I was a little hesitant when Alexis invited me on this trip, not because of failing but scared to do it on skis. It’s only been 3 months since I started skiing and I’m not that too confident yet in difficult slope, but I accepted the challenge anyway.
Trip planning is very importatnt for this kind of trip due to limited time. We tried our best to gather information as much as we could from; gps waypoints, maps, logistic, etc.
The climber’s bivy trailhead is still closed for the season and it’s being redirected to Marble Mountain sno-park trailhead which adds up 3km travel distance.
I took this picture after coming back from the summit, re-organizing our gear for Mt. Adams. We slept on the ground at night. Alexis took the empty parking spot on the right while I was on the other side. It was very uncomfortable night as the cars kept coming in through the night. I was scared we might get run over by cars while asleep.
Alexis charging up. We could see a line of people going up from faraway.
I just took several pictures and Alexis was already a mile away from me. It was fun watching him passing everyone. I struggled on the last pitch to the top, it was a little steep for me to skin up, plus the wind added the scary factor.
What’s the crater look like. Smokes coming out from mini volcanoes.
Alexis waited for me to top out before going to the high point of the crater. We strapped our skis in our bag and proceeded on foot.
Mt. Adams, view from the crater
Mt. Hood, View from the crater
At this point, the wind has gotten stronger. Our skis were being manipulated by the wind, puling them in every direction. So, we decide to drop our backpack off along with skis, anchored in the snow with our ice axes, then continued with only poles in our hands.
I tried to Follow Alexis but the wind won over me. I could see him stopped few times, huddled in the snow trying not to get blown off the mountain.
It took me awhile to get down on the descent. My brain isn’t calibrated yet on this kind of trip on skis, plus the wind kind of lost my confidence . I hope one day I’ll be able to ski down without Alexis waiting for me. Thanks for being patient with me, Alexis.
We were back in the car by noon, it took us 6 hours round trip. We wasted no time, had snack and drove back to the ranger station to sign out.
The drive to Mt. Adams was very scenic especially driving through Gifford Pinchot National Forest. We arrived at Trout Ranger station to find out it was closed. We signed in and proceeded on suggested alternate route.
The South and Southwest climb access has been closed for public due to Cascade Creek fire back in 2012, but still can be accessed by traveling 5 miles the west edge of Aiken lava bed – Trail #11 Snipe Mountain trail.
We started by carrying our skis and boots for 1h30 through circuitous burnt forest, then another 1h30 on skis. After 9km in the forest, we both decided to call it a day. At the end of the day, we have traveled 29km, 2500m elevation gain. I felt bad for Alexis because he was the only one who’s driving on this trip.
Our camp for the night. The shallow pit indicates that we were really tired. Lol! I was so wreck that I fell asleep right away. The wind was crazy through out the night. The trees danced to the shoooooooooshsaaaaaaaashossssssshaaaaa sound of the wind!
We woke up in the morning , rehydrate, and proceeded with our plan . Alexis’ positive attitude is very infectious even though the wind hasn't been calming down for the last 24hours.
Alexis and Mt. Adams in the distance. Heading out NNW toward the South Butte.
Aiken Lave bed and Mt. Hood in the distance
We made just few meters of South Butte and the wind has getting stronger. We were having difficulty traveling on skis and on foot, knocking us down few times. Alexis' toque and one of his gloves got blown away by the wind on this trip.. Not much of a discussion, we both agreed to turn around. We had plenty of time but we couldn't move fast enough, the winds were unbearable and no sign to calm down either.
We skied down back to the camp to retrieve our remaining gear and all the way to the car.
I truly enjoyed this kind of trip and also Alexis' company. It feels like the more my body suffers, the more I appreciate the trip. It's totally worth looking back. Thanks Alexis for all the driving, motivation, and being an awesome climbing partner.
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