Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Just a quick report for my Bierstadt trip yesterday!
I live in California at 100 feet elevation but am in CO for work, so thought I'd see how the mountains were faring without me. I left Colorado Springs at ~03:30, arrived at Guanella Camp at ~06:30, and was on the trail at 06:45. The road was clear up to Guanella camp, and from there, the road was pretty well packed from snowmobiles, skiers and snowshoers so that I was fine in my boots, just postholing a couple times. ~20°F when I started.
Cold Start
Packed Road/Trail
From the trail start to the top of treeline snowshoes were perfect, and I'd say absolutely necessary (skis w/ skins would work too). About 200' above treeline I switched to crampons and had no problems at all. The weather kept switching from fairly calm and clear to be immersed in an icy windy cloud.
Weather Rolling
About halfway between treeline and the summit an exceptionally cold wind was blowing through. Toward the top, my $1 thermometer said ~10°F.
COLD (My favorite pic)
On the way back down, I got a shot of the hut at the start of the trail.
Hut
All in all, was a fun day to get away from work and in the snow.
Cheers!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
That's no hut...that's the john at the trailhead! :-)
Congrats on the winter summit!
-Ryan
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
