Hey folks, I’m looking to tag along on an Orizaba/Iztaccihuatl trip in late December or early 2012. I’m a 55 year old San Diego professional in excellent shape (marathoner). I have actually climbed Orizaba and Popocatepetl twice previously in the 80’s and do the sierras annually. I am fully equipped, comfortable in Mexico and speak pretty decent Spanish.

Anyone need an extra?

Let me know!

Blair

I'm heading there this mid-December. 90% definite. My first plan was Aconcagua but I don't think the flight/gear will be in the budget. Recently, I've done Rainier and Hood, as well as many, many of the CO 14ers...I'm friggin' ready.

I'm in for both as I'll be in Mexico February-March 2012. IDid both also August and November 2009.

I'm still looking for a trip this season if anyone needs an extra. See above for my profile. I'm ready to go!

Blair

Anyone have a current trip report or conditions report?

RyanBr wrote:Anyone have a current trip report or conditions report?

My trip report for Izta is a few years old, but I think the map I attached is helpful along with some GPS coordinates.
http://www.summitpost.org/iztaccihuatl-utm/377355

Hombre wrote:Hey folks, I’m looking to tag along on an Orizaba/Iztaccihuatl trip in late December or early 2012. I’m a 55 year old San Diego professional in excellent shape (marathoner). I have actually climbed Orizaba and Popocatepetl twice previously in the 80’s and do the sierras annually. I am fully equipped, comfortable in Mexico and speak pretty decent Spanish.

Anyone need an extra?

Let me know!

Blair

Blair, I sent you a private message. I am heading that way on the 16-23. I am also from SD.

edinei wrote:

Hombre wrote:Hey folks, I’m looking to tag along on an Orizaba/Iztaccihuatl trip in late December or early 2012. I’m a 55 year old San Diego professional in excellent shape (marathoner). I have actually climbed Orizaba and Popocatepetl twice previously in the 80’s and do the sierras annually. I am fully equipped, comfortable in Mexico and speak pretty decent Spanish.

Anyone need an extra?

Let me know!

Blair

Blair, I sent you a private message. I am heading that way on the 16-23. I am also from SD.

I emailed you!

Just got back from Orizaba,

The conditions on the glacier weren't bad but there was some fairly steep blue ice in the labyrinth that was fairly sketchy to descend. Sharpen those crampons!

I stayed with Senor Canchollas and had a great time.

Good Luck!

I'm wondering how much experience is required to climb Pico de Orizaba. I have no experience with ropes and pins, but I do have experience using an ice axe and crampons, as well as experience in high-altitude. I reached the summit of Mt. Whitney (no guide, overnight summit up the ice chute, roughly 30 degrees +/-); Jebel Toubkal (in Morocco; roughly 30 degree snow field ascent during early morning); Mt. Kilimanjaro (non-technical); etc. I lived in Cusco (11,000 ft.) for 6 months this year and did numerous hikes in the 15,000 ft. + range. I am young, athletic, healthy, etc.

Is this sufficient? Is the Jamapa Glacier safe? It is absolutely necessary to hire a guide? Are ropes necessary?

Any help you can give me is greatly appreciate. I'm confident that I can do this mountain, but I want to be sure and address all safety and technical concerns before committing.

Thanks in advance!

When I did Orizaba, we didn't rope up and didn't hire a guide. Placing pro on the Jamapa glacier wasn't really feasible since it was so hard. Luckily out crampons bit in the very hard snow just enough to be secure on each step. The labyrinth wasn't bad as long as you climb up the correct gully.

Really it all comes down to how comfortable you feel on hard 45 degree snow. A fall would not be good since arresting will be tough with the hard snow.

If you are 100% sure you won't fall on a hard 40-45 degree snow slope you will be fine. If you are not sure, find places to practice climbing on snow/neve and gain your comfort then when trip time comes, based on your comfort, decide whether or not you need a guide.

Hey Matt,
Thank you very much for your advice. That definitely helps.
I may be in touch with more questions.
Best,
Ryan