Type: Trad, Ice, 5 pitches, Grade III
FA: unknown
Page Views: 14,539 total · 54/month
Shared By: Julian Smith on Apr 5, 2002 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC

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Description Suggest change

The Northwest Face of Thatchtop flows down a deep cleft to the left of Deep Freeze in Loch Vale. It is 1000 feet of mainly snow slogging with a short section of steep ice climbing where the gully changes direction. The ice is hidden from view, but is usually in. It is a good alternative to Deep Freeze or Necrophilia if you have made the trudge for something that is not in.

Approach this route as for Deep Freeze or Necrophilia. When you climb up to the Loch, turn left and head uphill across snow slopes. There are some terrain features to cut down on the avalanche danger. Allow 2 hours for the approach.

As you approach Deep Freeze, look for a deep cleft on the left. Continue uphill into the cleft on snow and ice. About halfway up the gully a nice wall of ice will appear on the right.

Climb up the steep ice for a few feet.

Trudge up more snow slopes and rolling sections of low angled ice to the end of the ice. This route can be continued up to the summit of Thatchtop, but you are still a long way from the top.

Descent - either continue up from the top of the route to the summit of Thatchtop or rappel the route. Find slung blocks and maybe some fixed pins to rappel off of.

See Colorado Ice Climbers Guide by Cameron Burns - 1997 or Rocky Mountain National Park - The High Peaks by Richard Rossiter - 1997 as some references. Enjoy.

Protection Suggest change

Take along a varied selection of ice screws as well as some pitons and a little rock gear.

Photos

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