Fourth Annual 14ers Winter Welcomer!

[GregMiller Profile 14er Peak List (22) 14ers Skied (2)13er Peak List (9)Trip Reports]

I learned the basics of winter mountaineering on a similar hike (January Quandary IV), and I had a lot of fun returning the favor at last year's Winter Welcomer. I'm definitely in again. Especially since I missed the Fall Gathering...

I'll stick to the standard route, since the main point of this is the social/educational atmosphere. In fact, if anyone wants to hike in a short ways Friday night and go over the basics of snow camping, I might just hate myself enough to be talked into it.

I think I'll take you up on that. I generally know what I'm doing, just need to find fellow gluttons for punishment

If there's enough snow to make a snow cave, I'd be happy to make an attempt at building one, though.

[14erAddict Profile 14er Peak List (22) 14ers in Winter (2)13er Peak List (4)]

I learned the basics of winter mountaineering on a similar hike (January Quandary IV), and I had a lot of fun returning the favor at last year's Winter Welcomer. I'm definitely in again. Especially since I missed the Fall Gathering...

I'll stick to the standard route, since the main point of this is the social/educational atmosphere. In fact, if anyone wants to hike in a short ways Friday night and go over the basics of snow camping, I might just hate myself enough to be talked into it.

I just might have to talk you into camping then

Count me in!

[Upstate Hiker Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

I am a maybe. I might be out of town that weekend.

[kushrocks Profile Website 14er Peak List (57) 14ers in Winter (9)13er Peak List (7)Trip Reports]

...I'm definitely in again...I'll stick to the standard route, since the main point of this is the social/educational atmosphere...

Good call Jeff. I will most likely be there and would love to help some new members summit their first peak in the snow . . . . provided you are dog friendly. I suppose the big question now is where is the after party?

Looking forward to it.
Ryan

[Justin9 Profile 14er Peak List (44) 14ers in Winter (1)]

Sounds fun. Count me in.

[FireOnTheMountain Profile 14er Peak List (50) 14ers Skied (1)14ers in Winter (10)13er Peak List (198)Trip Reports]

Anyone interested in the Inwood Arete???

Yes.

Kinda like Quandry, got all the established routes except this one.

Last gathering a few of us did the West Ridge, good times.

[I Man Profile Website 14er Peak List (47) 14ers in Winter (38)13er Peak List (50)Trip Reports]

Anyone interested in the Inwood Arete???

Yes.

Kinda like Quandry, got all the established routes except this one.

Last gathering a few of us did the West Ridge, good times.

Awesome man!! I did the West Ridge back in December (first time I met Aaron) and it was a blast, but no need to repeat it.

I think we might be 3 if you join, but you are most welcome. Let me know!

[nedryarson Profile 14er Peak List (12) 13er Peak List (22)Trip Reports]

In previous years, have people had success without trekking poles or microspikes? I want to check this out but don't have either and am not really in a good spot to invest in new gear at this point. This question will probably draw some laughs - any reason you couldn't just use ski poles?

[smoove Profile 14er Peak List (39) 14ers in Winter (11)13er Peak List (27)]

In previous years, have people had success without trekking poles or microspikes? I want to check this out but don't have either and am not really in a good spot to invest in new gear at this point. This question will probably draw some laughs - any reason you couldn't just use ski poles?

I really like being able to adjust the length of the poles depending on uphill or downhill and the steepness. I also like being able to compress the poles for easy carrying on my pack when I don't feel like using them. Otherwise, ski poles would work just fine.

[BillMiddlebrook]

Another one I'll have to miss since it's during elk (rifle) season.

[Brian Thomas Profile 14er Peak List (49) 13er Peak List (57)Trip Reports]

any reason you couldn't just use ski poles?

No. I use ski poles ($10 on Craigslist) on winter hikes. The collapsible trekking poles are good when the route takes you up class 3+ terrain and you don't stash your poles.

[Dancesatmoonrise Profile 14er Peak List (58) 14ers in Winter (43)Trip Reports]

In previous years, have people had success without trekking poles or microspikes? I want to check this out but don't have either and am not really in a good spot to invest in new gear at this point. This question will probably draw some laughs - any reason you couldn't just use ski poles?

Deadly Nedly! Dude, great to see you're making it. You bet, ski poles work great. Spikes can be helpful, but not absolutely necessary.

Warm hiking boots with decent tread should work fine. I usually use spkes for the descent, since that's where slips seem more likely. If you use the poles and take some time and care, there's nothing terribly steep. Conditions can vary, but usually it's packed snow; not too loose or too icy.