I was on the summit in July after completing the High Sierra trail with my teenage daughter and absolutely fell in love with Whitney and back in love with climbing. My last time on the mountain was in November, it was my first time using an ice ax and crampons in decades. We were a bit unprepared and turned back about Day Needle. This winter I have gained experience in snow camping, upgraded my gear, gotten much better acquainted with my ice ax & crampons climbing at mid altitude around the Tahoe area. We are not comfortable with the technical requirements of the MR so that leaves the main trail. We plan on starting out this Saturday AM (after permiting) and hiking to Outpost. Sunday up to Trail camp and make a summit attempt on Monday via the old trail/ straight up to trail crest rout. We have Tuesday to hike out and drive home.
I have been following the message board and see most if not all of the reports are on the North fork rout. From what I have seen and based on the recent storm, I expect to be breaking trail with snow shoes most of the way. I don’t expect to see a lot of traffic or an established trail. The weather looks to be questionable and we are waiting to see how the front moving through Saturday/ Sunday shapes up to decide if we go. It’s a big commitment to take the time off and get there from the bay area, and will only go if we have a reasonable chance of success. Unfortunately this is our only window of opportunity for a while.
Any comments, advice, suggestions or relevant rambles would be appreciated.
“Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, puke at altitude and your on your own”
