Hello Everyone,
I have been practicing with my axe and crampons for a month or so now. I think I am ready to move past the bunny hill (random 40' slope on the way up to dream lake). At some point you need to get out and use some of the stuff you learn right? My goal is to practice proper techniques in ascending and more importantly descending snow covered slopes so that next year I can start enjoying more winter climbs that were out of my skill level this year.
I know it's spring and such places may not be do able NOW but I am also looking for Fall Winter. (but if you know of areas safe to do now please speak up! I don't want to wait till winter >.<) I've heard people mention St. Mary's glacier however never been there.
Anyone have any good areas they like to go keeping in mind I'm still a beginner. Places that don't require a 4wd car or 8miles of approach would be great to.
Thanks Everyone, I always find your info useful!
Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
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- Valesia
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Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
Life does not come with cairns to guide you, you must follow your dreams.
- highpilgrim
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
There are four or five of varying difficulty on Missouri. You can start with the one on the right and work your way left as you gain confidence. It is a southeastern face so get an early start because it gets soft fast and the snow in the basin below is deep and mushy once it does.
I can't speak to the approach to the trailhead at this time.
Sorry, just saw the 8 mile disclaimer. This one is a little less than that...
I can't speak to the approach to the trailhead at this time.
Sorry, just saw the 8 mile disclaimer. This one is a little less than that...
Last edited by highpilgrim on Thu May 08, 2014 12:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Hunter S Thompson
Walk away from the droning and leave the hive behind.
Dick Derkase
Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
Glen Cove on Pikes Peak, 5 min walk from the tollway.
- SchralpTheGnar
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
Spring/summer is THE season for snow climbing. St. Mary's is great area, right above the lake is steep, the glacier itself is mellow, close approach, like 15 minutes from the TH
Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
Cristo Couloir on the south side of Quandary is used by many groups as a snow-climbing training ground.
“There are two kinds of climbers: those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” - Alex Lowe
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
- Valesia
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
That's one I was thinking about, Assuming I can get down the road HAHASurfNTurf wrote:Cristo Couloir on the south side of Quandary is used by many groups as a snow-climbing training ground.
Life does not come with cairns to guide you, you must follow your dreams.
Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
Winter usually isn't a good time to climb couloirs. As someone else pointed out, late Spring and Summer is the normal season.I don't want to wait till winter
Anyway, the Angel of Shavano is a good beginner snow climb, but it might be out of season soon(?).
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
Little Italy is a common one for people use for learning, just be careful after the turn at the heel of the boot there isn't much runout after that. There are a few other options as well.Buckie06 wrote:Glen Cove on Pikes Peak, 5 min walk from the tollway.
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- Valesia
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Re: Beginner Couloirs/Gullies for Practice and Training
That is VERY helpful!
Life does not come with cairns to guide you, you must follow your dreams.