How to Climb Mt Saint Helens in Winter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
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Most people summit Mount Saint Helens in the Spring and Summer months around the same time that you need a permit to climb. Mount St. Helens can be summited in the Winter if the conditions are right and you don't currently need a permit to do so. Just be aware that you shouldn't plan to climb this in Winter unless you live close by and can decide within a day or two of notice to climb when the weather forecast looks favorable. You also need to have some basic mountaineering knowledge to summit in Winter, but it's a great starter mountain as it's a non-technical climb, meaning you don't need advanced climbing skills or ropes. An Ice Axe and crampons are sufficient if you're climbing on foot. Skis are also sufficient without additional gear.
I knew I was going to like this video when it started with “this is a 4 sandwich climb” 😂🥪
😂 You have to stop climbing when you run out of sandwich.
I did it back in the mid 90s and did Mt Hood the same year
Well done.
Thanks!
Hey there, what month was it when you made the climb in this video?
February.
I’m planning on climbing over the Thanksgiving weekend, any tips/would you advise against this week?
Conditions could literally be anything that time of year. I would advise bringing all the climbing gear you would for a normal Winter ascent and pay close attention to the weather. It'll most likely be Fall conditions at the bottom and Winter conditions at the top. Treat it like a Winter climb but carry hiking boots because you might be walking in dirt for the first couple of miles before you hit the snow line.
Can you get a permit day of? Also do I need mountianeering boots? (We have crampons but I'm not sure if they fit to my hiking boots. Planning to summit and ski down in early January with some friends. Also where do you find reliable accurate weather conditions/forecast?
You don't need a permit for January. If you're wearing ski boots, you don't need mountaineering boots. If you're skiing down, skis should be all you need for the climb. If your ascent requires crampons, you should think twice before skiing it in the first place because ice is no fun on skis. I use this website for my forecasts: www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Saint-Helens/forecasts/2549
We're having a really bad snow year currently, so condx might not be ideal. You may end up hiking on dirt for a significant distance and chocolate falls is going to be challenging. Don't let that discourage you, just be aware coverage may be less than desirable.
@@VoiceOverTrailReviews Thank you so much for the quick reply! Just subscribed!
Are there any guided tour companies you would recommend for a winter expedition for solo travelers? Thank you!
Great question! There are none that I’m aware of. I just sort of ended up climbing it because my friends were climbing it. If you’re a proficient climber, it’ll be no problem and I’ve seen lots of people solo it. Also, you can’t plan ahead for climbing a PNW volcano. You have to watch for a weather window and then be ready to go. It’s either clear weather and you climb it or it’s socked in and you don’t. There’s no room for error on that. So, planning for a tour guide wouldn’t work so well because the weather may not agree with your schedule.
I’m planning on hiking in June 5th. Do you have any tips or helpful info. A bit nervous because this will be my first mountain summit
Snow is hanging around late this year, so be prepared for snow travel. You’ll be legit mountaineering. Wear substantial boots and bring an Ice Axe and Crampons. You don’t need mountaineering boots, but you do need boots that will accommodate crampons. Microspikes will not be sufficient. Practice self arrests with the Ice Axe and walking with the crampons before you go. You can use one of the side canyons up above Timberline Lodge the week before to practice. Find out how to secure the Ice Axe to yourself correctly as well. I’d recommend stopping by The Mountain Shop to get your gear so they can advise. Wear more sunscreen than you think you need. Sun reflecting off snow will burn the inside of your nose. If you have dark skin, wear sunscreen anyway. The sun is much stronger at elevation. It’s not like the beach. It’s worse. Wear long sleeves and pants because falling in spring snow will cut you up. Wear lightweight hiking pants and shirt as your base layer because you’ll get really hot. 🥵 Bring a hat with a brim and don’t forget sunglasses!!!