Trip
Glacier Ski/Snowboard - Paradise Glacier
A classic ski route with often fine ski conditions
Contacts
- Sat, Jun 19, 2021
- Foothills Backcountry Skiing Committee
- Backcountry Skiing
- Adults
- M2G Advanced Glacier Ski
- Challenging
- Mileage: 8.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,600 ft
- High Point Elevation: 9,200 ft
- Pace: 800 ft/h
- FULL (8 capacity)
- FULL (1 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
The general idea is to ascend Mazama Ridge to Sluskin's Chair and then the Paradise Valley to just shy of Cowlitz Gap and then ascend the glacier , skirting the crevasse fields to "Little Africa" and then "Moon Rocks" -- The descent route with retrace the ascent route -- with a possible variation to return via The Golden Gate.
Here is a rough approximation of the planned ascent/descent route -- based on my several prior trips to the area
https://www.gaiagps.com/public/TFtSCQ24F6WNAXhsShC2yKGQ
Because this route mostly above timberline , good visibility is needed for route finding , particularly skirting the crevasse fields on the glacier.
If visiblity isn't great, we will discuss alternate destinations -- e.g. Cowlitz Rocks, the standard Muir route, Castle Saddle , etc.
8:00 AM
Paradise Parking Lot in front of the comfort station.
At this time due to COVID-19, I'm discouraging carpooling with non-household members. The trip plans and guidance may change at anytime due to changing conditions, this includes last minute cancellation.
Paradise Glacier
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USGS Mt Rainier East
Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
- The Ten Essentials
- Boots, skis/splitboard, poles (snowshoes not acceptable for uphill travel)
- Climbing skins
- Avalanche shovel (metal blade)
- Avalanche beacon (three antenna digital only)
- Avalanche probe
- Ski Crampons
- Self-arrest grip ski pole(s)
Glacier climbing gear:
- Seat harness
- Rescue pulley
- Webbing and carabiners
- Pickets or other anchor device
- Rope