Wildcat via the Ski Trails

[sli74]

Okay, so how exactly does this work? After reading Mohamed's post on the AMC boards and talking to friends who have hiked up to Wildcat A by the hiking trails, I am a bit afraid to try to hike this with the conditions being as icy as they have been. So what are the options with the ski trails?

Are there specific trails you can use to hike up and do you just stay to one side or the other to avoid the skiers? Is one side or the other the designated side? Do you just trust that the skiers won't take you out? Can you hike both up and down the ski trails? I need a better idea how people do this and if the ski area allows this . . .

Thanks and see you all tomorrow at the Gathering.

sli74

 

[Tramper Al]

Wildcat

Hey Seema,

I have hiked up Wildcat via ski trail in winter and have heard a lot of advice from others as well. We made our ascent in the early morning, but once skiing had begun, via the Polecat ski trail.

Polecat is the most common route for hikers, partly due to it's reasonable grade and partly by tradition. It is the outermost (for the most part) trail to the north. I do not know if the Wildcat Ski Patrol prefer that you use Polecat over another trail. It is shown on just one of the hiking maps, but I forget which one. Pick up this ski trail map at the base of Wildcat:Wildcat Trail Map

Definitely stay to one side or the other. Downhill skiers should not stand in the the middle of the ski trail, and neither should we - that is just asking for a collision. If anything, we are found in less expected spots and we cannot get out of the way as quickly. When you have to cross the ski trail, do so quickly, looking up the trail and being aware of how visible or not visible you are to a skier or boarder coming down (fast).
Be very visible and be off to one side, and hiking up (or down) the ski trail is reasonably safe, in my opinion. Smile and wave to the skiers and they'll do the same. If you want it a little quieter, time your ascent for before the skiing really gets going, or your descent after it winds down. Be visible to groomers and snowcats in the off hours (lamps, reflective gear/vest etc.), however.

By the way, the views are constant and fantastic.

Have fun.

 

[sli74]

Thanks Tramper for the quick response . . . I have never hiked a ski trail so this should be very interesting

sli74

 

[Dalraida]

Wildcat - Polecat

I am hoping to skin up on my BC skis with the group this friday. Do the same rules apply? Or must I buy a lift ticket to climb up under my own power.

TomW

 

[dr_wu002]

I was planning to hike with the Wildcat Group on Friday and I was concerned about the slide on Wildcat so I I e-mailed JohnL about it. He said that he'd bring a rope if things got too dicey. I don't know if that would make everyone (me included!) feel better but I'm inclined to do either the ski trails or the 19 Mile Brook Trail. If the slide looks too bad for me, I'd just turn back.

By the way, was it ever established if the guy that fell was wearing crampons or not? If he wasn't and he fell that wouldn't necessarily mean, in my mind, that the slide is a bad idea for me with crampons. Also, take into consideration that it's supposed to get really warm on Thursday and then probably cool off again for Friday so the slide may be icier then usual!

-Wu

 

[sli74]

Dr. Wu,

From emails I have been exchanging with JohnL this morning, it looks as though he is planning 19 mile brook trail up and the ski trail down. I am in the process of figuring out if I am going to do that as well or if I am gonna take the ski trail up and the 19-mile Brook trail down . . . or the ski trail both ways . . .

sli74

 

[dr_wu002]

I'm just excited to do the ridge! I guess I'll just go with whatever everyone feels most comfortable with -- especially since I'll be driving up from Boston on Friday morning and won't know trail conditions first hand until I arrive.

Regards,

Dr. Wu

 

[Tramper Al]

Slides, crampons, axes and ropes

I know well that slide crossing above Carter Notch. Of course the day I skipped across it in winter, barebooted with full overnight pack, it was probably not quite as icy as it has been recently.

Be aware, of course, that while crampons may lessen your likelihood of slipping, they will do nothing to prevent (serious) injury if you do slip. Self belay might be in order and puts an axe in your hands when you might need it most, if you have had adequate training/experience. Bringing a rope sounds wise as well.

