Dec 14, 2012, Union Peak

We followed The Burgdorfer route, following Smith Brook Rd as it climbed gently to Rainy Pass, and then ascending the ridge East to the summit.  About 3 hours car to peak.  We tried to hit the North-facing slopes from the peak, but found only cliffs.  A quick skin back to the summit, and the Southern face treated us great.  Some crust, some tree bombs, but mostly smooth, settled snow, generally deep enough that the buried rain crust wasn't palpable.  Lots of nice trees and sporty pillow lines.  No signs of instability, but we didn't look too hard.  I think Union will be a lot of fun on powder days until those pillows fill in.  (Though the payoff isn't huge given the approach.)