not this spring but next. Do Rainier this year, and possibly AK next.

I have mixed feelings about the St. Elias. I got my ass handed to me there last time. Most of the negativity was due to VERY poor weather, and the inability to get out of the tent to do anything for two weeks.

But my memory is poor and short, so yeah! I'd love to go again.

It would like to go with four strong, experienced, mellow, safe folks. No aggro bullshit. Partners are everything on a trip like that.

Hey if you wanna go fishing or river floating (with fishing) let me know

might be willing to trade for some mountaineering help