Last week-end did not offer many options with the very poor weather forecast. However, I really wanted to try out my new skis and was willing to deal with really crappy weather. Thank god I have a climbing friend that has the same outdoor addiction that I do and is ok to spend a day in the rain!
Since there has been some recent TR on this small mountain (thanks John!), I thought it would be nice to check it out, especially that there is little AVI exposure.
Note on the access: Google maps recommended to take the same road you usually take to go to Elk-Thurston and then follow a logging road up the valley. However, there can be some snow on that road and it`s not 2wd at all. I would recommend to take the Chilliwak road all the way to the turn off on the left (just after the Ford Mountain Detention Center) and head back west after crossing the bridge. The mileage might be slightly longer but it is much faster and safer.
We managed to get the jeep 2 km up Thurston road which left us 6 km to climb up to the summit.
Because of the poor snow on the logging road I had the pleasure to carry my skis and boots for at least another 2 km.
I finally got the chance to experience the joys of ski touring on slushy snow during a rainy day. However, it seemed a bit more pleasant than my snowshoes.
As we got higher, the rain turned to snow and as we made it to our first open views, we got some weather clearing allowing us to see across the valley.
When we were under the alpine zone, we took some distance from each other, in case a slide would wipe one of us out.
I would say at about 1200m, it got really nice since the snow got powdery and there were some good weather improvements.
Once at the Mercer-Thurston col, we made it up to the ridge all the way to the top where took a break next to the SAR cabin.
This is where it got to be really fun; I got to put myself in downhill mode. Having ultralight skis was really interesting in this powder (3 kg the pair with bindings). It really required a lot work on my calves to keep them stable.
Because of my rustiness in skiing, Dean was just fine keeping up with me. I think he had to wait for me a few times, especially on the logging road that is cut by a few creeks.
Overall a nice 14 km hike return with a good 1400 m elevation gain. Totally worth getting soaked and cold!
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