RocNoggin

so much for the undisclosed location...

I found $783+ on NW Air. about the same time as Delta getting there but I think it was only 16 hours or so getting back. and that was flying in and out of Geneva. at any rate, too rich for my blood and I still have the family obligations to consider so it looks like I am out as well.

to get to the seracs do you start with the trail to Heliotroupe Ridge? even if it isnt the same TH do you know if the road to the Heliotroupe Ridge TH is plowed?

you mean we cant just make plans for him? but what about his sled, all we really want is his sled! LOL ;-)

I havent been towed behind a sled yet but I would give it a try if it makes getting up the hill any faster/easier. any chance of making a midweek assault?

Silverton rocks! both Silverton and Wolf Creek Pass get way more snow than the rest of CO but since they arent destination resorts I didnt refer to them before. that area of the San Juan's is awesome!

room for one more on the sled?! 8-)

Colorado powder is nice...when they have it. the problem is that, compared to the NW at least, they get so little annual snowfall. the best of the Colorado destination resorts, Winter Park, averages the same yearly snowfall as Crystal, the lowest average snowfall of the W WA Cascades ski resorts. (and by "best" I mean that they have the highest annual average snowfall) its cold and dry in CO so what snow they get stays well preserved but nothing beats skiing in fresh snow, heavy or otherwise. with fresh snow there is almost always great turns to be had. and for whats its worth, Jay Peak VT has the same amount of yearly snowfall as Crystal and Winter Park. so much for my $.02! LOL

livin' for the weekend sucks ass!

yep, lookin' like a great weekend! :-)

a little over 2' of snow this week at the Baker Ski Area. thats at about 4-5,000' elevation. what is the elevation at the seracs, or thereabouts? they will likely have lots of new snow on them. bring your skis with you and if there is too much snow for the ice climbing then it should be great for the skiing! :-)

wow, a great hit list! just goes to show how much great climbing is in the Chamonix area. I have been to France climbing once already this year and I just wish it wasnt so expensive so I could go back again, especially to Cham. we didnt get to spend much time there earlier this year, the weather was too crummy for climbing. and around Christmas everything gets even more expensive. do you already have lodging? maybe for shits and giggles I will look to see how much airfare is now...

who has the cookie?

when I said that "all my other gear" was left in Oly I really meant ALL my other gear: boots, jacket, anything warm. everything. thanks for the offer of shared tools, etc. I really appreciate that, I will try to be prepared for next week! :-)

I have recently read "Ghosts of Everest" and I am currently reading "Detectives on Everest". both are great books but they dont really say much about the role Mallory's or Irvine's clothes played in their climb. it will be interesting to see what happens with the reconstructed clothes.

shit! I wanted to go this week but forgot my tools in Oly! and all my other gear too! LOL looks like another night at the gym...

I have never been aid climbing before but would love to give it a go. interested in getting an aid climbing weekend at Index organized?

how far east?

how would you feel about a newbie ice climber coming along? I think I have all the gear I need but no experience ice climbing. if I dont leave on the 3rd for a rock climbing trip to Red Rocks I would like to join you if you dont mind doing some instructing. where in ID are you and what time were you planning on leaving on the 3rd?

if you dont mind my asking where/which Baker seracs are you planning on climbing? I am unfamiliar with them, how hard are the climbs?

damn, I love Chamonix! I wish I could get over there to join you but I wont be able to this year. we have a bunch of family coming to stay from out of state from Christmas and New Year so I am kinda stuck here. what climbs are you going to try to do?

I know it is early for a headcount but I think I'm game to give DT a try! :-)

THANKS! :-)

nice clip! but from last Saturday?? there hasnt been 18" of snow in almost two weeks! LOL

we bailed on the trip for last weekend and went rock climbing at Darrington instead. it would be nice to know what you hear from your friends for future reference though. cheers!