The Andy Aupperlee Explosion 5000

Gus parked his Subaru in the tiny parking lot about a mile east of the Paradise Inn and Visitor Center at Mount Rainier. It was a familiar routine for the both of us: unloading gear and strapping skis to our backpacks. It’s just a little funny doing it when it is September and the temperature is in the 70s.

We took off from the parking lot around 10 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2011. With skis and ski boots lashed to our backs, we ascended the first few miles via trail.

Conditions at the lower elevations were absolutely summer like. The wildflowers in the alpine meadows of Mount Rainier were in full bloom. We passed a lot of photogs nerding out with tripods and macro lenses who were taking advantage of the excellent weather.

The plan was to take the trail up to the snowfields that lay at the base of the Paradise Glacier. Once on snow, we’d transition from our trail running shoes into ski boots and skin across where possible.

We skinned across the snow field with relatively little elevation gain before encountering a massive rock outcrop. After discussing conditions and optimal routes with a fellow skier on his descent, we learned that crossing the rock field would get us access to the cleanest lines down the Paradise Glacier. With our skis over our shoulders, Gus and maneuvered precariously placed rocks in plastic ski boots before arriving at the base of the glacier.

Now at the base of the Paradise Glacier (6000′), we began touring up the right side. To the south we had an excellent view of the Cascade Mountains and Mount Adams, which was the setting for August’s ski adventure.

The first few hundred vertical feet went pretty easily. The snow was perfect PNW corn: absolutely ripe for skiing. I started to have a few traction issues which were quickly solved with the addition of ski crampons. Weather alternated between blue skies and clouds, but we always had a clear view of Little Tahoma and the summit of Rainier.

The glacier was in good shape save a few gaping crevasses. Fortunately we were able to safely navigate these via serendipitously located snow bridges.

Once we reached 8150′ we decided to transition and begin our descent. Ahead of us was a little over 2000′ feet of prime corn snow skiing. The snow was fast and smooth. It was literally a lot of fun; short of powder, the conditions we encountered would be good for any season.

We returned the same way we came. Others had taken routes to the west to avoid scrambling over the rocks, but it seemed that you gave up a few hundred feet of quality skiing to do so. Plus, retracing our tracks almost ensured we wouldn’t get lost or stuck on a cliff. After skinning across the snow field and a breezy hike down the trail, we were back at the Subaru around 4 PM. September: check.

Flickr set here.