Skiing/riding Tuckermans

[snowmonster]

Holy Borat, Batman!

I was there to see this. Somehow, it's seared into my brain -- unfortunately. I was up there last year with a fine crew of AZers -- andy and vee zee, roark and madpadraic (in a graduation gown). Can't wait to get back. If you decide to ski dressed like Borat or in your birthday suit, just avoid the men in green jackets. Tux is under USFS supervision and that sort of stuff is illegal.

 

[urban07sti]

I will be wearing normal ski gear, don't worry haha.

Got a work buddy in on it too, he's a pretty accomplished skier, should be a great time!

 

[urban07sti]

Any update on conditions?

 

[davidhowland14]

yup.

this TR is from today. No pics, but a solid assessment by a TUX vet.

http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9544

and here's some pics from the tuckerman.org avy site.

first aid cache buried under tons and tons of snow

large fracture on lip/sluice. there is a ton of snow for this time of year! esp. compared to last year.

looking up at the bowl. Keep in mind there are trees here that are taller than me and are buried.

 

[urban07sti]

So I've been doing more reading/searching.....trying to get ready for heading up in Mid-April/Early May I think if conditions allow.

Should I need/use crampons? I do not plan on doing the craziest line up there, it's my first time, but I want to be prepared. I'm assuming I will not need a beacon or anything real "gear" other than my boots, ski or board, food, water, extra clothes. How about a shovel?

Thanks, sorry for the newb questions.

 

[davidhowland14]

It really depends on the conditions and the temperature while you're there. For the Tuckerman Ravine trail you should be fine with just hiking boots. Crampons are reasurring, but not necessary. If you're not used to the exposure of being up on a steep line and feeling like you're gonna fall off, crampons and and axe can help make you feel safer.

As far as shovel and avi gear goes, if it's not safe to be in the ravine, the rangers'll tell you. you won't be alone up there, especially on a weekend.

 

[riverc0il]

Should I need/use crampons? I do not plan on doing the craziest line up there, it's my first time, but I want to be prepared. I'm assuming I will not need a beacon or anything real "gear" other than my boots, ski or board, food, water, extra clothes. How about a shovel?

Thanks, sorry for the newb questions.

No, you don't need crampons. If you bring them, make sure you have an ax and know how to self arrest and can do so. But even then, with established boot ladders and turning around on bullet proof days, you should be able to hike most of the normal lines in that area with out issue. If you are hiking up the TRT, sometimes a traction device may be helpful if there is ice on the trail but crampons would be over kill for this.

Assuming you are going during Spring Corn season when the snow pack has solidified and avalanche conditions are essentially not an issue, beacon probe and shovel are not needed. But beware that a date on a calendar does not decide when spring skiing begins and avalanche conditions are no longer an issue. It can become a dangerous winter wonderland at any point given what the weather may do.

 

[urban07sti]

Thanks for the responses. I don't have experience with either (crampons/climbing axes), so not sure if they would do more harm than good. I'm hoping to be up there in solid spring corn conditions where climbing would not be on boiler plate. Thanks again.

Any further discussion/help is always appreciated.

 

[dmc]

Assuming you are going during Spring Corn season when the snow pack has solidified and avalanche conditions are essentially not an issue

When we head up to get a meal of corn - we usually climb the Right Gully..
And it's usually early in the morn.. And I'm ALWAYS psyched I have crampons(and axe) cause lots of nights the steps can get sloppy after freeze thaw..