06/03/17 - West Slabs, Mount Olympus, Utah

[jman]

While this is considered climbing, but for my friend Aubrisha and I, it was more of all-hands adventure then climbing. We are hardcore. yeah right..I kid I kid...

We used Shane's beta at http://climb-utah.com/WM/northfaceoly.htm. It was spot on, like usual. And just because my friend and I can do it without ropes, doesn't mean you can. It's not an easy path by any means.

Before actually doing it, I watched a bunch of videos of people climbing it and read a few reports on summitpost and was glad I did! It helped paint a visual image of the full trip.

The snow-covered couloir was probably the highlight of the trip! The "Apollo Chute" (on the descent) was probably our favorite part. It was a hot day, and glissading on that snow felt great. It was about a 3/4 of mile long! It was awesome!

We did bring a 100ft rope, harnesses, helmets, and some snow and ice trekkers to help. It was needed for the steepest parts on the way up and way down. But for the most part, the snow was quite soft and easy to walk on.

I created a video a few months back and it's posted at the bottom of this, but first are the pics!















































































And now for the descent!

[Iceaxe]

I need to do this one again as it's been a few years since my last climb.

[jman]

I need to do this one again as it's been a few years since my last climb.

Yeah, it was great! Those slabs allow for a lot of variations - a choose your own adventure type of thing.

[Iceaxe]

Yeah, it was great! Those slabs allow for a lot of variations - a choose your own adventure type of thing.

2000' and never a lack of good hand holds is what I remember. And the approach couloir is awesome if done when still filled with snow.