MTnative

http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/threadz/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB12&Number=74973&page=15&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1 This "Amber" thread wasn't hard to find at all! Very funny indeed.....

Regardless, the Selkirks and surrounding mountains are fucking big and dangerous. On both of my ice climbing trips to that area I've been avalanched on. My good friend's dad died skiing there last year in a slide in the Kicking Horse backcountry, right in front of my friend and his sister and brother. It doesn't take much for big shit to cut lose there. I think that spells it out. While all of you are trying to figure out if they were experienced enough to be out there or if they could have avoided it, you haven't stopped to think that being out in the mountains in the winter is dangerous to EVERYBODY. My heart goes to those folks but you play, you pay. I have one close friend in particular that died in an avalanche 5 years ago...he was the safest man I have ever known, in fact I received valuable instruction from him for years leading up to his tragedy. Alex Lowe, an admired climber and excellent mountaineer died in an avalanche skiing.....mother nature doesn't discriminate! That is not to say that safety and education is first and foremost, you can avoid most if you know your shit....but just like any dangerous sport, you run the risk of injury or death. Look how noble they were for living there life to the fullest and leaving this world doing what they loved and enjoyed... BE SAFE OUT THERE!

the elevation of the american rockies mean nothing...they rise out of a many thousand foot plateau and aren't all that impressive to begin with Poor Josh...obviously you have never been to Glacier NP, The Mission Mountain Range, The Teton Range, The Wind River Range, OR Rocky Mountain NP!!!!

It remains to be seen whether private groups such as off-road-vehicle clubs could sue to open the routes. yah, that's GREAT These situations will keep haunting us as this world gets more and more crowded..Quit living so long and for god's sake, quit multiplying!!!

Banff=Beautiful those of us who are young, have young children, and have not retired from the career of our choice have to pick and choose what we are serious about Ah, yes. Choices, choices. I had the chance to marry and have children when I was younger and I almost did, but my candor kept me unhitched till way later in my life. I knew back then that I wanted the freedom of picking up and going at the drop of a hat, traveling, living on a wing and a prayer, more so than a family. Do I regret it? I don't know, I have seen and done some crazy things. Oh and this "old man" also owns a snowmobile, kind of a necessity if you own land and live out of town...they are noisy bastards though. I am far from retired myself, well not as far as some you Plowing the roads for cars makes a major impact, not to mention attracts A LOT of people (but the most thriving industry in MT is the recreation industry, oh the vicious circle). I am not saying that people don't have the right to venture out into the woods, just take a break from that scheduled world and toughen up and do it the hard way, you would be amazed at what the human body can endure (you should already know this) Hyalite is a very special place and I fully encourage you to SKI IN and climb there. It is worth the effort On a side note: I think that the road should be plowed for an event as grand as the ice festival though...did it even need to be this year?

Yah Muffy the Wanker, only rich people can climb My Grandfather always used to tell me, "If it were easy, then everyone would be doin it" If you are really ambitious about snowmobiling in, you can easily rent one for a reasonable price. Guess what, I'll let you in on a secret... It is funny how a little sarcasm can go a long way on a message board! I have been roaming these hills for 20+ years and there are more places to climb than your little trendy climbing guide books show! I also understand that you folks don't live near here and climbing in MT for you involves a lengthy drive so you might not have time to roam around and find cool shit.....my heart bleeds for you I will admit that the PNW is a wonderful place to live and climb as I have called it home once upon a time Peace

Classic!! How can I compete with that retort!

uuuhhh I was born in Montana before you were even a twinkle in God's eye, you snot nosed punk! I would not have called myself a Native, you stupid shit, if I wasn't! The North Cascades are the most beautiful range in the lower 48 no doubt.... There are many secret spots that aren't published in some book or broadcasted on the internet, you just need to roam a little! Cheers brother, I will forget your bad attitude cuz you used to live here

Try skiing 4-6 hrs one way with ice gear on your back when there is only 9 hours of light, and then get back to me and tell me you had fun. I have done it and have great memories of it. All you need is a flask of wine in with your gear, a few days off, and some great climbing buddies! Guess what, I'll let you in on a secret...Hyalite is not the only place to ice climb within 150 miles of Bozo-town. It is the only KNOWN place to ice climb according to most. We have about 5 mountian ranges within 2-3 hours of each other, you really think that there is only one place to climb ice??!! There is so much open space that you as a climber, skier, snowmobiler, whatever can find a place to recreate. This place is amazing, just don't move here ! The sheep ARE scared in Montana, and it seems as if the West Coast folks are too! HAHA Let's get ready to rumble!

I can't believe this, I don't work for the FS nor do I think they are the sharpest knives in the drawer, but... It is my understanding that they are not forbidding people to ice climb in the area, just to gate the road, sooooo what is the problem? ...to see someone who lives here thinking that the road closure is a bad thing-SHAME ON YOU! it seems to me that you all are a bunch of PUSSIES: If implemented, this plan would force ice climbers to reach the climbs by either snowmobile or by skiing a minimum of 8 miles one-way [to climb Genesis I-the closest climb-would involve 4 to 6 hours of skiing]. Poor baby...Is it really so hard to ski or snowshoe in to go climb? You even have the option of snowmobiling in if you can't hack the approach. The road is steep but NOT that steep...hell, that is part of the fun!! In short, if this plan happens access to the canyon will be closed for anyone who does not own a snowmobile, or doesn't want to ski 10miles in from Langhor campground. That includes most locals and visitors. I am not sure how things are out in the PNW but I thought that having less people was a good thing??!!?? Why don't you just camp out for a few days, you would probably be the only ones out there! In my opinion this closure weeds out the weaklings...Only old-fashioned hardcore climbers need apply

climbing Granite and Whitetail Peaks in the Absarokas last summer...mmmm