_modzzz_articles_page_title_browse_letter RSS2024-06-09T20:37:00+0000A successful summit bid was completed this past Friday/Saturday, with rather challenging snow conditions. The start date was moved up due to more favourable weather forecasts. Originally slated for Saturday/Sunday, we started on Friday due to the potential for cloud, snow and rain early Sunday morning. Meeting up in Langley, the group made its way across the border in 2 vehicles, whose occupants ended up being on the same rope teams. We stopped briefly in Glacier, WA for some tasty treats from the Wake 'n Bakery and also the District Ranger Station for any beta they had to offer. Once up at the trailhead we quickly geared up for the hike up to Black Buttes camp. The snow line began in the last hundred feet of the trail, just below treeline. Gaiters went on and poles/ice axes came out. We quickly longed for the shade of trees as the sun beat down on us and reflected back up from the snow. Not long after leaving treeline we were partly comforted by a slight breeze. Travel up to Hogsback Camp was steep but with good traction. The population of campers was growing as we passed, which was foreshadowing of what was to come. Our team witnessed one party head up to high camp but then turned around, which quickly became clear to us as to why... the snow was DEEP. Thanks to some amazing young team members breaking trail, we slogged up another 1000ft, post holing the whole way, which despite as painful as it was, the views were stunning. Just as group morale was beginning to wane, we reach the Black Butte camping area. Relieved to reach some established tents, we were oddly greeted by some skiers with: "move along, we don't want you waking us up in the early morning" (eye roll). Thankfully there is plenty of suitable terrain in the area and we put a good deal of space between us and those needing beauty sleep. Camp setup was quick, and as we were busy melting snow we began some skills review: snow anchors, crevasse rescue systems and roped glacier travel techniques. Once pract... Read more

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