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Climbing Little Switzerland first of June

Original Post
justin harr · · moorcroft, wyoming · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 0

Planning a trip to Little Switzerland in the Alaska Range first of June and was looking for beta. What to expect from the glacier (crevasses), degree of bag, any other parties planning to be there, or any other useful beta. Thanks

climbing coastie · · Wasilla, AK · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 95

Here's a TR from a few years ago:

cascadeclimbers.com/forum/u…

I took a 0* synthetic bag and was plenty warm, but it was warmer than usual. You could probably get away with a 20* if you were willing to wear some of your clothes to bed if it got cold. I'd probably stay away from down because it could rain on you the whole time.

The Talketna ranger station has binders with topos in it. I was also told, once we were out on the glacier, that Alaska Mountain School also has a binder for the Pika. Unfortunately only way to access them is in person, so stopping by just before flying in is usually the only option. Puryear's Supertopo has a lot of info in it.

justin harr · · moorcroft, wyoming · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 0

How did the glacier treat you as far as the crevasses? I have Puryear's book on it's way. I live north of Talkeetna about two hours so I may go down before hand and take a look at their topos. Looks like you guys had great weather hope we have some of the same. Well wont bug you with many more questions dont want to spoil my own adventure. Thanks for the reply its much appreciated.

climbing coastie · · Wasilla, AK · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 95

Glacier was good. What cracks there were you could see and avoid. I don't recall either of us punching through at all.

No problem. Enjoy the trip!

Dave Meyers · · Evergreen, CO · Joined May 2006 · Points: 532

I took a trip there back in late June '02, and the glacier travel was casual. In fact we were using sleds to drag our gear up to each route, and we were just riding them down back to base camp when we finished. I' m not sure if that's ill advised, but supper fun and efficient decent strategy.
I used a light weight 15 degree bag with no problems, and all climbing we did was in tee shirts. I would recommend to bring lots of food, more than you expect. You'll be dropped off by plane right where you'll set up base camp, so we brought 2 coolers of food and beer, and we're living phat for the 12 days we were there. Bring rain gear as weather can move in quickly and last a while as well.
Al in all it was one of the best expeditions I've been on, and the area is awesome! Enjoy!

justin harr · · moorcroft, wyoming · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 0

Sounds great appreciate the replies. Cant wait till June!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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