For the past two days I’ve been climbing some ultra classic alpine routes in the Notchtop drainage and the Longs Peak cirque. Other than huge cornices over the Ptarmigan Fingers and some big wet avalanche debris (now pretty old), alpine conditions are as good as I’ve seen them. Over the two days we found little post-holing even by mid-afternoon. All the classics (Dreamweaver, Flying Duchman, Martha, Ptarmigans, Spiral etc..) look in great shape. The Ptarmigans look like great climbing or skiing but anyone in the area really has to stay out from under the cornices.
Each day we found great coverage and firm snow for skinning or hiking any approach. Now is the time to get in snow climbing ascents and ski mountaineering decents.
Get into Rocky Mountain National Park now. Conditions are ideal!
Hope to see you on one of our courses or guided climbs soon.
John Bicknell
CMS Senior Guide
jbicknell@totalclimbing.com
www.totalclimbing.com