14ers.com • Peak Condition Update

Peak:	Mt. Antero (14er)
Route:	West Slopes
Range:	Sawatch
Posted By:	samrosemac
Date of Info:	01/17/2021
Date Posted:	01/19/2021

Details
Summitted Antero via the West Slopes route on January 17, 2021. Zero chance that even a 4WD vehicle could make it up the icy and snowed-out road past the lower trailhead, so plan to trek the entire 16 miles round-trip. Used microspikes for the entire ascent. Tied our snowshoes to a tree just before leaving treeline, to reduce pack weight. Retrieved snowshoes and wore them on the descent from treeline because the snow had softened - very helpful. Was relieved to see that there was barely any snow on the mountain slopes above treeline besides on the road/trail itself. Very low avalanche danger above treeline. EXTREMELY STRONG wind - consistent 30-50mph. Highly recommend bringing an ice axe for stability and possible self arrest, as well as full-body protection (ski goggles, mittens, hand and foot warmers). Another climber we met turned around because of the wind (he didn't have an ice axe), which I very much respect. The round-trip climb took 12 hours (5:30am-5:30pm). No cell service at the lower parking lot so have your GPS directions ready to get home.

Details

Summitted Antero via the West Slopes route on January 17, 2021.

Zero chance that even a 4WD vehicle could make it up the icy and snowed-out road past the lower trailhead, so plan to trek the entire 16 miles round-trip.

Used microspikes for the entire ascent. Tied our snowshoes to a tree just before leaving treeline, to reduce pack weight. Retrieved snowshoes and wore them on the descent from treeline because the snow had softened - very helpful.

Was relieved to see that there was barely any snow on the mountain slopes above treeline besides on the road/trail itself. Very low avalanche danger above treeline.

EXTREMELY STRONG wind - consistent 30-50mph. Highly recommend bringing an ice axe for stability and possible self arrest, as well as full-body protection (ski goggles, mittens, hand and foot warmers). Another climber we met turned around because of the wind (he didn't have an ice axe), which I very much respect.

The round-trip climb took 12 hours (5:30am-5:30pm). No cell service at the lower parking lot so have your GPS directions ready to get home.

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