North Star Mountain Trip Report 10/14/2013

Peak(s):	North Star Mountain - 13,614 feet
Date Posted:	10/14/2013
Modified:	10/18/2013
Date Climbed:	10/11/2013
Author:	I Man
Additional Members:	Winter8000m, thatnissanguy

Chasing Ice in October
Chasing Ice in October Northstar Mountain 13,614' Northstar M4X/WI3 - 3 Pitches October 14th, 2013 Jason, Noah, Matt This report is about an adventure that Jason, Noah and I had this past Friday. it was on the face of a 13er and does not go to the summit. The route is at the center of the face near the bottom Loving Life This is what we do Last week, Friday promised to be a snowy one and Noah and I figured we could swing a day off. We were heading to the desert for a big weekend, but I had been feeling guilty about not having gotten on any alpine ice or mixed routes in the prime of the season. With the ridiculous ice conditions that Colorado is now experienced, a rare route formed on the North Face of Northstar Mountain. It comes in roughly once a decade. As soon as Noah showed it to me I was hooked. Jason Maki joined us as a 3rd and we were are very stoked. We left Vail before sunrise and met Jason in Frisco, we were a bit behind schedule but weren't expecting any crowds, the approach was short and the route was only a few pitches. Hiking up the road Just after leaving the road, a short trip through the woods "For a mountaineer, the summit is never off route" - Gerry Roach "Hey Noah, I haven't done Northstar, let's make a day of it and continue up." "F#@k that!" Ok then... We parked a bit before Blue Lakes. The wind was howling, it was snowing and cold. Noah donned the clown suit AND double boots. Hard to think it was October. Jason and I both chose Nepals. Before too long we were on our way down to the lake, across a very icy section, walking right through the water and then onto the road on the other side. That was fun, wasn't it? Time to get stoked for winter. Noah midway up P1 (M4X) Noah and Jason briefly flirted with the idea of going for an FA As we hiked up the snowy talus, it became clear the direct start wasn't going to be in. The ice was thin (if you could call it ice) and the hanging dagger wasn't connected. We looked for a second then continued traversing right. All morning, a deep inset dihedral had occupied Noah and Jason and they were scheming for an FA attempt, though it was a long route and we didn't have the time. back to plan 1. We arrived at the base of the normal start, almost a full rope length of M4X. Fun stuff!! "I don't find the R/X pitches...they find me" - Noah Jason heading up the start of P1 Some people would call that a piton in moss.... He made quick work of the pitch, with his usual soundtrack. Jason provided a "belay." It was cold, and I was stoked to get going when Noah finally pulled up the ropes. What had started quickly had taken much longer than expected, but no matter...we were off. Jason went first and agreed to clean the gear. We climbed at the same time on half ropes. The climbing was fun on top rope, slabby snow covered rock with occasional jugs and some frozen turf to swing your tool into. We both continually commented on what a fine lead it had been and for the most part the climbing was great. Jason took a difficult traverse left about 2/3s of the way up (following Noah and likely the M4 crux) while I was able to motor straight up on easier terrain. We topped out onto a huge ledge and a goofy clown suit wearing belayer. A single bomber bolt on a boulder plus a few cams provided a solid anchor. The ice flow was now in full view.... An alpine beauty!! At least the pro on P2 was good Half ropes Turf sticks ftw...Jason on P1 Jason and Noah were super nice and let me have the lead, being the resident n00b and all. I was grateful. I grabbed all the screws and screamers in sight and got psyched for my first lead of the season. Of course, Noah wasn't content waiting around, so he decided to solo next to me and get some shots. Sure mad me feel badass (yea right!) but such things are expected with Mr. McKelvin. My line likely went at 2+ and was around 60ft long. The ice was in great shape, kind of a cross between water and alpine, and I felt the screws were reliable. Noah and I met up and built a hanging ice screw anchor. Jason was really jazzed on it, let me tell you. By now we knew we were done for the day due to our desert plans and there was an anchor 30-40 feet left. Jason would get a lead, and a fitting one since he just loves. Jason leads the traverse on P3, sure glad it wasn't me After some cursing and discussions of bailing (Noah didn't bring the threader), he sucked it up and made a beautiful lead across steep ice to the anchors. Noah and I followed with some fun moments and then the 3 of us rappelled to the ground making two double rope raps. The hike out was enjoyable as I reflected on a great alpine day. I was sure ready for the sun in Utah. Mt Quandry Peak!!!!! Those are some nice views What a difference a day makes... Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Chasing Ice in October

Northstar Mountain 13,614'
Northstar M4X/WI3 - 3 Pitches
October 14th, 2013
Jason, Noah, Matt

This report is about an adventure that Jason, Noah and I had this past Friday. it was on the face of a 13er and does not go to the summit.

