blaze
Active member
Date of Hike: Saturday 1/9/2010
Full route: From US 302, Zealand Road to Zealand Trail to Twinway to the summit spur. Back same way.
Trail Conditions: We found 2-3 inches of fresh, fluffy powder over a firm base. But Zealand Road and Zealand Trail from 302 to the hut are now very well-packed by a large (40+) contingent of Saturday night hut guests.
From the hut to the summit was broken out too, but a bit less firm, with 4-8 inches of new snow. Trail was a bit difficult to follow in spots between Zeacliff and the summit. A few blowdowns between the hut and the summit, but none are difficult. The Zealand hut caretaker told us the Twinway was broken out all the way to Guyot. Ethan Pond Trail appeared unbroken.
Special Equipment Required: snowshoes highly recommended.
Comments: A cold, challenging, outstanding day. On the trail just after 6:00 AM, summited ~1:00 PM, out just before 5:00 PM. We broke a snowshoe binding just before the summit, but emergency field repairs were successful, using some Velcro straps, a bandanna, and a bungee cord. Great skiing on Zealand Road, especially on the return trip.
After our long, tiring day, we treated ourselves to an unplanned 2nd night at the "Profile Deluxe" motel in Twin Mountain. Showers... beer... pizza... life is good.
Thanks to Foster for her company.
Photos (slideshow, gallery)
Full route: From US 302, Zealand Road to Zealand Trail to Twinway to the summit spur. Back same way.
Trail Conditions: We found 2-3 inches of fresh, fluffy powder over a firm base. But Zealand Road and Zealand Trail from 302 to the hut are now very well-packed by a large (40+) contingent of Saturday night hut guests.
From the hut to the summit was broken out too, but a bit less firm, with 4-8 inches of new snow. Trail was a bit difficult to follow in spots between Zeacliff and the summit. A few blowdowns between the hut and the summit, but none are difficult. The Zealand hut caretaker told us the Twinway was broken out all the way to Guyot. Ethan Pond Trail appeared unbroken.
Special Equipment Required: snowshoes highly recommended.
Comments: A cold, challenging, outstanding day. On the trail just after 6:00 AM, summited ~1:00 PM, out just before 5:00 PM. We broke a snowshoe binding just before the summit, but emergency field repairs were successful, using some Velcro straps, a bandanna, and a bungee cord. Great skiing on Zealand Road, especially on the return trip.
After our long, tiring day, we treated ourselves to an unplanned 2nd night at the "Profile Deluxe" motel in Twin Mountain. Showers... beer... pizza... life is good.
Thanks to Foster for her company.
Photos (slideshow, gallery)
