June 20, 2012, S Early Winters via SW Buttress

My friend Jessica and I celebrated summer solstice by climbing the SW Buttress on South Early Winters Spire, a 10-pitch rock route in Washington Pass. Blue Lake TH still has lots of snow so the route can be approached on skis right from the car. After getting out of the forest, the snow was pretty frozen so ski crampons were definitely useful. Ten pitches and several rappels later, skiing back all the way to the trail head around 5:30 was very nice. Some sun cups and runnels lower, but still enjoyable.

Our objective, South Early Winters Spire



First you climb it...
http://radkaandchris.smugmug.com/Climbing/South-Early-WintersSW/i-jNqhsfr/0/X2/RC-0120-X2.jpg" />

...then you ski it!


More pictures and a more detailed report of the climbing route here:

http://radkaandchris.smugmug.com/Climbing/South-Early-WintersSW/23705101_FbfF8N