Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mountaineers Route – 3/15/09

It was a busy day on the Mountaineers Route on Sunday.

We left the Portal on Saturday morning and camped below Iceberg Lake. Sunday we got a bit of a later start and didn’t see anyone until we turned the corner at the notch……..



The mixed climbing up the first section was a little precarious but the snow at the top of the couloir was great.

We downclimbed the top pitch and shared the next 2 rap anchors with a group of 7 guys who summited before us (thanks fellas).

The ski out Monday made hauling the skis all the way up to our camp well worth it. The conditions weren’t phenomenal (hard pack up top and very soft, heavy snow down low) but enjoyable nonetheless.

Here's a link to a few photos:
Mountaineers Route – 3/15/09

Beautiful pictures. I especially like this one at the top of the final chute, with the summit hut in view.

great pics, looks like the secret is out re. winter asscents, scared to see what it is like five years from now

Out of curiosity, what size and length was the rope you were rappelling on?

We used a single 9mm x 60m half rope. The group of 7 guys who summited before us had 2 ropes and subsequently doubled the length of their rappels.

There were also a handful of people who downclimbed rather quickly without the use of rope and protection. It all comes down to individual skill level and experience.

I forgot to mention - last Saturday on the way down the North Fork, I found a tent's rain fly still rolled up but caught in the willows. If you think you lost one, send me a pm or an e-mail and I will see about how to return it.

the ledges looking good:

You must be a lost gear magnet Tom.

If anyone ever loses anything in the North Fork, just contact Tom, he probably has it

Nice photos and Beta, Tom! Was there a need for snowshoes on the route?

I only went as far as Lower Boy Scout lake and no snow shoes needed. Although there may be some new snow after this storm - so all old beta is probably useless.

Thanks