Practicing Crampon / Ice axe use on San Jac

[chris in redlands]

Going with some friends to the summit of San Jac in a couple weeks via the tram. Not all are interested in fiddling with crampons and ice axes, so need to stick sort of close to the trail. Is there a spot that will still have enough snow on it in two weeks to practice? I've only been to the summit via the tram three times and can't remember likely spots.

I guess the first question i should have asked was 'will crampons be required in two weeks?' We tried to go up Baldy Bowl last night starting at 0130. Got turned back above the ski hut by a really hard-frozen snow field that probably would have been a piece of cake with the right gear. New plans for Shasta in early July and want to get out with the gear before the snow's all gone.

Thanks in advance.

[Perry]

At the boulder field at 10,000 feet you'll be at the base of Jean Peak's north face. But if you are still learning you might not want to go too far up and not pick the steepest spot. There's also a short steep hill just to the east of the adventure center called "suicide hill." I don't know if it will still have much snow, but there is a flat area at the bottom in case of a failed self-arrest.

[chris in redlands]

Excellent, thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know. Not planning to get too fancy, mostly just to get the feel for walking in crampons, take them off and try a self-arrest or two. Jean's north face sounds like the ticket.