Winter/Spring mountaineering

[AlexeyD]

If non-14ers are of interest to you, Audobon in the Indian Peaks is a nice, relatively avalanche-safe winter objective. Also Flattop in RMNP (very nice as a ski mountaineering peak, if you're into that).

[DoctorBreaks]

If non-14ers are of interest to you, Audobon in the Indian Peaks is a nice, relatively avalanche-safe winter objective. Also Flattop in RMNP (very nice as a ski mountaineering peak, if you're into that).

Now that you mention both of those, it's interesting that both mountains are in my snow climbs book lol. I am interested in only 14ers for now. Then go for the Centennials. Thanks for the suggestions though! I did Flattop this May and it was really nice!

[Broken Knee]

It's not uncommon to get reasonably dry conditions in December. A partner and I did the north face of Longs in late December many years ago. We had patchy snow that went from styrofoam to breakable crust on the approach and mostly dry rock on the route. You just have to keep a pulse on your target(s), read condition reports, etc. Do the stuff that is in shape and safe. Getting out into the hills often helps, even if your goals are smaller.

[DoctorBreaks]

It's not uncommon to get reasonably dry conditions in December. A partner and I did the north face of Longs in late December many years ago. We had patchy snow that went from styrofoam to breakable crust on the approach and mostly dry rock on the route. You just have to keep a pulse on your target(s), read condition reports, etc. Do the stuff that is in shape and safe. Getting out into the hills often helps, even if your goals are smaller.

Don't get me wrong I love all mountains of different sizes and elevations. If it is not reasonable to drive far for a 14er and or the weather doesn't permit, I'd be more than happy just to get out every weekend no matter where it is.

[AlexeyD]

I believe people often do Grays and Torreys in winter as well - though you'd definitely have to plan on hiking or skiing the 3 miles each way along the access road. There also may be areas of avy hazard, for example when traversing under Kelso mountain or if doing the traverse from the grays-torreys saddle. Kelso Ridge on Torreys sounds like an interesting winter scramble.

[DoctorBreaks]

I believe people often do Grays and Torreys in winter as well - though you'd definitely have to plan on hiking or skiing the 3 miles each way along the access road. There also may be areas of avy hazard, for example when traversing under Kelso mountain or if doing the traverse from the grays-torreys saddle. Kelso Ridge on Torreys sounds like an interesting winter scramble.

Already done both! Would love to redo them though as when I went in early June this year it was beautiful. So much snow still! Love to go in winter and check it out.

[DaveSwink]

You always want to check and consider current conditions, but this summitpost page by Scott is very useful in choosing winter 14ers objectives.
http://www.summitpost.org/colorado-14er ... ter/337648

[DoctorBreaks]

You always want to check and consider current conditions, but this summitpost page by Scott is very useful in choosing winter 14ers objectives.
http://www.summitpost.org/colorado-14er ... ter/337648

Dave... This is literally what I've been looking for for a while now. You are awesome!! I couldn't find any books with info on Colorado 14ers in winter!
You're the best!

[Scott P]

I couldn't find any books with info on Colorado 14ers in winter!

If interested, Dawson's guides for the 14ers have winter information in them.

[DaveSwink]

Dave... This is literally what I've been looking for for a while now. You are awesome!! I couldn't find any books with info on Colorado 14ers in winter! You're the best!

That would be Scott, just above ^^^ that is awesome.

[DoctorBreaks]

You're both awesome! Thank you Scott! Looks like another book I'll be buying.

[dsunwall]

I couldn't find any books with info on Colorado 14ers in winter!

Lets keep it that way, I don't want the peaks in winter to get as crowded as in summer, peeps can stay in the ski areas during winter. It's much safer there as well. I just hate it when someone tracks up the trail ahead of me, spoils the serenity.