With several talented photographers on this trip, including one professional on the trip, putting together this trip report was much tougher than expected by the sheer overwhelming number of great shots! In an effort to get something out there, I have decided to do it in 2 parts, with that in mind, here is part one of one of my all time favorite trips - Dolomites skiing.
Larry
Of course, you're like me and began thinking about this months ago. You laid on top of your sheets sweating in the July heat trying to fall asleep and dreaming of winter. So now that it's socially acceptable to start getting excited about winter, you don't need to hide it -- grab your scraper and declare proudly that you're ready!
Skiing new terrain is one of the best things in the world. That is why we offer a new ski trip every winter, so our returning guests can continue to ski with us, but still enjoy the excitement of skiing new terrain. Since the guides and owners of NCMG are both skiers and beer drinkers we decided to call these new trips the "Rotating Tap". Each year we will offer a unique ski trip to a new zone. Just like a new beer at your favorite pub, you now have something new and exciting to look forward to every year.
The North Ridge of Mount Baker is one of the best alpine ice climbs in the North Cascades. The ice climbing is just hard enough to make it exciting but not so hard that you top out with a wicked forearm pump. The route is easy to complete in two days and has the added benefit of descending the standard Coleman-Deming route, allowing you to leave your overnight gear in camp and climb with a light pack. What more could you ask for? (maybe a hut with a cold beer at the end of the climb.....)
Located in the spectacular Boston Basin in the North Cascades National Park, Sharkfin Tower (8,120') isn't the biggest, baddest peak in the neighborhood, but it is a fun mountain to climb with plenty of challenges, great positions and awesome views. Here are some photos from a recent ascent of this North Cascades gem with Jim D. and Jack M.
Sharkfin as seen from the lower camp:
Over the years, brothers Matt and Tom Desmond have climbed many classic Cascade peaks. Recently, due to work and raising families, the two somehow skipped a few seasons. This past June, they came "out of retirement" and, along with NCMG owner and guide, Paul Butler, wanted to tag another summit. Goode Mountain, the highest peak in the North Cascades National Park, seemed like the perfect choice.
Last week the NCMG guides had the opportunity to climb the North Ridge of Forbidden Peak as part of an AMGA Alpine Guides Course. The North Ridge is one of our favorite climbs and has two of the best bivy sites in the North Cascades. Here are a few pictures from the trip.
A few weeks ago, I was riding an Amtrak between New York and Boston with my wife, our 6-month old son and my wife’s uncle, a professor emeritus of economics. Between diaper changes (no small feat in the bathroom of a moving train) and packed in tightly between the business commuters, we discussed the benefits and costs of industry certification.
Stories of recent adventures
