Ptarmigan Ridge 5/12

[landoclimb]

I'm looking for a strong partner to climb Ptarmigan Ridge this Sunday. I want to do it in single push style, taking no bivies if possible. I haven't been up Rainier but am very solid on crevasse rescue and moving in alpine terrain. Let me know if you have any interest. 

[DPS]

Wow, ok, so you realize your approach and descent are going to be very, very long.  If you go by White River Road, it adds about 24 miles to the trip and depending upon snow conditions it could take you an entire day just to get to the trailhead.  From Paul Peak-Mowich Lake expect at least 12 hours if conditions are very, very good to get to high camp.  Maybe going up Carbon Glacier would be more direct?  Either way, you are biting off a lot, particularly being someone with zero experience on the mountain.  Maybe you should shoot for a one day climb of the DC?

[landoclimb]

19 minutes ago, DPS said:

Wow, ok, so you realize your approach and descent are going to be very, very long.  If you go by White River Road, it adds about 24 miles to the trip and depending upon snow conditions it could take you an entire day just to get to the trailhead.  From Paul Peak-Mowich Lake expect at least 12 hours if conditions are very, very good to get to high camp.  Maybe going up Carbon Glacier would be more direct?  Either way, you are biting off a lot, particularly being someone with zero experience on the mountain.  Maybe you should shoot for a one day climb of the DC?

You’re right. I didn’t realize the road was closed that far. I’d still like to do the route, just a longer trip. 

[DPS]

I'd be up for it after the White River Road opens, typically Memorial Day Weekend, but I'm old and slow.   In my mind, the approach and decent that make the most sense are White River Road - Glacier Basin, St. Elmo's Pass, Carbon Glacier, high camp at 10k, climb the route, descend Emmons Glacier.  That is a lot of ground to cover in  a day, not saying it can't be done, I'm sure it can and has been done.