Sierra Winter Ice Climbing Season Finishes Off Strong

The winter ice climbing season normally begins sometime in November as the temperatures consistently enough to allow ice to form in Lee Vining Canyon and June Lake. This year ice began forming in November and by December we had enough to begin climbing on it. As the season progressed the already good ice continued to improve. Conditions remained great in February and with cold temperatures continuing to prevail the season stretched right into the middle of March. bNow our focus is shifting to the springtime. We are busy guiding climbs on the Mt. Whitney’s Mountaineer’s Route, going backcountry skiing, and are getting out on the rock more often. Stay tuned for updates on some of these adventures.

Believe it or not California actually has ice climbing for most of the year though. As spring turns to summer the snowpack melts except in areas that don’t receive much sun. There are many gullies in the Sierra that contain permanent snow that turns to ice through many melt/freeze cycles. By later in July many of these gullies begin forming alpine ice that make for very enjoyable climbing. Some of the more popular climbs include North Peak, Mt. Dana, the V-Notch Couloir in the Palisades, the Mendel Couloir on Mt. Mendel, Checkered Demon, among others. We are taking sign ups now for these and other popular summer and fall climbs.

Here are a few pictures highlighting some of our last days of climbing for the winter season.

Rachel Hurlburt learning about the world of ice climbing for the first time!

Kurt Wedberg high on Lee Vining’s Bard Harrington Wall on March 9, 2010

SMI guide Sara Berghoff leading a pitch at June Lake

Leading a pitch of ice on Lee Vining’s Main Wall

SMI guide Trevor Anthes leading a pitch of thin ice on Lee Vining’s Bard Harrington Wall

Kurt Wedberg topping out on Lee Vining’s Main Wall as light snow begins to fall

Ice Climbing in Lee Vining Canyon January 31, 2010

The ice climbing season is in full swing in the Eastern Sierra. During the fall months as the temperature drops ice begins to form in the high walls in Lee Vining Canyon. Our first trip out there was in early December. Since that time the ice has slowly been getting more and more “fat” as water continues to drip down the walls and freeze at night. Freshly back from a successful expedition to Aconcagua we were anxious to check out the ice conditions. After teaching a Level 1 Avalanche Course on January 22-24 we then got our chance! Below are a few photos from a visit on January 31. The entire photo gallery is here: http://kurtwedbergphotography.com/hack/feed.mg?Type=gallery&Data=11112564_nBCKL&format=rss200

Chouinard Falls at Lee Vining Canyon on January 31, 2010.

The Ice Is Here!!

On Saturday we visited Lee Vining Canyon for the first time this season.  With the recent cold temperatures the ice is forming and climbing is now possible for beginning through advanced levels.  Currently as we write this it is storming in the Sierra with the first of a series of systems expected to hit the area this week.  No doubt a lot more ice will be formed up soon!  Here are a couple highlights from the day.  The rest of the pictures are here:  http://kurtwedbergphotography.com/Sierra-Trips/2009-Sierra-Trips/Lee-Vining-Cyn-Dec-5-2009/10550857_jXnfU/1/732779755_cQWdu

Lori and Heidi geared up and ready for a great day.

Heidi swinging tools on Chouinard Falls

Lori poses for the camera at the beginning of a climb.

Heidi lowering off after a successful climb.