Dec 09, 2012, NCNP, Hidden Lake Peak

Although we failed to recruit any more trail-breakers, David and I decided to try a day tour up Hidden Lake Peak thinking this would probably be the last time until next Spring. His Subaru made it to 1800' leaving about a mile from our planned starting point.

We followed the West ridge up through relatively sparse forest over many downed trees not quite snow-covered yet.  The snow got deeper higher though trail-breaking effort remained moderate until the last 1500'. We reached the upper open slope around 2pm, spent another hour up to near the summer trail. Surprisingly the top 1000' of the ridge seemed still rocky, maybe wind-blown or those boulders were too big to be covered yet.  Anyway, that was good enough reason to turn around.

Skiing the upper 1000' was wonderful in 2~3 feet powder well consolidated but still light.  The best was a small opening among upper trees, short but with 3' of light powder on 45 deg slope.  Just effortless flying down... 

The rest of the descent was easier than we had dreaded except we had to pull out our trusty headlamps for the last 1000' and a mile on the road.  About 8.5 hrs for 4300' vert.  A workout, but very satisfying trip.  Wished the sun was out for us...