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Looking to do Mt Lafayette or similar between now and Jan 18

Original Post
scrambled bacon · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 10

Have the opportunity to make it up that way soon. I've done the Lafayette loop in the summer of 13. Really want to do it( or something similar) in that time frame. I will preface that I have zero winter mountain experience(I don't think skiing at Copper mt in Co counts). I do understand that it is a different animal than summer climbing. Aside from the crampons I will have momentarily( grivel g12s or similar)in all other aspects I'll probably be over prepared.

Any and all criticism is welcome. My sister might be joining me. I will warn you though, she is 100# over weight and depending on your perspective, has three eyes.

Regards,
Charlie

mtnmandan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 5

It's beautiful up there! I'm sure you'll have a great trip. Some things to keep in mind:
That area can be (and frequently is) incredibly windy, and that can be very dangerous (think -40F windchills. Make sure you have all skin covered head to toe; balaclava, thick gloves... that sort of thing.
It also has a nasty habit of switching from beautiful weather to complete whiteout in a few short minutes.
Just be prepared for the worst and turn back below treeline if it looks bad.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

Bring micro spikes, leave your sister.

Max Forbes · · Colorado · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 108

If you've never been up a mountain in the winter, you may want to consider other objectives... Handcocks, Osceolas, Cannon, something in that range. Do a couple of those and then you'll have a better understanding of the conditions. That being said if the weather is okay there is no reason you can't make it up Lafyette. For your first time in winter, I would recommend going straight up Lafyette. You'll be suprized at how much harder hiking in the winter is, and this will allow you to get out of trouble faster if weather takes a turn for the worst.

Jake D. · · Northeast · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 365

I'd look at something with less distance and elevation gain. you both should start with something easier.

Tecumseh, Welch/Dickey, Sandwich dome/ Jennings peak, Mt liberty...

for equipment, i'd bring snowshoes and microspikes. trekking poles are also helpful. insulate your water because it will freeze in the bottle and then you'll be thirsty. start with it warm/hot to delay that too.

depending on what trails and how soon after it snows will determine what will be tracked out and what you'll be breaking trail on.

jTaylor · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 50
Max Forbes wrote: You'll be suprized at how much harder hiking in the winter is
I'd imagine because Lafayette is so damn popular, chances are the trail is pretty worn and packed in. If this is the case, it makes winter hiking pretty similar to the rest of the year, you just have more layers on...

I haven't been to Lafayette in the winter still, but i have seen Mt.Whitney in conditions where I am post holing (w/ no snow shoes) up to my waist and where one week later the trail is beat down and just as difficult as walking on dirt.

Be sure to know the recent weather is what i'm trying to get at.
scrambled bacon · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 10

Thanks for all the replies guys. I talked to someone last night who was up there last year(I think?) that echoed what you have said. Luckily he mentioned a possible trip up to the Dacks soon with a possibly larger group, which if it happens, I'll be doing. As much as I'm open to pushing the limits, my experience is limited. Mountaineering/alpinism is what I really see myself doing, yet finishing my BS has me dwelling amongst the pine barrens for another year.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northeastern States
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