cbc

7/16, Emmons I left White River CG at 7:30 pm on Saturday, intending to climb through the night to the summit, meeting friends at Shurman. Arrived Shurman at 10:30 pm, much too early to ski, so bivied for a few hours before beginning the climb with friends Dave and TR at 4:00 am. Our paces were different, so I chose to go ahead unroped, arriving on the summit at 7:30am. Spectacular sunrise, mild temps, easy routefinding, forgiving climbing conditions. Used crampons but no ice axe (although my ski poles have self-arrest grips). Waited a couple of hours on the summit, celebrated briefly with Dave and TR, and began the ski. The first 1,500 feet was bulletproof but smooth, with some routefinding around crevasses. Below 13,000 the conditions were mixed, from windblown powder pockets to corn to boilerplate. Below 11K was all corn, and good. It is probably prudent to mention that upon return to Shurman I was warned by the climbing ranger about skiing solo on the mountain. He very politely and diplomatically informed me that I was in violation of park policy, and that I needed a solo permit. I had been aware of solo permits, but my intention had been to climb with my friends and ski in increments as they descended behind me. Obviously this plan was ill-conceived. I recommend a solo permit for other solo skiers, and in the future will obtain one. 7/17, Southwest Chutes on Adams Oh my god, why haven't I been skiing this line every year for the last decade?! Dave and I left the car at 10:30am, climbed to the summit without crampons or ice axes. Very soft snow, clear skies, windy. The skiing off the summit was horrifically suncupped and bulletproof. Survival-skied down to the false summit, dropped into the main chute, which was thick and creamy corn all the way down. Had a beautiful traverse along the Round the Mtn Trail back to the TH. Wildflowers spectacular. 7/18, Hood This was the dessert of the trifecta. A 9:00am start took us to the summit at 1:00pm. Again no crampons or ice axes necessary; the snow was mostly soft and major steps had been kicked up the headwall. Another bluebird day with mild temps. The suncups off the summit were man-eating, so we carried our skis down about 400 feet. Skiing below that was mixed, but perfect corn below 9,000 ft. Finished the day with a sandwich and beer at the amazing Timberline Lodge, before the long haul back to Missoula. A thank you: just want to say thanks to the climbers I met at the White River CG just before beginning my climb. They gave me much appreciated route info and wished me luck as I began my climb into the night. Cheers to you for that good energy!

Looking for partner for climbing and skiing Rainier this weekend, July 8-12. Would be up for a one day push, or something more casual. Route will depend on conditions. Perhaps the Emmons. Please only very fit and experienced skiers/climbers. Cheers, cbc

Hi again--Maybe the Kautz again, if it's in shape. Or the Ptarmigan Ridge (did you see the recent trip reports?). Am also interested in a possible ski descent, although will need to check conditions. Let's get in touch. Email: cbchisholm@gmail.com or (406)543-7448. cheers, colin

I've got the next ten days free(6/5-6/15) and am interested in coming out if the weather cooperates. I've been on the mountain a few times, fair amount of experience, would be psyched to ski something too. Let me know. Cheers.

I have from 6/5-6/15 free, looking for partner for Rainier, route dependent on experience. Possibly skiing? Open to suggestions, have requisite skills, have been on the mountain a few times before. Priorities: strength, efficiency, fun.

My kind of trip. I tried to ski the Kautz three years ago, got stormed off, but would love to try again. I have from 6/5-6/15 free. Perhaps we should talk. Cheers.

I'm interested, too, have from 6/5-6/15 open. Hard to say what lots of experience is, but perhaps we should talk. The sooner the better for me. Cheers.

Any flexibility on the dates? I have from 6/5-6/15, open to possibilities, but not the Liberty because I've heard it's in scary shape.

I've got the next week free and am interested in the 11/12 window. Have been on Rainier three times (Liberty, Kautz, Emmons), but summited only once (Emmons). Would be interested in something other than the milk run. Are you still planning to go?