Huntoon Point Snowshoe, Artist Point Snowshoe — Friday, Mar. 14, 2025

The outlook wasn't great earlier this week for the scheduled Mountaineers trip to Artist and Huntoon points.  Weather reports predicted snow and cold temperatures with a high avalanche danger.  What we got, instead, was a beautiful day of deep snow with sunny skies!  Even the avalanche risk dropped a bit for us.  Who could ask for anything better?

We were able to ascend near the ski area boundary and then beyond.  The snow was not heavy, but deep, and a lot of effort going up, but well worth that effort.  As we reached Austin Pass Mt Shuksan was towering in all her glory.  Further up on Artist Ridge Mt Baker joined the party.  The undulating snow drifts and cornices played with the light and shadows and the trees up high were crusted in rime.  All in all, majestic views in every direction. 

The drive to the Heather Meadows parking area was fine...not much snow until the end and even that melted off during the day.  Early in the morning there were trees and bushes along the river that were glistening with the new snow that fell overnight.  We arrived a bit after 9:00 and found the pit toilets clean and somewhat stocked and they even had heaters!  The trails were sparsely occupied, mostly by backcountry skiers.  Everyone was friendly and delighting in the great conditions.  Just a great experience.