midwest summit thread

[Grange]

I go to school in Menomonie, so I'd have to go near there....

We'll have to keep in contact and figure something out as we get closer. I don't live that far off the North Crossing.

[A-wreck]

Are you guys sure there's no snowmobile trail up Mt. Houghton? Googling it brought up pictures of snowmobiles with a caption of "a view from Mt. Houghton."

I've got a thread up on this site www.johndee.com asking people just that. He's like some snowmobiling/weather guru of the keewenaw. We'll see what they say.

If we can't get sleds up there: No biggie. Not spending money on sleds means more money for liquor and steak.


rip: "Also, those of you who are morally challenged may want to consider bringing up some empty cans to pay for gas money. Items needed include a ninja suit, numchucks, and a garbage bag full of beer cans."

^^^^
I don't get it.

[A-wreck]

It's not that a snowmobile couldn't get to the top of Mt Houghton, it's just not a good idea. Mt Houghton is the best non resort skiing that we have, and there have been access troubles there in the past. The land is privately owned. Snowmobiling up it would probably mean pissed off landowners and definately some very pissed off skiers. It would be different if we were in real mountains and the terrain was endless, then I would have no problem accessing via snowmobile, but we only have this one special spot. If you really want to ski it, I'll take you there, but it will have to be on snowshoes or skins.

I don't mean to sound like a dick on only my second post, but snowmobiling up Mt. Houghton is not a good idea.

Thanks for clearing that up. I think.

[rip]

I don't get it.

only applies to anyone coming from out of state(WI especially)

[A-wreck]

only applies to anyone coming from out of state(WI especially)

Duh...I'm retarded.

Had you referenced a seinfeld episode I would have known immediately.

[justcuz]

It's not that a snowmobile couldn't get to the top of Mt Houghton, it's just not a good idea. Mt Houghton is the best non resort skiing that we have, and there have been access troubles there in the past. The land is privately owned. Snowmobiling up it would probably mean pissed off landowners and definately some very pissed off skiers. It would be different if we were in real mountains and the terrain was endless, then I would have no problem accessing via snowmobile, but we only have this one special spot. If you really want to ski it, I'll take you there, but it will have to be on snowshoes or skins.

I don't mean to sound like a dick on only my second post, but snowmobiling up Mt. Houghton is not a good idea.

TWO SOLID POSTS mr. blizzard. Well said, I just didn't have the balls to say it.

On that note, KBC tonight sir blizzard?

[blizzard_mk]

justcuz,

Yes, beer will be good.
You can let me know how amazing the skiing was today.

[A-wreck]

O.k. so I just found a bunch of pictures of people sledding on Mt Houghton too. They were hill climbing through the woods and blowing around all over the hill. In a group of 10 nonetheless. Catching air and shit. They weren't being chased off the hill by land owners or skiers.

So what gives? Anyone have the real story? It's pretty obvious that there is more than just a skin track to the top of that hill.

Opinions are cool......but being a party pooper isn't.

Edit for: Just talked to the sled guy. He said you can get up there but that it's hard.

So where do we stand on the sleds? Does anyone still want to do this after blizzard already read the eulogy?

[A-wreck]

This was a response I got on that website:

"Aaron, There is a road that goes from Mandan road to Smith Fisheries Rd. Should be on a map. About 1 mile off of Mandan there is a road that goes south take this to the end. there is a trail there that leads up the west side of Mt Houghton. It is a gradual climb up through the hardwoods. This is the easy way. It was cut by a retired guy from Copper Harber about 15 years ago. Ive been up this way on a 78 pantera, not to difficult.
There could be more roads now, they've been logging this area. Just remember that if you see cliffs on the right when on the road from mandan to smithfisheries you went too far. the cliffs are part of mt. houghton.
There are supposed to be some extreme ski runs claered up there by some tech students. I havn't been there for a few years.
maybe I'll see ya there I'm going to bring some guys up there to film some cornice drops if the conditions are right."

It doesn't sound like Mt. Houghton is the protected Holy land blizzard says it is.
It sounds fun as hell and pretty sick for MI.

SO, I'm still game if you guys are.

[justcuz]

I will ski with you guys, for sure. I'm not trying to be a party pooper or a f&ck face...but I will not join for a sled ride up to Mt. Houghton. It's not a holy land and I don't think blizzard was trying to make it sound that way. But it is a place where people from this area go to do some ski touring, and it may very well be one of the last places to do so. Before Bohemia was bought out, that was the place to tour. Now the owner is blowing it up by building more and more cabins as we speak.

I read through your posts on that website. Many of the posts stated that it wouldn't be wise to head up on a sled until spring anyway. As I recall, there is a road at the bottom of the south facing ski run. The run rises at least another few hundred vertical from there (maybe 400'). I'm not sure if this is the road he was talking about, but it would make sense. I know for a fact that based on where we started, you could not get a sled up that high. The North facing slopes hold some possibilities, but are potentially very rocky with less snow (snow that's probably not as good anyway). I'm merely speculating, but the north facing slopes in this area can have a very dense snow due to the prevailing northwest wind.

