Not too Cold(en)

Pete and I had been discussing a winter hike for most of the winter. We were both eager to see what climbing a peak in winter was all about as well as try out some gear to see what we had that worked and what didn’t. Unfortunately it was mostly talk and getting a date that worked for both of us proved challenging. Either schedules didn’t agree or weather conspired against us. With winter pretty much done now – at least lower down - we came upon Saturday as a last chance to give it a go. In fairness, Saturday’s weather didn’t really reflect a “winter hike”. We had bluebird skies and a high of 25C to contend with. Hardly a hike that would force us to face winters full wrath!! That said, the high peaks will remain “winter like” for at least another month with several feet of snow still at upper elevations.

Our goal for the day was Mount Colden in the Adirondacks - a nice peak with a good climb. We had originally planned to ski the first few km of the trail to save some time both going in and especially on the way out (as it would be all downhill). Once at the base of the steep climbing we would ditch the skis and switch to snowshoes. Unfortunately - so late in the season - the first few km had little snow left on the trail so we decided to scrap that portion of the plan. We left the trailhead barebooting across ice, mud and patchy snow and with each step the remains of winter started to make its presence felt. It was baking hot and the bright sun reflecting off the snow was a great recipe for heavy sun burns. Pete was well prepared though with a 2lb tube of sun block (gotta teach that boy to pack light) so we stopped and lathered on the sunscreen liberally (several times). Things proceeded well past Marcy dam and up to the Avalanche camps. From there it was the dreaded trail to Lake Arnold. This stretch of trail is quite possibly my least favourite trail…. anywhere in the world!! In summer this monster is loaded with boulders the size of chesterfields and roots and rocks liberally scattered. The whole trail is a continuous rock hop and your eyes dare not leave your feet lest you trip and face plant. It seems every step is treacherous and it is a slow torture to negotiate. In winter though all of this was a distant memory as the trail is a nice uniform, well-compacted carpet of snow with the nasty rocks deeply buried. This winter hiking thing was looking great.

By the time we got to about 3000ft there was a deep layer of snow and while we were still able to bareboot on the fairly firm surface the occasional postholes made the decision to put on the snowshoes easy. The main trail we were using was well packed from winter’s hikers but throughout the day we could hear rushing water beneath the snow. Didn't want to end up knee deep in a frigid stream. Only one snowbridge had failed (forcing an interesting rockhop) so we climbed steadily and crossed our fingers the snow would stay intact until we returned. Reaching Lake Arnold we turned off onto a slightly lesser used trail to the summit and here the troubles began. The snowshoe trail became a narrow, compacted “spine” which was melting rapidly in the hot sun and any steps off to the sides resulted in deep postholes even with the snowshoes on. As the trail got steeper Pete’s snowshoes showed their weakness as not being designed for steep ascents. The crampons on them were pretty small and not giving him much grip as the trail got steep. This meant he was burning a lot of energy getting any forward progress - 4 steps forward and 3 steps sliding back. Progress slowed to a crawl. Finally, short of the summit, we decided we should turn back if we wanted to be out before dark so down we came (sometimes rapidly which is another benefit to winter climbing). Once back on the main trail we again made good progress and thankfully all the snowbridges were still intact despite the ridiculously hot weather (more like July than April).
Back at Marcy dam we removed the “shoes” and made the final walk out (less snow and more mud than our trip in). All in all it was a spectacular day out in the hills. We accomplished what we set out to – testing gear and seeing what “winter” hiking was all about… even if it never really felt like winter on this hot spring day. We’ll have to test out winter clothing on another hike - preferably one that is a little more wintery but that’s okay… one more reason to head back to the hills. Cold beers and a burger on the LPB patio in town(a patio!!) capped a great day in the peaks. If I’d known the post winter hike meal could be on a sunny patio I’d have started this a long time ago!