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Hey Duoc,

I'm planning to climb Orizaba around the first week of February. I'm planning to fly into Puebla or Veracruz. I am planning a warm-up climb on La Malinche. I will know if I have that week off for sure sometime next month I believe. As of now I'm going solo.

Woodie

That's great. If you can't go before February and want a partner let me know.

Woodie

Douc,
I also climbed Elbert solo and also would like to do something higher, but not sure that it is enough. Elbert is just too easy comparing to Orizaba in't it?

I will have off the week of January 28-February 5 if anyone wants to join me. You might have prior self-arrest, cramponing skills, but if not Orizaba is not the place to learn.

Woodie

Douc, I thought about mid January or mid February, but my snow experience is limited and I have no cramponing skills at all. So, it looks like I am not ready for Orizaba.

Woodie, what would you say about Ixta? Is it doable with no cramponing skills?

Alex, I don't know about Ixta. The problem with Orizaba is that although the weather tends to be drier in Winter the Jamapa glacier can be pretty icy. A slip (perhaps after catching a crampon on a pant leg) could send you on a very long involuntary glissade if you aren't able to accomplish a quick self-arrest. A good source of information (besides SummitPost) is RJ Secor's book : Mexican Volcanoes A Climbing Guide. It has information on Ixta too.

Woodie

Depending on the conditions/time of year Ixta can be climbed with hiking boots and trekking poles. There was only one minor snow field and two flat glacier sections to cross when I was there Jan 04. Much easier than Orizaba but much harder than Elbert. Get some recent beta before you make travel plans. Cheers!

Haliku and Woodie,
Thanks a lot to both of you!

Hey Justin
I'm looking to do the climb late this month-
I can't pick you up in Iowa as I'll be in Idaho.

Let me know if y ou're up for an earlier trip..

eva