8.4 km to summit
17.5 km total
1,445 m start
3,255 m max
2,088 m gain
6 hr 29 min to summit
10 hr 8 min total
Mt Wilson
16km alpine with 2,000m gain in 10 hours return
While it is a classic ski but due to the missed season, decided to do it as an alpine ascent. We had snowshoes with us just in case if the snow is too soft, but conditions were perfect and didn't have to use them at all.
Great mountain with the superb views and all social distancing one need - I suspect not even a dozen people summit it in any given year. At least, there isn't much reports on it or a summit register at the top.
Crux: climb back of the ascent gully and descent back to the road on time, there is a serious avalanche and rockfall danger there.
Approach: there is a [mysterious] well marked and beaten trail that we followed for a while, then lost in the darkness and took sharp left on steep slopes. If to stay on the trail, then a bushwhacking section to the gully is very short.
For anyone who is willing to bushwhack and haul up skis, snow on Mt Wilson glacier and east slopes is in perfect condition and offers about 1,000m vertical drop for skiing.
routefinding, bushwhacking, rockfall/loose rock, snow on route, avalanche danger, crevasse danger, weather
ice axe, crampons, helmet, rope/harness, trekking poles, mountaineering boots, GPS device