You mention that one would obviously not want to climb the route during ski season. Not being at all familiar with the layout there and wanting to do the hike/climb this winter, can you give some more details on why this would not be a good time. I'm assuming it's due to ski traffic but is there no way to avoid this? Thanks
Yeah, the reason would be due to ski traffic. As far as I know there is only the one trail that goes up the middle of the ski runs and wouldn't be able to be seen now. However, Bachelor is pretty mellow-sloped all around and you could conceivably hike/snowshoe/skin up just about anywhere out of the ski area. I would imagine you could park at the main lot and hike around until you found a spot to ascend. Once you get up close to the summit though, you may want to angle around to the north side where I don't believe there are any official ski runs (unless it's changed recently). If you go and do it, please consider putting your route up as an alternative route page, it would be a great addition to the page. Good luck.
Did this in late august, beats the hell out of the 950 switchbacks you contend with along the main trail. I followed the ridgeline on the right side of the glacier, has a little bouldering and the scree isn't too bad at all.
spotly - Jan 8, 2009 10:06 pm - Hasn't voted
Winter ClimbYou mention that one would obviously not want to climb the route during ski season. Not being at all familiar with the layout there and wanting to do the hike/climb this winter, can you give some more details on why this would not be a good time. I'm assuming it's due to ski traffic but is there no way to avoid this? Thanks
Brian Jenkins - Jan 9, 2009 1:24 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Winter ClimbYeah, the reason would be due to ski traffic. As far as I know there is only the one trail that goes up the middle of the ski runs and wouldn't be able to be seen now. However, Bachelor is pretty mellow-sloped all around and you could conceivably hike/snowshoe/skin up just about anywhere out of the ski area. I would imagine you could park at the main lot and hike around until you found a spot to ascend. Once you get up close to the summit though, you may want to angle around to the north side where I don't believe there are any official ski runs (unless it's changed recently). If you go and do it, please consider putting your route up as an alternative route page, it would be a great addition to the page. Good luck.
Brian
PS Watch the avalanche danger though.
calebEOC - Aug 23, 2009 5:42 pm - Voted 10/10
RecommendedDid this in late august, beats the hell out of the 950 switchbacks you contend with along the main trail. I followed the ridgeline on the right side of the glacier, has a little bouldering and the scree isn't too bad at all.