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Many people here would, and have. But how would you know if your comfort level was on par with their's? If this is your first snow climb, it would be pretty scary. If you've climbed 45 deg. snow before, then you'll probably do okay. Chances are, in late April, you won't be solo, even if you wanted to be.

It honestly doesn't matter what others would or wouldn't do- there are those that have soloed the E face, & there have been numerous people who have died on the Mountaineers Route. You have to know what you're comfortable with- steep & exposed 3rd class at times + snow climbing. If you go with people or not, I wouldn't glissade down (a few people have died this way). Good luck & be safe!

Quite the open ended question. What experience do you have? Have you done it before? The end of April the conditions can vary greatly and you should expect anything and everything...Chances are however; that the end of April brings biiig crowds up the MR...You probably won't be solo...which could be bad or good depending on what you want

I would be comfortable going there solo at any time of the year. It's not a big deal. Just be careful and let someone know where you're going and when you're planning to be back. Enjoy!

i would

Hi Kristoria -

First of all, as someone mentioned upthread, if you haven't been there yet, check out the Whitney Portal Store Message Board:

http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum ... d=1&page=1

Search the forum as some of your questions (such as gear rental) have probably been answered. Check for weather & trail conditions as you approach your climb. Introduce yourself, see if other folks may be in the area when you are. They are very friendly and Whitney is pretty much all that is spoken there.

For better or worse, chances are you will meet up with other parties along the route. Folks on the MR (unlike the MT) are the sort that will let you climb with them, if necessary, give you a hand.

I've only been up there once with a group, I'd solo it now. Now that you've said sleeping bag, sounds like you'll be lugging an overnight pack up to UBSL or Iceberg. With a big pack, solo, the Ebersbacher Ledges might be the crux of the climb. A photo link from someone on the Whitney forum:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/ ... 322219631/

A little navigation is required. If the ledges are wet, yikes, you might want to haul packs, hard to do on your own. But we've had a good dose of snow this year. On your target date, you may be able to bypass the E-ledges, rather plow straight up the creek. If there's enough snow, the bushwhacking isn't too bad. For me, at least, that section would be the mental crux, the rest is just a slog.

I'm curious about water availability on the approach to the MR around the end of April. Will I have to melt snow or is water available from the creeks/lakes? Anyone know?

Thanks

Christine:

I'm glad your trip worked out well. It sounds like you made a few mistakes but made up for them by just being tough and not giving up. Next time, bring sunscreen and less of everything else. Nice job!

Bob

congrats . . .

Congrats!!! Takes a lot of motivation to do it solo in winter. Forget about plastic boots next time though; you never really need those in the Sierra. Some good leather mountaineering boots suffice.

Good job though you suffered a little. How did you get to 60 lbs for your pack?

Congrats- sounds like a good time! A fun climb that might still have some snow on it (likely higher up) would be San Gorgonio- I did it last January, & it was a lot of fun!

Great job Christine!