| Mt Shasta Climb & Ski Update May 31- June 2, 2008 |
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Mt. Shasta Climb & Ski – Not Your Average Weekend Climb May 31st – Day 1: The group met first thing in the morning at the Fifth Season Sport Shop in Shasta. After an equipment check, the group headed out to the trailhead where last minute pack adjustments were made. From the Bunny Flat trailhead it is a four hour hike to Hidden Valley where the group set up basecamp. Setting up basecamp doesn’t merely consist of pitching tents but includes, digging platforms for tents and a kitchen and common area. This was the first “snow camping” experience for many in the group. It is important on the first day you are out there to drink lots of water and each as much as you can because you will need all the energy for the next couple of days. The group tucked down for the night after a dinner of hearty soup, cheesy pasta with fresh basil and cookies for dessert. June 1st – Day 2: The group woke up just after sunrise to a hearty breakfast of hot oatmeal and coffee. After getting their packs ready for the day’s excursion, the group was up and skinning/climbing up the west face of Shastina, (11,500ft) by 8:00am. It was a short two hour climb, took a rest up at the top then skied 1500ft back down to basecamp. This day is all about taking it easy and getting acclimatized. After a leisurely lunch, Chris Fellows and lead guide Rich Meyer put together a snowschool where they went over how to self arrest, walking tied to a rope, equipment overview and climbing techniques. The group finished the day with an early dinner of soup followed by burritos with beans, rice and fresh veggies. The group “hit the sack” before the sun began to set. June 2nd – Day 3: Wake-up call at 1:00am! After hot coffee and
a hearty breakfast the group assembled and strapped on their head lamps
and began their ascent to the summit. Team NASTC began climbing around
2:00 am reached summit at 9:00am. The sunrise from Mt. Shasta was breathtaking.
After a refueling and a short rest the group had a unique opportunity
to ski right off the summit block – this happens rarely, the conditions
must be just right. The 5,000 vertical ft. descent took almost 2 hours
to complete and the snow was perfect spring corn! Check out the calendar
for next year’s Mt. Shasta Climb and Ski!
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