hakioawa Posted April 2, 2002 Share Posted April 2, 2002 I've been planning to ski from the summit of Rainer for a while now. So far the plan has been to ski the Emmons route. With today's sun I've got this huge urge to ditch work and head up. But getting to the Emmons route is proving problematic. So the question is, what are the best ski routes from paradise? Anyone have any experience in sking above Muir? We can find a decent line I might just have to get out of here now! Also, anyone know if the road to the white river camp ground open? If not how long would the ski in be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenfork Posted April 2, 2002 Share Posted April 2, 2002 It's about a 10 mile ski into the White River campground right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pindude Posted April 2, 2002 Share Posted April 2, 2002 The Kautz also is skied/boarded somewhat regularly, don't first-hand know of other routes on the south side. I've been up Big R several times but have never skied it, and have a jones to glisse it from the top, too. However, I'm not expecting "happy turns." Nils Larsen, one of my ski hero/mentors, skied the Kautz about 10 years ago saying it was "the hardest thing I've ever skied." The Kautz was also the route of the first snowboard descent by Steve & Terri Mathews, et. al., about 10 years ago or so. I would think the Kautz would be in condition before White River campground opens on the other side of the mountain... -pindude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pindude Posted April 2, 2002 Share Posted April 2, 2002 After my last post, I realized Fuhrer Finger, as well as the DC, have been skied. Although there are spots on each of those 2 routes where I know I'd probably be bootin' it. Here's some more info on the web. from Lowell Skoog: http://www.alpenglow.org/ski-history/subjects/R-frame.html From Amar Andalkar's website:http://www.skimountaineer.com/CascadeSki/Rainier/Rainier.html Don't know if BD's Andrew McLean has anything on it on his site, as he does more of the extreme stuff and I generally can't follow his tracks anyway... -pindude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllYouCanEat Posted April 2, 2002 Share Posted April 2, 2002 We also have a recent (January) climb/ski report of Mount Rainier up on http://cascadeclassics.alpinelite.com/ . I would recommend the Ingraham/DC route for this time of year... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregm Posted April 2, 2002 Share Posted April 2, 2002 if you or a friend has TOPO! you can download routes and waypoints by carl skoog and others off the TOPO! homepage. they even have the mowich face if you are so inclined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savaiusini Posted April 2, 2002 Share Posted April 2, 2002 My guess is that White River won't open till mid to late May... I've skied the Emmons, Ingraham, Fuhrer Finger, and the Kautz. Right now, I'd have to agree with AllYouCanEat, Ingraham is your best bet. You could also climb Gib. Ledges and either ski the chute or ski the Ingraham. Generally, it's a better idea to climb what you plan to ski. Later this spring, the Finger or the Kautz are very doable ski descents...not to mention the Emmons, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_a Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 According to the MRNP website, the White River Rd. is estimated to open Friday May 17th...keep your fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glennm Posted May 3, 2002 Share Posted May 3, 2002 I've skied the Kautz and the Finger- both are sweet in good snow. I'd pick the Finger as a less risky descent. Have you thought of the Success Glacier Couloirs or routes over that way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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