Roger Klinger [[log in to unmask]] writes:

>>Permanent snowfields are few in CO, while the PNW has many snowfields
&
>>glaciers skiable any time, but they can be pretty nasty-dirty &
>>runnelled by half-past August into September.
>>See: http://www.turns-all-year.com/
>>
>>dana
>
>Dana,
>Is a large portion of that stuff snowfields, or do you need to have
glacier
>knowledge to have any hope of skiing there in late June/Early July?  I
>could see myself going out there next year at the end of the school
year,
>but would probably be solo, and therefor wouldn't do it if crevasses
were
>an issue.

Depends on when, and what "large portion" means.  In June/July there is
plenty of stuff which does _not_ have anything to do with glaciers, but
by August you're down to the _permanent_ snowfield and glaciers, both of
which can develop crevasses and large holes.

The most accessable late-season snowfield is probably the Muir Snowfield
on the popular Rainier climbing route. (Usually pretty crappy by August
due to the southern exposure, but often great in June/early July.) But
any time you're on the Muir you need to have decent orienteering skills
to be able to get your butt back from whence you came in a whiteout.
It's bounded by glaciers & cliffy bits- not a good place to get lost.
But if you're not sure, you can usually tap shoulders of more
experienced backcountry skiers in the parking lot and get some guidance-
just don't lose sight of 'em if the fog/rain/snow moves in!

Another easy-acces shot where it's harder to get lost is the Sourdough
Chutes out of Sunrise on the E. side of Mount Rainier Nat'l Park.
They're best right after the road opens for the season (usually on the
cusp of June/July give or take a few weeks. Currently it's slated to
open 25 June 2004).  It cooks out pretty quickly though, by mid-late
July it's usually toast. Sweet 3-500' kinda-steep N facing Chutes off
the Sourdough ridge, a good half-dozen of 'em or more. Get a topo,
figure it out. It's less than 15 minutes from the parking lot.

Ping me next year when you're ready to go- I can probably hook you up
with a local.

dana

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