nordic ski tour: kings peak

The 40th KPT, hosted by Steve and Larry Swanson, will convene on Friday night (March 29th) at the Henry's Fork Snow-Parking area and get under way very early on Saturday morning. We meet for car pooling (optional) at the Walmart parking area on Parleys Way about 5:00 pm and leave NLT 5:30 pm for Evanston and JB's restaurant which is just a couple of long blocks from the first exit to Evanston (#3) on the right side as you approach town. It is next to the Days Inn. Registration is not required. Headlamps are mandatory (double check that they work and that the batteries are fresh). Lots of water (2-3 liters) and protection from facing directly into the sun for most of the day is also important. Standard backcountry touring gear is best. Climbing skins are often handy but not essential. We generally leave the skis at Gunsight Pass and climb the peak on foot so Vibram-type soles on your boots are usually helpful if the snow is hard. it will be a long day as we start before dawn and usually end after dark. It's not at all necessary to summit however to enjoy the ski touring in this lovely, gentle drainage and normally at least 2/3 turn around short of the peak. Elkhorn crossing is a good scenic NTD destination used by many. Gunsight Pass, 5 miles farther, is MOD+ and gives wonderful views. Gunsight Pass is the standard turn around place for most and for ALL that arrive after 2:00 pm. The summit is MSD+ chiefly because of the length of the day and the steep climb of the peak at the end. Mandatory turnaround is 4:00 pm no matter where you are on the route. We carry out ALL waste paper including TP so carry a plastic bag and plan for it. For additional information call Steve at 801-272-5750 or Larry at 801-583-4043. We will start out no matter what the weather as the trip to the basin is sheltered and makes a nice ski tour even in stormy weather. We want everyone to go up and back down on the same route (the creek route is normal) for safety reasons so check with Larry or Steve if you plan to leave extra early or ski in the night before for a higher camp.

Level:MSD
Miles:32.0
Vertical:4500'
Route:Out & Back
Pace:Fast
Organizer:Larry Swanson
Phone:801-583-4043
Date:Sat Mar 30 2013
Meeting Place:Parleys Way Walmart lot, East side - 2703 Parleys Way
Meeting Time:5:00 pm