Winter Thru hike

imported
#1

Just wondering, has anyone ever attempted a winter thru hike of the PCT? Say starting mid Oct in Washington and finishing in Campo at the border sometime late April.

Canadoug

#2

Thru hiking the PCT in winter is the only way the PCT hasn’t been completed. I would guess that avalanche danger would stop you from actually taking the PCT corridor through some of the steep snowy mountains. Major snow will slow or stop your progress in the Sierras and San Jacintos. And traveling through parts of washington during the inital icing and snow would be dangerous.

Spigot

#3

I know of people doing winter John Muir trail traverses on skis. Hydros boss from the FS in Bridgeport did it. Seems like it would be super extreme though, and you usually wouldnt be exactly on trail, if that matters, some alternates would be needed to. Tons of people love the sierra nevada in winter, and our snow pack here is awesome right now.

GUino

#4

I know Bink was looking into it. Don’t know how much looking he actually did though…

Heaps

#5

I rarely chime in… But I’m game! if I get a serious partner I’ll go :] I gave a thought to doing some long ski traverses. Planned a bit, set schedules. Just haven’t gone yet.

San Gabe

#6

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test

daniel smith

#7

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7981407

One of my hiking buddies, Gimpilator, was told by Steven Pass authorities yesterday that he could not hike/snowshoe up the Pacific Crest Trail through the Stevens Pass Ski Area during months the ski resort is in operation, even if staying on the PCT the entire time.

I thought the PCT is public property/access. What is the real story? Can they really do this?

daniel smith

#8

I was thinking an Oct start through Wash before the ski season got underway Nov/Dec Oregon Dec/Jan NoCal, then hit the Sierra’s Feb, that would probably be the trickiest part as the snow pack would be heavy most years and bailout points would be a long distance apart. Might need up to 2 weeks supply during this stretch. could be an easier carry with a tobaggan dragged behind.Iknow Wash/Ore have quite a few bailout points and alternate lower routes that could come into play with lots of early season weather. My thinking is a winter hike would entail a lot of diversion from the official PCT anyway. I’m wondering what kind of traffic re skiers, snowshoeers and power tobogans go through the Sierras? Following a broken trail makes it a lot easier on snowshoes/skis.

Canadoug

#9

Given that completing a winter thru-hike would mean completely hiking in the 3 months from 12/21 to 3/21, i’d call it a safe bet this hasn’t and won’t be done!

On the other hand, if you mean only partially hiking during winter, sorry but i’ve already done it! I started my thru-hike in January, though i only did Section A in winter and did the rest of it during the standard season. :wink:

markv