Muir

Not sure that this is the correct place for this, but I was thinking of heading up this Sunday but have never done a tour to Muir. I know that there are tons of trip reports on this, but it seems that it is so familiar to everyone that there is little information on best way up. Also, in particular I was interested in the Nisqually Chutes.

Given a good day, I suspect that the way up will be well marked by tracks and bodies in ascent/descent. I am also aware of the issues regarding navigation in the case that whiteout should occur so we will be prepared.

Any beta on the chutes in particular, conditions, best time of day to ski (general rule of thumb) and typical exit from the chute is welcome. Not so interested in descending the Nisqually proper...

Thanks,
Alan

I'm new to this site, though not a newbe skier by any means. A suggestion; you may get better responses to your query if you post this under the Random Tracks or Planned Trips section of this site.

I'm new to this site, though not a newbe skier by any means.  A suggestion; you may get better responses to your query if you post this under the Random Tracks or Planned Trips section of this site.

Oops! Thought I was doing that! I will attempt to move

I guess the remove feature will not let me delete this thread.

Help!

I've only been up to Muir a few times, but my experience has been that the route up to Muir is well marked with wands (by RMI I assume). You can start up by the visitor center. The wands are pretty easy to follow even in heavy fog/clouds. Also, it generally takes me 3 or 4 hours to get up there.

I can't speak to the current conditions, since I haven't been up there since the end of April.

FWIW: The visitor center typically a stack of 8.5x11 maps with compass course instructions as well as GPS waypoints for the route to/from Muir -- they do this because people get lost in the fog farily frequently. Sadly straying off route has lead to a number of fatalities. Bad weather can move in quickly -- check the forecast before heading out and again at the vistor's center. If a cloud forms on the top of the mountain and starts to grow, you might want to head down -- if nothing else skiing in the fog isn't nearly as much fun.