Provisional Leader: Shonee Langford
Observing Leader: Gabe Starr
When: March 7 or 8, 2020, or backup dates of March 28 or 29
Where: Mount St. Helens, WA
Contact: Shonee Langford (shoneelangford@gmail.com)
Difficulty: S1
Driving distance: 234 miles RT
Route distance: 12 miles RT
Elevation gain: 5800 feet
Max group size: 6-8
Description:
Mount St. Helens, Worm Flows, Ski Descent
The primary date for this climb is Saturday, March 7, 2020. The backup dates are March 8, 28 and 29.
Mount St. Helens offers an outstanding ski or snowboard descent. Starting at Marble Mountain Sno-Park, we will ascend the Worm Flows climbing route. This is the standard winter climbing route, totaling 12 miles round trip and 5800 feet of elevation gain. We will start at sunrise, skinning our way to the crater rim. If conditions allow, we will continue along the crater rim to the true summit. Then the best part: 4,000 feet of well-earned turns, with envious plunge-steppers looking on, followed by a long, gentle runout that will carry us right to our cars (snowpack willing). You will have the option of camping at the trailhead the evening before or driving up the day of the climb.
Minimum Requirements for this Winter Ski Climb:
-Companion rescue competency (must have beacon, probe, shovel and know how to use them to locate and dig out a buried team member). AIARE Level 1 training is ideal, but not mandatory.
-Significant backcountry skiing experience, including at least one comparable trip with similar elevation gain and terrain
-Solid uphill travel skills, including laying a skin track and using uphill turn techniques
-Ability to competently ski advanced backcountry terrain in difficult and variable surface conditions
-Ability to carry skis/boards on pack and climb moderately steep snow in ski/ splitboard boots fitted with crampons
-Basic ice axe skills
Contact Shonee Langford (shoneelangford@gmail.com) for more info or to apply for a spot.