Windom now an “Easy Class 3”
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BillMiddlebrook
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Re: Windom now an “Easy Class 3”
As for going Windom-to-Sunlight, the standard crossover is much easier and safer. Descending the north face only saves a little distance, and you end up intersecting the main Sunlight route in the same area anyway.
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Istoodupthere
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Re: Windom now an “Easy Class 3”
After doing Windom last week, myself and a couple of people who summited around the same time agreed that it seemed class 3.
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madmattd
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Re: Windom now an “Easy Class 3”
I recall there being a discussion on here last summer shortly before I was in the basin about Windom and most people agreeing it plays as an easy C3. We (group of 2) agreed when we were there, and that was at the end of a long day where we did the other 3 14ers before finishing with Windom, and we were looking for the easiest lines we could find. Much deserved re-ranking!
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DaveLanders
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Re: Windom now an “Easy Class 3”
After reviewing this thread, and the Windom Sunlight connector thread, I decided to do a little research. While I like blaming social media for everything just as much as the next person, in this case that blame isn't justified. The Northwest face of Windom has a long history. It's in Borneman and Lampert (1978) and Gerry Roach's 14er guide (1st edition 1992). The 9th edition of Ormes (also 1992) recommends staying high in the basin to connect Windom and Sunlight although it doesn't explicitly describe the Northwest face.
I descended the Northwest face in 1986 and 1988. The 1986 descent was on snow, and I don't remember what 1988 was like, but I don't remember it as being a big deal.
It's certainly possible that the face has deteriorated since the 80's and I'm sure caution is required, but I wanted to correct the history behind this.
I descended the Northwest face in 1986 and 1988. The 1986 descent was on snow, and I don't remember what 1988 was like, but I don't remember it as being a big deal.
It's certainly possible that the face has deteriorated since the 80's and I'm sure caution is required, but I wanted to correct the history behind this.
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