I have shortlisted the following couloirs and will attempt one of them next Saturday. I will be flying in from Houston, so I would appreciate any info on the conditions of these couloirs:
1. Hopeful
2. Lost Rat
3. Edwardian
4. Atlantis
5. Apache
I have some experience with crampons and ice axe. I plan to hike to the base of the couloir and camp overnight since I am a slow hiker and not great with exertion at altitude (I’m from Houston). Is this a reasonable idea? Should be very windy in addition to the cold. I have some experience camping in cold and wind. As always, any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ash

I don't know about conditions, except that there isn't a lot of snow. I wouldn't expect it to be very cold. Right now, it is 35F at 14,000 feet, 60F at 9200' on the front range. Barely supposed to get down to freezing in Breck next weekend, but you might get rained on.

Hopeful has been doing well. Many Coloradans have done this one in the recent past and all said it was great. This is the one I'd recommend.

You can also see this long thread below from 14ers.com. Lots of great info here

http://www.14ers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=34315&p=413667#p413667


EDIT: I obviously didn't read it recently...you've posted there too!

Thanks Matt and Mcconnell. yes Matt, my desperate request for information is everywhere!

How'd it go?

Was on Skywalker Sunday May 13. The road is open, the trail is an easy hike. The snow unfortunately starts a few hundred meters up the apron; I thought the talus hike up to it was the crux (because snowy talus is annoying). The snow in the couloir is great, but disappearing fast.

colint,

How did the the snow look on Neva? I'm wondering if any of those couloirs are in good shape for climbing.

Thanks!