Granite Mountain, Granite Mountain - Winter — Friday, Jan. 16, 2009

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Headed out about 730am the snow on the trail was frozen still so footing to moderate effort. Some open spots to dirt/rock on trail. After an hour or so the snow got softer and I threw on the snowshoes to minimize postholing. Once at the first gully headed up through the trees towards the ridge (winter route). No avy issues as the snow was locked in tight. Beautiful day with the Mountain out fully but could tell the folks at Snoqualmie skiing were sauked in. Of course I didn't pack the camera. Hit the lookout after 2.5 hours. Windy on ridge but fun none the less. wore my crampons on solid snow from lookout to ridge for ease of travel then heel plunged untilt he tree line. THe two guys up before me created some great glissade chutes through the trees that were suprisingly good. took 1 hour an 1 minute to get to the parking lot. A few people heading up with telemark gear likely made some great turns heading down. Ice axe recommended...pack crampons too as the windswept ridge can be dicey depending on the day. Cheers.