14er ice routes
|
I am in the process of trying to climb all the 14ers, in a more exciting way than the summer standard route joy hike to the top. I am hoping to knock out a couple over winter break, preferably on some ice routes. I was wondering if anybody had suggestions of good ice routes in the San Juans or Sangres that would be in right now. |
|
Bump |
|
I live directly across from the Blanca group and they have got a fair amount of snow. The north side is real hard to see, but it's been snowing for a while now and for sure will be iced up |
|
For the most part, winter climbing on 14ers is more about finding routes that are safe from avalanche danger, which can be considerable - especially in the San Juans. Ice and steep snow climbing on high peaks is more often done in late spring/early summer when couloirs have stabilized and consolidated. |
|
I agree with Andy but can anyone suggest cool routes for the spring? I want to climb not snow slog a coulior... |
|
Speaking in reference to the Sangres, the 14ers arent conducive to many ice routes. There are some documented HERE and while there may be others, Ive heard of mostly snow climbs. There are other 14ers in the state that are more likely to have ice on or near them. |
|
I appreciate the responses. I have done a lot of winter snow slogs/skis on 14ers, and I am very avy aware/prepared. I was hoping to find some ice routes, for a change of pace. I was hoping the lack if snow this winter would prolong the avy safe season, but that's starting to come to an end. |
|
How about the Crestone group ? |
|
You might get more ideas from 14ers.com, but some that come to mind are: |
|
Not a "true" climb to the summit of Pikes but Total Abandation and Blind Ambition are both ice/mixed routes |