Ski in to reach the Petit?

Is there anyone in Estes would could speak to the possibility of a ski in/out to/from Petit Grepon? What are the snow levels like? Thanks in advance.

While not "current" I did that same thing last year, around the first weekend of May. I also heard on the FB ice conditions group that a party did it earlier this year. The ski in was quick and efficient, and the ski out was a nice alternative to trudging back after climbing. We climbed it in some unsettled weather that produced some snow/hail while we were on the upper pitches, but it did not detract from the experience.

I think that the petit dries out surprisingly fast on sunny spring days due to its southern exposure and lack of snow accumulation on the summit. There may be some ice in the chimney pitch, and maybe some snow on some of the ledges, but if you are solid at the grade it shouldn't be too much of a bother.

Current snow levels are more than ample for a car to car ski in/out (I was skiing up there recently). With a couple sunny warm days before you climb, I'd say go for it!

I skied in to the petit in January. It was awesome. Highly recommended. The ski back was so so but if you studied the topo you could find a better route than the trail.

Thanks for the information!

Just keep in mind we are transitioning to a spring snowpack. Bring that skin wax!!!

Bump for any new information.

Joe F. wrote:Bump for any new information.

Good to go! We had to boot half a mile before we could put skis on. The skin up was quick and easy. An axe was nice for the climb up the base of the Petit. We climbed the SW Corner on a sunny windless day...t-shirt weather. The lower pitches were wet but easy. Upper route was dry. The last set of rap anchors was buried in snow. We rappelled from the tat 50 above the last standard rappel anchor with double 70s and made it to the snowfield. Skied back to the car in 30 mins.

The park got significant snow last weekend probably 16 inches in spots and might get another foot this weekend. I would probably wait a week or two but as long as there is clear weather for a while the route should be dry. It will also be way less crowded now because of the snow and early season timing. have fun.

This is a great thread. A buddy and I are planning to head up and climb the Petit soon so we'd love to hear of any recent trip reports.

Thanks all.

I skied in to climb Dog House with a couple friends on Sunday. Other than some mud in the first quarter mile there's plenty of good snow all the way in.

Anyone been up in Glacier Gorge since May 10th? I've heard anecdotally that the trail is trash right now for skinning lower down, but also thought they got snow earlier in the week.