Everyone have a safe Gathering, OK?

 

[Jim lombard]

Posted by Tramper Al

I know well that slide crossing above Carter Notch. Of course the day I skipped across it in winter, barebooted with full overnight pack, it was probably not quite as icy as it has been recently.

I remember it too on a traverse across the ridge from an overnight at the hut. We managed to get across without crampons but I wouldn't try it again. The Mt Washington Observatory said the ice is bulletproof and very dangerous right now but they said the conditions should change with the 40-50 degree temps expected tomorrow. I'm going to sharpen my crampons anyway for Washington on Saturday.

 

[SherpaKroto]

sli74, dalraida, Dr Wu: you are all talking about the same trips I knew I;d make someone nervous.

sli: Tramper is right. I tend to stick to the uphill side of the ski trail where possible. I've been seeing hikers/skinners on the Polecat for as long as Wildcat has been open. WMNF = Land of Many Uses, so they are very friendly to all. Ski Patrol may stop and say hello, but then will head off once they know what we are doing. Don't worry about our ski prowess - worry about our lack thereof Lots of great spots to stop for a snack, and I don't expect to break any speed records.

Wu: we will do most of the Ridge, from "D" to "A" and back

Dalraida: no ticket applies.

Parking lot "C", around 7:00-7:15, Friday.

 

[Jasonst]

You can also hike up the trail that goes under the main lift. That has been closed for a while due to poor cover. Polecat is ok but it is not the most direct. Of course, direct usually = steep. Crampons should work fine.

 

[weatherman]

Wildcats

I don't have too much to add but since I went with Tramper Al that day and had a blast, and since I am WAY jealous of you all and wish I could join you at the Gathering, I'll talk. We took Polecat up, went D--> A, and down to the hut. I was amazed at how steep a "green" ski trail could be to hike up, and though not direct it gets you there quite fast. Also, we got COLD even though we were hiking up because of constant exposure (duh, the trail is wide with no trees!) As far as avoiding skiers, it is sort of like hiking on a highway: you can go 2 mph to get out of someone's way that is going 35 mph, so stop, look and listen (and cross the trail fast!). And do stop often because the views are great.

We had pretty easy snow conditions so the slide on A was no factor, even for a not-too-sure footed person like me. I would imagine the crampons will get used a lot this weekend, and the ax may make a rare appearance when it is actually useful for something besides decoration and poking your buddy.
Enjoy!

 

[skimom]

the common rule on the slopes is that skiiers are responsible for avoiding the obstacles below them, this includes other skiiers/boarders, hikers and other permanent obstacles such as trees, utility poles, etc.

when stopped on the slope, keep to the side as much as possible to allow others to be able to pass safely and keep in mind that stopping right around a turn is probably not a good idea, people coming down won't see you

if you are downslope, you have the ROW, it is the responsibility of the people upslope from you to avoid you, however, it's always a good idea to check upslope when crossing or merging with another trail

ski (hike) defensively !!

 

[carole]

Wild ride!

One attempt of Wildcats (with Mohamed) we turned back before even reaching the slide. Of two other groups that I knew of that day also attempting it: one group turned back also before the slide and the other group turned back at the slide. Sometimes that is just the wise thing to do. My other times there I crossed in snowshoes with no problem. Riding down Polecat on my sled (or other creative means) is the way to go. Many jealous skiers/boarders cheering us on.

 

[dr_wu002]

ok, so now where again is everyone going to meet for this hike on Friday? I'm not familiar with the Wildcat Ski area.

-Wu

 

[Jim lombard]

VFTT sign

Dr,
I'm meeting folks from the gathering at another trailhead (Pinkham) and I've made a VFTT sign. The Wildcat parking lot is pretty big but Sherpa K posted
Parking lot "C", around 7:00-7:15, Friday.