Summit Question

[sprocket7]

Hi,

A couple of friends and myself are going to make the trip for the first time in mid-May this year. I've been there a couple times in summer already, and I know that its possible to hike the ravine and then reach the summit in one day. My question is that would it be possible to do this in May, while still enjoying a couple of runs down the ravine on the way back? I'm not sure what sort of conditions to expect and I'm a little concerned that we would run out of time.

Thanks!

Chris

[skicdave]

Chris,

If your planning to hike up and ski from the summit, its touch and go by mid May (too exposed to wind and sun). You could always hike to the top of the headwall and park your skis there for a jaunt up to the summit for a thrill, then hike back down to the headwall to do a few runs... certainly possible.

Everything is determined on the weather... so unpredicable as I am sure your aware of!

Best to have a plan, but a few alternate options in case the weather/conditions aren't in your favour.

Enjoy

[sprocket7]

Thanks for the reply! I'm not necessarily interested in riding down from the summit, but I will if possible. I really just want to hike up there while we are there. As I said I've been there a couple of times already in the summer, including a hut-to-hut trip accross the whole Presidential Range, so I know what to expect weather-wise. We won't go unless a clear day is expected.

Once you are at the lip of the ravine, how long should it take to reach the summit? In my memory, about an hour seems to stick out.

Chris

[skicdave]

About an hour from top of headwall to the summit is about right.

Thats a great hike across the peaks! Managed Madison, Lakes and Mitspah once.. other times weather prevented us from doing the whole trek so we've had to do it in bits and pieces. Its certainly a blast up there when the weather co-operates.

I've also done the trek from Crawford across to Lafayette several years ago. Those are big hikes between camps as I recall. A good 9 hours with constant up and down vertical.

[sprocket7]

We did the Crawford path, staying at Lake of the Clouds and Madison. It was a great trip!

Thanks for the feedback.

[mengo76]

I'm also interested in going all the way to the summit this time. I was thinking of this weekend but I'm a little scared of the weather. I have 2 more weekends to gamble on.

My Q's would be, how is the hike from the lip to the summit? Can you do it in ski boots? Or do you need regular boots + crampons? Usually I leave all my gear at lunch rocks, was wondering if I was gonna have to lug it all the way up to the summit this time...