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I was just wondering if people could suggest a top five list of Winter High Peaks for beginners. Now, I say beginner acknowledging that I will do quite a few lesser peaks first before trying to bag a High Peak. I simply have an interest in becoming a 46er, and little interest in becoming a Winter 46er; however, I would like to do some of them in the winter. I have done ten regular season HPs already, and preferably I'd like to extend my venture to peaks I have yet to summit, but I don't really mind doing a peak again. I'm sure the obvious first choice would be Cascade, but enough speculation; please give me your top five. Thanks! -GG
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1 & 2. Cascade & Porter
3. Phelps
4. Big Slide
5. Table Top. -
It's going to basically be the same list (same formula for difficulty - distance plus elevation gain). All the mountains in the winter offer an added degree of difficulty if icy, but can actually be easier in that you don't have to climb up, around, or over blow down and rocky trails. I joke that hiking in the winter on a well packed trail is like taking a runway to the top.
1. Cascade (has to be easy, it was my first peak ever... in the winter (March 15th))
2. Porter (right next door)
3. Phelps
4. Giant (short distance)
5. Couchsachraga (just kidding, I don't have a #5 -- they all get kinda tough from there)Comment
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1. Algonquin
2. Wright
3. Colden
4. Street
5. Nye
It all depends what you call "easy?" Also if trail is broken, well packed, several of them can be "easy-ier." Even the long distance peaks on a well packed trail can be "easy-ier" in Winter.
How 'bout a Seward Range run for your first trip out!
This beating a dead horse, is about how you will feel upon getting back to your car after that trip too.
"It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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I would throw Whiteface via the road in.Die Free and LiveComment
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Ha, yeah. I'll "save" the Sewards for summer. By easy, I just mean the peaks one would recommend for someone taking on their first Winter High Peaks. I would like to do Cascade and Porter again, this time in Winter, and to be honest Phelps and Whiteface via the road were the next two I had in mind, especially since they would add peaks 11 and 12 to my total. Anyway, I'm just looking to see if anyone else has some good ideas. I have heard about the "runway" effect Kevin, and I realize reading trail reports helps pinpoint good trail conditions. I've been checking VFTT daily as well. Thanks for the input everyone.Comment
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1. Algonquin
2. Marcy
3. Cascade
4. Phelps
5. Big Slide
(6.) Whiteface
Algonquin is easy to get to, and has a spectacular view.
Marcy is a good one if you get an early start, and it is a relatively safe hike, as there are typically many people on the Van Ho.
Cascade is just a short jaunt.
Phelps is similar to Marcy, but is much shorter. If you find your self shagged by the time you hit the phelps turnoff, you will be shattered when you get to Marcy.
Big Slide is relatively easy to get to if you approach from JBL. I recommend doing this as a first overnight.
Whiteface, had to add... Very nice if you take off from the weather observation station. The last 1/2 mile is very exposed, and the wind tunnel where the trail meets the road is quite neat.
-perciousComment
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The Wright-Algonquin-Iroquois trip has been my favorite hike of all time so far. I have to say I was surprised, but happy, to see Al on a couple of Winter lists. Is this because of the "runway" effect Kevin mentioned, or the short mileage when compared to other hikes? I would assume the old crampons had better be in the bag for that one though... I wouldn't mind those great views in the Winter.
Oh, and I'm looking to do all day trips. I've got no interest in winter camping, at least right now. Thanks for the great lists. -GGComment
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Algonquin would be a great first winter hike. I am not even sure you will need crampons for that one. Crampons will probably make you faster above treeline, but I dont recall any serious ice on that route. You really just have to check the trail condx. It will definitely take all day if you get all three. I kind of suggest you just go for Alg. and write, and you can always go back for Iroquois some other time. Last time I was up on algonquin, we did Alg-Wright-Alg. Figure that one out!Originally posted by Gray Ghost
The mileage to algonquin is not that bad.
-perciousComment
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To do the Wright, Algonquin, Iroquois loop, it is best to plan that one for a sunny and/or a good visibility day. There is much exposure from Algonquin over Boundary to Iroquois. I would plan to bring the crampons, as the exposure makes for crusty, windwept and sometimes icy rocks. It is one spectacular trip in Winter. Be careful as the winds on Wright, can be and more than likely will be Tornado-like winds. Wright is a windy summit and usually caution, as well as hands and knees are required to climb to this summit, due to the high nature of the winds. On a day with well packed trails, this trip can be completed in less than eight hours."It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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1. Upper WJ > Armstrong > Gothics (can add LWJ)
2. Marcy > Haystack (same day from basecamp @ slantrock)
3. Dix
4. McComb (easy(er) route finding for a first trailless)
5. Might as well start looking for Marshall
Comment
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I second that. Especially on a pair of skis. Love that trip.Originally posted by Rik"It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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Originally posted by Robony1. Upper WJ > Armstrong > Gothics (can add LWJ)
2. Marcy > Haystack (same day from basecamp @ slantrock)
3. Dix
4. McComb (easy(er) route finding for a first trailless)
5. Might as well start looking for Marshall
"It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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???????????????Originally posted by Skyclimber2971wComment
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You gave him quite the list for beginner hikes.Originally posted by Robony
Those are killers.
"It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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