10 miles of hiking • 4250' elevation gain •
We were treated to some gorgeous views of the Olympic peaks on the drive and were very excited about the day. Decent forecast. We parked along the road where a snowbank kept us from driving further. The snow was not persistent for the first mile and half, so we carried our skis up and then eventually put them. The road snow was stiff and pockmarked with postholes, not a fun ski, but better than walking. We skiied up to the middle TH where we switched back to boots. At about 4K ft we encountered a light layer of new snow and the trees were flocked-magical! We also entered what we hoped was just a marine layer of clouds, and only had intermittent views of the summit ridge. By the time we arrived at the base of the winter chute, we were totally socked in. The climb up the chute was several inches of new wet snow over a firm crust. Had to use our skillz with intense focus. Top narrow section was a bit frightening as the snow was more windswept, and we front pointed up and down this part.
Upper ridges total whiteout and it was rather disorienting to navigate to summit. Never got any views.
On the way down the light was so flat, we could not tell what the slope was like, just had to feel it change under our feet. After coming down the top narrow sxn of the chute, I decided to go for the glissade. My partner declined. Started out with some short slides and practice arresting just to figure out the control, then I let 'er rip!!!!