The route is at the center of the face near the bottom

Last week, Friday promised to be a snowy one and Noah and I figured we could swing a day off. We were heading to the desert for a big weekend, but I had been feeling guilty about not having gotten on any alpine ice or mixed routes in the prime of the season. With the ridiculous ice conditions that Colorado is now experienced, a rare route formed on the North Face of Northstar Mountain. It comes in roughly once a decade. As soon as Noah showed it to me I was hooked. Jason Maki joined us as a 3rd and we were are very stoked.

We left Vail before sunrise and met Jason in Frisco, we were a bit behind schedule but weren't expecting any crowds, the approach was short and the route was only a few pitches.

Just after leaving the road, a short trip through the woods

"For a mountaineer, the summit is never off route" - Gerry Roach

"Hey Noah, I haven't done Northstar, let's make a day of it and continue up."

"F#@k that!"

Ok then...

We parked a bit before Blue Lakes. The wind was howling, it was snowing and cold. Noah donned the clown suit AND double boots. Hard to think it was October. Jason and I both chose Nepals. Before too long we were on our way down to the lake, across a very icy section, walking right through the water and then onto the road on the other side. That was fun, wasn't it? Time to get stoked for winter.

Noah and Jason briefly flirted with the idea of going for an FA

As we hiked up the snowy talus, it became clear the direct start wasn't going to be in. The ice was thin (if you could call it ice) and the hanging dagger wasn't connected. We looked for a second then continued traversing right. All morning, a deep inset dihedral had occupied Noah and Jason and they were scheming for an FA attempt, though it was a long route and we didn't have the time. back to plan 1. We arrived at the base of the normal start, almost a full rope length of M4X. Fun stuff!!

"I don't find the R/X pitches...they find me" - Noah

Some people would call that a piton in moss....

He made quick work of the pitch, with his usual soundtrack. Jason provided a "belay." It was cold, and I was stoked to get going when Noah finally pulled up the ropes. What had started quickly had taken much longer than expected, but no matter...we were off. Jason went first and agreed to clean the gear. We climbed at the same time on half ropes. The climbing was fun on top rope, slabby snow covered rock with occasional jugs and some frozen turf to swing your tool into. We both continually commented on what a fine lead it had been and for the most part the climbing was great. Jason took a difficult traverse left about 2/3s of the way up (following Noah and likely the M4 crux) while I was able to motor straight up on easier terrain. We topped out onto a huge ledge and a goofy clown suit wearing belayer. A single bomber bolt on a boulder plus a few cams provided a solid anchor. The ice flow was now in full view....

Jason and Noah were super nice and let me have the lead, being the resident n00b and all. I was grateful. I grabbed all the screws and screamers in sight and got psyched for my first lead of the season. Of course, Noah wasn't content waiting around, so he decided to solo next to me and get some shots. Sure mad me feel badass (yea right!) but such things are expected with Mr. McKelvin. My line likely went at 2+ and was around 60ft long. The ice was in great shape, kind of a cross between water and alpine, and I felt the screws were reliable. Noah and I met up and built a hanging ice screw anchor. Jason was really jazzed on it, let me tell you. By now we knew we were done for the day due to our desert plans and there was an anchor 30-40 feet left. Jason would get a lead, and a fitting one since he just loves.

Jason leads the traverse on P3, sure glad it wasn't me

After some cursing and discussions of bailing (Noah didn't bring the threader), he sucked it up and made a beautiful lead across steep ice to the anchors. Noah and I followed with some fun moments and then the 3 of us rappelled to the ground making two double rope raps. The hike out was enjoyable as I reflected on a great alpine day. I was sure ready for the sun in Utah.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

jameseroni	Very good time 10/15/2013 2:39am You all had. I sure miss Colorado, for reasons like this! Although it's nice to kill a road bike or mountain bike ride 365 days a year here in Sunny San Diego, I miss the cold too!! Looks like my alpine climbing aspirations will have to turn to the Sierra. I bet you had a good day. Those two are a couple of characters.
TomPierce	Nice ice 10/15/2013 3:29am A fun read, great report. I'd heard of that line many years ago but never bothered to check it out. Better than I assumed, for sure. If you're of an exploring nature, check out the hanging valley in your next-to-last photo, there used to be a nice ice line there, maybe a pitch or two of fat blue stuff (but of course that was before our recent climate maladies, so maybe it's not so reliable a former as before..). But looks like your line was really nice! -Tom
scramble	this is sweet 10/15/2013 4:16am especially the transition to the last pic, ha!
bergsteigen	Nice route! 10/15/2013 8:51am So you're telling me I've been off route (going to the summit) all these years?
kansas	Beta 10/15/2013 1:09pm Thanks for the timely report, looking to head up there this weekend.
Dave B	Again, 10/16/2013 6:45pm Love the onesy. Looks like Noah is a Lakers fan...

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Chasing Ice in October

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