Marcy in winter: StabilIcers or real crampons?

[Mohamed Ellozy]

I plan to attempt Marcy this coming Thursday with a friend; we have both done the 48 NH Fours in winter but have no winter experience in the Adirondacks. I did Marcy last summer, and wonder what is the best footwear for the above treeline section. I love crampons when there is good snow or ice, but if it is mainly exposed rock with icy patches I prefer StabilIcers. Which am I likely to find?

Also, we plan to stay at the Loj (bunkroom). How does it compare in terms of space and comfort with the AMC huts?

Thanks!

[Rik]

When I did Marcy around this time last year I went with snowshoes all the way. I haven't been on Marcy this year. Last week I did the same on Haystack but there was a good amount of exposed rock to tip toe over. I think crampons would have been a fine choice as well. I have never used Stabilicers so can't really say how they would have been.

[Kevin]

Marcy was somewhat icy in January this year, but we have had quite a bit of snow since then. On the other hand, if Haystack was any indication last weekend, there could be some icy spots. I know I wish I had switched to crampons below tree line. I have no idea what a "stabilizer' is; yak trax or instep crampons? I've never bothered with anything less than crampons for grip on ice, couldn't see any advantage of bringing something less aggressive (which is what a 'stabilizer' sounds like to me) when I really need traction the most.

Now, I recognize you from VFTT as an avid climber, so with that in mind I think what you're really saying is "Is there any glare ice". Not likely, the winds are pretty harsh on top, tends to lessen the glare ice within days even if it forms.

[percious]

Mohamed-

Welcome to the Dax! I did an ascent in early January, the summit cone was completely covered in ice. Pictures here: http://www.percious.com/hiking/adk%2...005/index.html
That white stuff in the pictures that we are standing on is solid ice, though it looks like snow.

Conditions have probably changed, but I always bring 10/12 pointers to the Dax. Whenever I don't have 'em with me I find I wish I did.

BTW- Very nice website. I have used your beta to get Mt. Frissell. I also planned a winter trip to madison/adams using your site, but it didnt pan out. Welcome to the board.

-percious

[Rick]

Hi Mohamed --- Nice to see more White Mountainers hitting the Daks.
Ditto on Percious...
My winter trips up Marcy have been on snowshoe (Well once on Ski's, but that's a whole 'nother chapter) .
I have been fine with my trusty old sherpas (No heel crampon) though I always carry my G-10's (and flexible 12 pointers before that) but have never needed them on Marcy.
You'll likely have the mountain to yourself. Enjoy
Rick

[starbaby]

Ditto on the two men above. I was there a month ago and it was covered with ice or hard packed snow above the treeline. Right at the summit there was a large amount of exposed rock, which made travel there abit of a nuisance with crampons on. However, on the exposed slope (where it matters) , it was all heavy ice. I would not have wanted to be on it with anything other than crampons. With the weather this week, it is very unlikely to change. The only possiblity is that there is a lot more snow on top.

SB

[Mohamed Ellozy]

Thanks for the welcome and the good advice. Will wear snowshoes below treeline and pack 12 pointers for possible use above. Forecast is very reasonable (mostly cloudy, highs around 30, at Lake Placid) but unfortunately does not yet include wind speeds. So I am also packing balaclava, face mask and goggles. Will post a report of my first winter Adirondack trip when I return.

[Mohamed Ellozy]

Thanks for the excellent advice!

Back from Marcy on Thursday, a spectacular day. Summit conditions were sunny, winds at zero mph gusting to 1 mph on a gorgeous late winter day. We were passed by a single hiker on our way to Marcy Dam; he was doing Phelps/Tabletop, saw absolutely nobody else until we returned to the Loj. Will post a trip report later today or tomorrow.

I was delighted by the footing on Marcy above treeline. Hard packed snow all the way; I definitely needed full crampons, and was delighted that I almost never stepped on rock until the very top.

Staying at the Loj was a joy, but more about that in the trip report.

[Rik]

Glad you had a good time! Also glad you brought more than Stabilicers!