Snow Climb – RMNP- Ptarmigan Glacier

NOTE: Due to conditions this activity changed to a snowshoe/hike to Gabletop RMNP, via flattop.  We went to Ptarmigan Peak, Knobtop, and Gabletop.  13.2 miles 4500 elev.

This will be an easy to moderate snow climb up Ptarmigan Glacier RMNP. 

This trip requires technical snow skills, ice axe, mountaineering crampons, and helmet.  Participants will be required to provide evidence of previous alpine scrambling or basic mountaineering experience.  Please email to register with the leader and send a description of your recent trips and related experience. 

We'll start from the Bear Lake trailhead. From Bear Lake, head up the Flattop trail toward Lake Helene and Notchtop Spire. Just before the trail starts to curve right toward Odessa Lake, look for a climber's trail on the left that heads slightly downhill through the trees. Take this to Lake Helene and skirt it on the right. Keep following the trail and cairns (or when covered with snow, take the path of least resistance) until you get to the base of a snowfield at the southern end of the base of Notchtop Spire. This is Lower Ptarmigan Glacier. Follow this as it curves up and slightly right to the base of the main Ptarmigan Glacier.

If there is time and conditions are right, we may practice self arrests and glissades on Ptarmigan Glacier.  Alternatively, pending snow conditions and participant interest, we may ascend one of the Ptarmigan Fingers.

Primary return route will be via Flat top Mountain trail.  Optional descent may be glissade and return on the same approach route.

Meeting time and place details will be emailed to participants.  We will arrange carpools from Fort Collins and we will have an early start.