May 7, 2007, Hogback Mt.
5/7/07
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2654
4
After Sundays whiteout experience at the back bowls at Paradise, the drizzle convinced me to travel to White Pass and tour Hogback on Monday. With the Stevens Canyon road closed, it is a long drive back around to White Pass. I spent the evening at the deserted parking lot across from the ski area which is closed.
Monday morning had a few patches of fog which burned off quickly and it was a sunny bluebird day. Skinning was fast through the ski area which still has enough coverage to skin from the highway. The nice thing about touring to Hogback is that it is beautifully gladed, which provides excellent protection on a sunny day or on a windy and powder day. The views from the summit encompass Mt. Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier. With a light breeze, it was easy to snooze in the sun. The large bowl to the east was sooooo enticing but being solo just didnt justify the entry. Conditions were corn and a bit of unconsolidated depending on the aspect. No crowds here. The following photos provide a glimpse of some of the terrain available. It is a great place to take beginning backcountry tourers plus there are bowls and chutes for those looking for a bit of spice. Need to head south to ski with the gang at the Silcox hut at Timberline. Timberline is still accepting the Shell 2 for 1 coupons on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Monday morning had a few patches of fog which burned off quickly and it was a sunny bluebird day. Skinning was fast through the ski area which still has enough coverage to skin from the highway. The nice thing about touring to Hogback is that it is beautifully gladed, which provides excellent protection on a sunny day or on a windy and powder day. The views from the summit encompass Mt. Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier. With a light breeze, it was easy to snooze in the sun. The large bowl to the east was sooooo enticing but being solo just didnt justify the entry. Conditions were corn and a bit of unconsolidated depending on the aspect. No crowds here. The following photos provide a glimpse of some of the terrain available. It is a great place to take beginning backcountry tourers plus there are bowls and chutes for those looking for a bit of spice. Need to head south to ski with the gang at the Silcox hut at Timberline. Timberline is still accepting the Shell 2 for 1 coupons on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Hey Zap-
Thanks for the skin track! Alex and I went up to the high point, then traversed south across that bowl. Pretty great skiing and the views were awesome. We had been back there just south of the ski area 4 years ago and Alex had taken a panoramic picture of that ridge. It was on his fridge and every time I dropped him off from skiing elsewhere he would get it out and start hinting. It was great to finally get out there- sometimes I get pretty lazy about destinations and stick to the familiar (Stevens/Mission/Blewett, for me this year)
I followed that day up with an even later start for Early Winters yesterday, we didn't start skiing until 1pm. It was great but tomorrow I am going to start earlier...
Good meeting you, have fun down south.
Jon
Thanks for the skin track! Alex and I went up to the high point, then traversed south across that bowl. Pretty great skiing and the views were awesome. We had been back there just south of the ski area 4 years ago and Alex had taken a panoramic picture of that ridge. It was on his fridge and every time I dropped him off from skiing elsewhere he would get it out and start hinting. It was great to finally get out there- sometimes I get pretty lazy about destinations and stick to the familiar (Stevens/Mission/Blewett, for me this year)
I followed that day up with an even later start for Early Winters yesterday, we didn't start skiing until 1pm. It was great but tomorrow I am going to start earlier...
Good meeting you, have fun down south.
Jon
It was good to meet you. I enjoy the variety of the terrain in the area especially when the ski area operates and you can purchase a single ride ticket for $10. :) Hope your trip to Early Winters was enjoyable. I'm planning to head up there shortly.
Zap - you continue to inspire me to retire nice and early.
author=Jim Oker link=topic=7050.msg28234#msg28234 date=1178767916]
Zap - you continue to inspire me to retire nice and early.
Jim, Quite a few years ago some of my early retired RV friends convinced me that their only regret was that they didn't retire earlier. A couple of backcountry skiing buddies, Craig and Bryan, retired long before I did. They also convinced me that you probably don't need as much money as you think. Plus here's my thought - "your body won't be in the same condition when your finances are ready for retirement. Don't wait !" ;)
Zap
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