Katahdin backcountry?

[deadheadskier]

Just curious. I've never had the opportunity to go to Katahdin. I was wondering if anyone had any BC experience there - especially above tree line.

 

[bigbog]

.........

Some nice stuff...
1) MichaelJ's freeheeling trip last February...to the BSP/Katahdin area.
2) Skiing some of Katahdin's chutes coverage in Meatheadfilms' Epoch...of a few season's back.

8)

 

[dmc]

Just curious. I've never had the opportunity to go to Katahdin. I was wondering if anyone had any BC experience there - especially above tree line.

From what I hear... There's a crapload of redtape you have to get through to plan a winter trip

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Just curious. I've never had the opportunity to go to Katahdin. I was wondering if anyone had any BC experience there - especially above tree line.

From what I hear... There's a crapload of redtape you have to get through to plan a winter trip

Right you are, DMC. The area is closed (or at least it used to be) in the prime Spring season.

It's easier if you know the Ranger :wink:

 

[dmc]

Just curious. I've never had the opportunity to go to Katahdin. I was wondering if anyone had any BC experience there - especially above tree line.

From what I hear... There's a crapload of redtape you have to get through to plan a winter trip

Right you are, DMC. The area is closed (or at least it used to be) in the prime Spring season.

It's easier if you know the Ranger :wink:

You can get in but you gotta prove your skillz...
Cause it's pretty hairy..

 

[David Metsky]

Nah, the red tape isn't that bad. There is good skiing to be had, but you do have to work quite a bit to get to it. It's worth it if you love the area, which I do.

-dave-

 

[pizza]

Nah, the red tape isn't that bad. There is good skiing to be had, but you do have to work quite a bit to get to it. It's worth it if you love the area, which I do.

-dave-

I understand the biggest obstacle is getting to the mountain from the park entrance, because the roads aren't plowed. So you have to snowshoe or x-c ski 15 miles to get to the base of Katahdin..

I've never been there, that's just what I heard.

 

[dmc]

Nah, the red tape isn't that bad. There is good skiing to be had, but you do have to work quite a bit to get to it. It's worth it if you love the area, which I do.

-dave-

Cool.. Someday.. I want more skillz before I go though.

 

[Starter Jackets Rule!]

Watch out for the NPS P1G'S
They will turn you away and possably write you up...I should know been there done that....Arrrrr.

 

[riverc0il]

i believe there is a write up in the goodman book. check it out.

 

[smootharc]

It's the mother of all car trips.....

....and a bit off topic....but if you're jonesing big time for eastern BC perhaps the Chic-Chocs (touched on in other threads here and there) on the Gaspe Peninsula is worth considering.

Gotta go. Jetting off to Chile first thing tomorrow in the brand new G5 (painted to look like Rossi Roc 550's) with a bevy of ski bunnies for some freshies at Valle Nevado. Wait, sorry, I'm confused. I bumped my head mountain biking today. Actually down to the basement for some laundry duty....then mowing the back 40 tomorrow....after making my infamous Sunday morning waffles....

Oh, the mundane-osityness of it all....

:lol:

 

[riverc0il]

good one smootharc! you had me going there for a second! :lol: until you mentioned the bevy of ski bunnies and then i was just like, what?

 

[bvibert]

:lol: You had me going there too smootharc! I was pissed enough that you were going to Chile, the ski bunny thing just about set me over the top!

 

[skintowin]

I skied there this past March. Really amazing. Renting out the Chimney Pond cabin puts you right at the base of a huge array of big chutes.

It is a long way in - you will want to tow a gear sled behind you. You will ski 12 pretty flat miles to Roaring Brook the first day, then four steep ones to Chimney Pond.

There is a lot of red tape. Because it's so remote and dangerous, the rangers want to know all about your experience level. There are a lot of equipment requirements, some of which are a little ridiculous (I believe one was 60 feet of rope per person). Make sure you are clear on all of them - the group that followed us was denied access above treeline because they didn't bring helmets (duh!). It helps a lot if you have someone in your group who has been there before. Then the rangers can verify your claims as far as your skills are concerned.

If you can make it happen, you will be blown away at the skiing you will find up there. In this part of the country, its as good as it gets. Great scenery too if you are lucky enough to get clear skies.

Oh yeah, stay away from the south facing slope of the Hamlin Peak ridge. Sketchy snow!!!!

 

[awf170]

happen to take any pics skintowin

 

[teachski]

Watch out for the NPS P1G'S
They will turn you away and possably write you up...I should know been there done that....Arrrrr.

...and just what do you mean by this! They are just doing their jobs! They are an agent of the mountain that are there to ensure the safety of the patrons. I just happen to (rep)resent that!

 

[smootharc]

Please don't ban me from the site....

:lol: You had me going there too smootharc! I was pissed enough that you were going to Chile, the ski bunny thing just about set me over the top!

I have all kinds of idiodic thoughts left to share, and AlpineZone is so much cheaper than my therapist.

Now my wife's therapy bill....that's another topic altogether. Hey, she didn't have to say "I do"...... :lol:

 

[Starter Jackets Rule!]

Watch out for the NPS P1G'S
They will turn you away and possably write you up...I should know been there done that....Arrrrr.

...and just what do you mean by this! They are just doing their jobs! They are an agent of the mountain that are there to ensure the safety of the patrons. I just happen to (rep)resent that!

lighten up teach....ya pc poop!
my old man was a nps porker (worked tucks thats where at age 4.5 i cut my theeth skiing) the old man never treated any one like the k-tards treat people...down right rude mo' fo's!

 

[David Metsky]

the old man never treated any one like the k-tards treat people...down right rude mo' fo's!

I've never been treated poorly by the rangers at Baxter in the many times I've been there.

-dave-

 

[Starter Jackets Rule!]

the old man never treated any one like the k-tards treat people...down right rude mo' fo's!

I've never been treated poorly by the rangers at Baxter in the many times I've been there.

-dave-

Lucky you, eh?