May 31, 2014, Inter Glacier
5/31/14
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
6182
1
Started our ascent at 8:30am under clear blue skies, comfortable temps, and light winds. Continuous snow began 2.5 miles from the trailhead. The snow on Inter Glacier was well-bonded and skinning conditions were excellent.
6.5 hours later, tired from the long ascent beneath a cloudless sun and no cooling breeze, we reached SteamBoat Prow. Snacked, snapped a few pics, took a 20 minute nap, then prepared for our descent.
The top 200' was lightly crusted but carveable. The next 1,500' was flawless hero corn snow. Conditions were so good, I can't recall the last time I skied such perfect spring snow. The remaining 1,200' descent, to the toe of the Inter Glacier was difficult due to 18+" of ski penetration on very wet snow. 2.5 hours later, we arrived at the White River Campground parking lot where we happily unloaded our backpacks.
A spectacular day skiing Rainier's dramatic lower NE face.
6.5 hours later, tired from the long ascent beneath a cloudless sun and no cooling breeze, we reached SteamBoat Prow. Snacked, snapped a few pics, took a 20 minute nap, then prepared for our descent.
The top 200' was lightly crusted but carveable. The next 1,500' was flawless hero corn snow. Conditions were so good, I can't recall the last time I skied such perfect spring snow. The remaining 1,200' descent, to the toe of the Inter Glacier was difficult due to 18+" of ski penetration on very wet snow. 2.5 hours later, we arrived at the White River Campground parking lot where we happily unloaded our backpacks.
A spectacular day skiing Rainier's dramatic lower NE face.
This is one of the best ski runs in Washington when you hit it right for spring skiing. I rarely lap something in spring because spring is not my thing, but this run I have. It has a perfect pitch and can be so smooth like a manicured run at some posh resort in Colorado with perfect corn but far better because you feel like a soaring bird. You seem to have hit it right.....definitely envious I was not there.
I will have to settle for left overs this year, but this run will happen.
I will have to settle for left overs this year, but this run will happen.
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