Winter climbing destinations?

freeope wrote: Regarding EPC consider this: 1) There is inherent risk in living. 2) NTARC (?) 3) climber shot @ Ten sleep! ps. Never have there been any issues regarding climbers at EPC. Ope.

I would only suggest people read the travel warnings before making up their mind.

MikeSLC wrote:Are the risks higher compared to other winter climbing destinations? If so, how much and what is your tolerance?

If you survive driving there, you have survived the riskiest part of the trip. The drug violence in Mexico is bad, but it is pretty much limited to people involved in either fighting or continuing the drug trade. The risk of being a victim of random violence is vanishingly small - up there with going to movie theaters or elementary schools in the USA.

MikeSLC wrote:Do you think an isolated incident in Wyoming is really an appropriate comparison?

Yup.

MikeSLC wrote:Is the probability of becoming a victim as a climber different than other Americans visiting Mexico? Could it be higher given the location?

Weird question. Probably not? I imagine it is less than Americans going to Mexico to procure drugs to use or sell, and less than American DEA/FBI types trying to stop the drug trade. Less than frat boys going whoring in Laredo or Tijuana. Less than surfers crashing on a beach in northern Baja. Higher than retirees snowbirding in Puerto Vallarta. Higher than families with timeshares in Cancun. Higher than sportfishers going for Marlin in Ixtapa. Mexico is really big and diverse, and isn't the dystopian hellscape the media wants you to think it is.

I was in El Potrero January of 2012. Great place to climb in winter, awesome routes, and safe for climbers. Amazing multipitch! You must try it!