Winter climbing - too difficult for a newbie from the East?

[adurb44]

Hello everyone, I am heading out your way for a couple weeks around Christmas and New Years. My wife grew up in Riverside county and I've always wanted to climb Mt. San Jacinto. My question is quite general - is a winter hike to the summit too much for a first-timer? Clothing isn't really an issue, as I figure a lot of my ski clothing would suffice. Gear, however, is a different story and I am quite unprepared in this area. What advice would you give to someone like me and what gear would you say is a necessity for the hike? I've browsed these forums a bit but haven't found answers to all of the questions I have.

Thanks!

[davenose]

Regarding whether it is too much for a first timer (not sure if you mean on a mountain in general, on San Jacinto, or in the region), a lot would depend on your level of fitness, conditions on the trail, weather, and any prior experience at altitude on other mountains.

I've been working my way into winter climbing on Jacinto, and have sometimes found snowshoes to be useful or a near necessity, and sometimes overkill. It's a good idea to follow the NWS weather reports and this forum in the week or two leading up to your climb to gauge what equipment might be necessary.

Also, do you have an intended trail or route? There are 8 that I'm aware of; I've done 4 of them and will attempt Cactus To Clouds this Sunday, though the weather is a bit sketchy. I've read that a lot of people will use microspikes on the C2C trail due to possible ice under snow. I have crampons, but haven't found them necessary on other trails in winter due to lower angles.

[adurb44]

Dave, thanks for the info. I should have provided a little more information. I'm a newbie in the sense of mountain climbing. I've done some hiking in Idyllwild and other parts of Southern California at lower elevations. The only thing we have in my part of the country is long hikes through rolling hills - no mountains. My fitness level is very good (long-distance runner) and I am pretty good at reading maps and finding my way.

Our intended route is the 11ish mile route from the tram. In terms of elevation gain, I have run some long distances that have seen cumulative gain of 1500 feet, but nothing at altitude.

Like I said, I'll be out after Christmas and hope to go up sometime that week. I know there is snow at the Mountain Station but at this point I'm unsure if I'd need snow shoes or, if not, what type of footwear would be best. Any advice you guys or gals would be willing to give is much appreciated!

[Hikin_Jim]

A lot can change between now and Christmas. I normally hike in trail shoes, but when there's snow on the ground, I like hiking boots. You might want some gaiters to prevent snow from going over the top of your boots. If you're a distance runner, you probably know that a series of light layers is the way to go. Heavy down hill gear is plenty warm, but you may overheat on the ascent, depending on the weather.

Snow shoes aren't always necessary if the trail is well packed (or if there isn't a lot of snow), but Microspikes or Yak Trax can be really nice if the trail gets icy.

HJ

[adurb44]

Thanks Jim! I've certainly kept my eye on the weather, looks like there was a system in Southern California today, and it seems as if the pattern has been somewhat active which of course is to be expected this time of year.

Light layers are the way to go, I always tend to underdress when running in the cold, as it doesn't take very long to warm up and be quite comfortable during strenuous exercise at temperatures in the teens and 20's.

I will certainly keep an eye on the weather and conditions at the top and look into some gaiters. I do own a pair of Yak Trax, I'm assuming those would be sufficient on icier hardpacked snow?

[Carl F]

You would need a minimum of microspikes going across the traverse in icy conditions. The Yak Trax as I found out when I bought them are NOT for hiking (I returned them). Get microspikes. You can read many reviews as well, they often come to the same conclusion. They are not that helpful. I've used microspiikes on Skyline and Whitney last winter (crampons on Whitney too). They were great. Yakitrax (sp) are for urban situations.

Have fun!

[Hikin_Jim]

Carl,

I think they're headed from the tram to the peak. Yak Trax might actually work for that, yes? I definitely would NOT recommend Yak Trax for something like The Traverse on the Skyline Trail.

HJ

[Derick]

If you are going to get spikes, you probably will have a much easier time finding them in retail on the e coast than out here.

[Carl F]

Yeah I did think of that after I wrote my message, but having looked at the Yak Trax, if I had a choice the extra money for the microspikes is well worth it and it's not like they weigh much more. Hard to know how helpful they would be on the trail, they really are designed more for icy roads or sidewalks. Would they be OK on the upper trail, time will tell depending on snowfall. Looks like snowshoes may be in order if we get lucky with this series of storms. If it's all you have and you can't exchange them, then I guess go for it!

[iSurfLowers]

My recommendation is to be prepared. It is easy to get lost in the mountains. There are snow trails that go everywhere. A GPS is nice for track-back if you get lost.

Make sure you have your phone with you, which will probably work in some locations.

Make sure you bring the 10 essentials.

You mentioned layers - I recommend you bring a big down jacket, even if it is a nice day. Hopefully you never need it, but will love it if you do.

Know the route you are going to take. Some routes require an ice axe (and knowing how to use it).

Whatever amount of water you think you will need, double it. The dry mountain air sucks the moisture out of you. Eat all the time (never be hungry, never be thirsty).

Be sure you pick a solid turnaround time. If you get late start, you may not have time to summit and make it back in the light. Figure you will move (with stop times) at 1.5MPH. If you are in snow shoes, slower. If things look bad, turn around. The mountain will be there tomorrow.

Have fun. On a nice day, there will be a lot of nice people out there. Enjoy.