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High non-technical mountains?

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:41 am
by Alex Hiker
Could anyone advise me please about high mountains with non-technical routes anywhere in South America?
Under high I mean 5900 m (19500 ft) and higher.
Under non-technical I mean:
1. No ice climbing with all its crevasses and other hazards.
2. No rock climbing.
3. No harness, ropes, and so on required.
4. May be occasional crampons.

I understand that Aconcagua satisfies all the criteria mentioned, but what else?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:14 pm
by William Marler
First one that comes to mind is the "Normal" or Inca route on Mercedario in Argentina.
That climb is similar to Aconcagua (with no people). Not sure if the mining road has reopened (wiped out last year) so access may be limited.

There are many others of course. Corax would be of help here.
Cheers William

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:23 pm
by Buz Groshong
Take a look at the Arequipa area volcanos. There should be at least 2 or 3 that fit those requirements.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:33 pm
by Scott
I believe most of the peaks in the Puna de Atacama fit that catagory:

http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/17 ... acama.html

See all the attached pages to the one above.

Should fit the bill

PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 4:00 am
by Faster

PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:39 am
by MichaelJ
So, I gather you like long, boring snow slogs? Chachani in southern Peru fits the bill, although it tops 6k slightly. Personally, I can't imagine why on earth someone would want to trudge up this frozen choss pile (did it myself for some dumbass reason) when there are so many more interesting things to climb in Peru, but to each his own.
Why the animus toward technical climbing? If you don't have the skills or experience, consider a guided climb. The difference between a moderately technical peak and a some hump of rock you can walk up can be orders of magnitude. It could even be a life changing experience. It was for me.

Re: Should fit the bill

PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 3:26 am
by Alex Hiker
Faster wrote:http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151943/pissis.html
The following is the quote from the link you provided: "The peak is one of the most heavily glaciated peaks in the Puna and one of the few where crampons are a necessity". It looks like it IS technical (from the glaciers stand point).

MichaelJ wrote:So, I gather you like long, boring snow slogs? Chachani in southern Peru fits the bill, although it tops 6k slightly. Personally, I can't imagine why on earth someone would want to trudge up this frozen choss pile (did it myself for some dumbass reason) when there are so many more interesting things to climb in Peru, but to each his own.
Why the animus toward technical climbing? If you don't have the skills or experience, consider a guided climb. The difference between a moderately technical peak and a some hump of rock you can walk up can be orders of magnitude. It could even be a life changing experience. It was for me.
I don't have enough skills and experience, but have some. From my limited experience, technical climb is more about adrenaline than I would like to accept. I would prefer rather physical exercise and altitude than extra adrenaline.

PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 2:44 pm
by Buz Groshong
Contrary to your definition, glacier walk-ups are not considered technical. Usually rock climbing or front-pointing are what define a climb as technical. Glacier walk-ups are also not usually an adrenaline thing. Doing one of the easier glacier climbs with a guide would be a good way to learn something new.

PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 2:50 pm
by Alex Hiker
Buz Groshong wrote:Contrary to your definition, glacier walk-ups are not considered technical. Usually rock climbing or front-pointing are what define a climb as technical. Glacier walk-ups are also not usually an adrenaline thing. Doing one of the easier glacier climbs with a guide would be a good way to learn something new.
I agree, but does Glacier walk-up imply crevasses possibility? If yes, it would require ropes and so on.

PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:07 pm
by hikerman99
I look for the same kind of mountains as you do. Ramada at about 21,000 ft. in Argentina is relatively safe with no glaciers and no really steep sections and campsites that are perhaps less exposed to severe winds that some of the other options. I didn't use crampons or an ice axe, though bringing at least crampons in case of a few icy patches is highly advisable. See my recent trip report. It is just south of Mercedario (by the way, the road to Mercedario is reportedly open again). I have read that Tupungato at about 21,500 ft. is not bad either.

Bob