Fisher Chimneys in winter

[rob]

Questions about fisher chimneys in winter --

 

I know there are some obvious avalanche slops on the approach and the route. But what conditions should I expect in the chimneys? How protectable? Ditto regarding the summit pyramid.

 

Also, any access concerns?

 

Should I expect cornicing above hell's highway?

Edited January 22, 2008 by rob

[Billygoat]

Ski-in Ski-out, just like Whistler.

[dberdinka]

The chimneys have been skied, though the summer route would probably have at least one and maybe a couple very steep, exposed traverses on what are normally narrow trails across ledges. The rest should be up to 50 degrees(?)

 

Everytime I've done the summit (all of twice) in winter the last bit (a pitch) is steep, flaky rime ice. Fun stuff not really protectable. No cornices on route.

[Billygoat]

I was talking about skiing to the start of them. Bile starts to rise in my throat at the thought of skiing them! There would have to be quite a lot of snow, which does happen up there.

[skykilo]

I remember lots of snow over rock. Maybe not too much protection unless you spend significant time scratching through the snow. It seemed reasonable to climb unroped to me.

 

Steep and exposed does come to mind...