June 5, 2011, NC Hidden Lake Peak

I was somehow able to convince Sally and David to try a ridge route up instead of the usual trail approach, then to ski the long East slope.  We were the only party on this day.  The road was snow free to about the last switch back at 3200', where we started "swacking" uphill on boots.  The snow level was about 1000' higher in the trees. This SW ridge has well-spaced big trees and would be nice way down with snow.  The best starting point seems to be near the second last switchback at 3000' to avoid much of swacking.

We got the high point of 7000' in 3 hours at our usual leisure pace.  After enjoying a gorgeous view all around us, we headed down the East slope.  The snow was wet, but easy skiing, except very sloughy.  Anything over 30deg, it quickly gathered speed and chased us down.  We skied carefully for about 500', then decided to go back up.  The snow coverage is great and should provide fun skiing once it consolidates.

We chose to ski out the trail route, and skiing was quite good all the way down to the road.  There is still a huge pile of avy debris blocking the last half mile (see the last photo).  A nice loop trip, I will definitely try the ridge in Winter.