December 24, 2009, Grouse Ridge (Baker)

Paul, Toby, and I made our way out to Grouse ridge via sled which was somewhat of a moot point. This is because you can drive nearly to the Heliotrope summer trailhead. Conditions in the Marmot/Grouse area was a nice mix of lingering powder and deposited wind buff. Temperatures on southern aspects were nearly spring like with winds abscent to variable. Given the easy approach (great road conditions) up the Marmot drainage, I would recommend this to anyone who might be thinking about a Christmas day tour. Only one other party of two...so it was again a great place to meet people.....I could hear their hollers of joy in the distant realms of the ridge and their turns reflected their satisfaction. Overall, another great 2009 outing and probably my last....for the year.