Did this as part of American Alpine Institue's 6-day Alpinism 1 course. On the 5th day we summited in beautiful conditions, leaving Sandy Camp around 1:30am. Very little wind and relatively warm. Plenty of snow this year so most bridges were in good shape, thus no major end runs around crevasses.
This was for me by far the hardest thing I have ever done. I've climbed Rainier and many other peaks, but because of the condition I was in, that is what made it so hard. So don't always judge it by the difficulty of the route, but sometimes by the condition you are in. And I was feeling very sick.
My friend Will was kind enough to teach me the basics of glacier travel for this peak. We were able to ascend by ski most of the way, but did use crampons for the last 1500 feet. The ski down was unbelievable (and a lot better than walking!)
I was expecting a boring slog, since I was taking some first timers up to the top. However, what I got was a beautiful and diverse climb. I will most definitely be back to ski this!
Our group camped at 6400 and headed for the summit the next more. Though there was a t-storm the evening before the weather was nice that night and the summit was set up perfectly for us. We were the first on this busy and special summit. See TR
Well not quite... We set up camp around 5900' at noon, departed for the summit at 1:30, and topped out at 7:30pm. After spending 30 min on the summit, we descended by the crater at 9:00, and got back to camp at 11:00pm. July 7, 2007
What I do recall was the hike thru the prehistoric forrest (Shibers Meadow???) to the railroad grade rock-moraine which lead to our high camp at the end and the =begining of the Easton Glacier. The Roman Headwall was a nice alpine morning climb to the summit which we reached on a warm 80 degree day.
Comming down is a whole 'nother story......
Part of an AAI mountaineering course. Spent 5 days up on the mountain. The weather cleared on or summit day and gave us nice crisp snow and great views.