I'm gonna watch the thread. People can come stay at my place if they want and I will ski with yall for sure. But no sleigh ridin from me, won't support it. Sorry to be a facker.

[rtp]

I'm in, although I think I will have to go back to China in the time period, but think I have so leway to schedule around that weekend so just let me know what the exact dates are.

How long is the hike to the top? may be the sleds aren't really needed... And do we need to bushwack our way out once we get down to the bottom?

[justcuz]

It's a day hike for sure. Snowshoes are a must, if not proper touring gear.

[Sublime]

Sorry for the late reply.

Chances are I won't be able to make it. I bought a pass to Blue Mountain and I am rather broke as is. but I will be keeping a eye on this just in case.

[crashnburn'd]

I've got a touring setup, so sled or no, I'm in.

[blizzard_mk]

Maybe I was overreacting, but I still don't think that taking snowmobiles up there is a very good idea.

I can guarantee you that there are no "cornice drops" up there. That guy doesn't know what a cornice is. The runs that I have skied did not have any cliffs, they were narrow and reasonably steep, but there was nothing to huck. The wide open area that you see in the pictures was not skiable when we were there in February last year, the best snow was on the narrow cut runs on the opposite side of the mountain.

[A-wreck]

Well I guess everybody can do what they want. I was just trying to explore all possibilities. Lets face it, cruising up a hill on a sled and getting more runs in is better than hiking or skining all day. I just don't see the logic behind hiking all day instead of blowing around on sleds, but thats just me.

[FNG]

No touring setup here. No moral quandries with riding a sled either. Difference in cost? Maybe just hit Bohemia a second day?

[justcuz]

If the snow is good, you're better off getting to Bohemia early. There is a group of guys who will have mt. Houghton skied out by 10am. Unless you guys are really into this snowmobile thing, I would stick to the Hemus. (plus isn't renting a sled like $100 or something like that?

[crashnburn'd]

The sled thing I don't care about so much, but I thought someone said Mt. Houghton is a day trip? Now it's being skied out by 10am? I'm really not understanding something....

Also, the picture that was posted clearly showed cliffs. Someone (to lazy to look at names) said most trails go down the opposite side where there's only trees? I like to hurl myself into the unknown, what happens if we go down the cliff side?

[rtp]

The sled thing I don't care about so much, but I thought someone said Mt. Houghton is a day trip? Now it's being skied out by 10am? I'm really not understanding something....

Also, the picture that was posted clearly showed cliffs. Someone (to lazy to look at names) said most trails go down the opposite side where there's only trees? I like to hurl myself into the unknown, what happens if we go down the cliff side?

I agree... who cares about the sleds if it only takes a couple hrs. Both Crashnburn'd and I have AT gear and could break trail if need be.

Plus I would not mind hucking the cliffs on the otherside if they are really there. Anybody know anything about 'em?

[justcuz]

There are cliffs on the north side of the hill, but I don't know if they're "huckable". I kinda doubt it because of low snow levels and big rocks on the north facing slopes, but don't take my word for it.

With proper touring gear the trip in is about an hour, maybe more. Without gear it seems like an eternity. Once you get to where you can ski, the runs take about 20 mins' each (that includes your climb back up on skins). Again multiply by this by 3 if you're on snowshoes. Trip out is about 45 minutes...

I think when blizzard said it's a day trip, he merely meant that you shouldn't plan on skiing anywhere else that day...not that it will take 14 hours to get in and out.

[FNG]

Damn...I really do enjoy me a good cliff huck, however I'm lacking in the skin department (bad burn incident involving some wax and your sister. don't ask.)

[detroit]

I just came accross this thread I would definitely like to attend. My skiing may not be quite up to par, but This sounds like a great time and a good chance to meet some midwest mags as well as challenge myself. Is it too late to jump on board? I went through the thread but am still not sure of the set up. Is anyone from the SE heading up? Does anyboby need/have a ride? What are the sleeping arrangments? Is it every mang for himself?
Sorry to sound so demanding but I am just currious as to the set-up. Also If there is anything I can do please let me know. As I am a downstater I do not have much to offer unless it includes booze or what not, but would be willing to help any way I can.
I seriously plan to attend and look foreward to an unreasonibley good time

[Grange]

I don't have any touring gear but may be able to get a hold of some snow shoes if needed. Skiing Mt. Houghton sounds like fun, but also like a lot of hassle. I am personally more concerned with the private land issue than snowmobiling (assuming there is a route to the top). In my line of work, tresspassing is definitely frowned upon.

[jt]

Okay, count me in, if I can find someone to ride up with me, maybe gonzo (long drive from Champaign, Illinois). I'll probably stay with justcuz's fiance.