Piper Pass Peak (OT5)

I want to take advantage of the great weather this weekend and get this one in before the gates close or before there is too much snow, which will make it even more challenging. I love winter marathon hikes that offer great views which makes the effort worth it, not to mention that it's a great workout in a season with less options for epic summits. Despite the distance, the route is fairly straightforward and we should be able to move at a good pace. Not many people venture into this area at this time of year, and I don't know why, because the views along the way of Tombstone, Schlee, Elpoca and the peaks over the pass will be stunning with their winter coat of snow. If you've done Monarch Ramparts, Heather Ridge, Fortress South Outlier, and others like this in winter conditions, you'll be fine on this one. Not sure what the snow conditions will be like, so bring your snowshoes just to be safe. HEADLAMPS are absolutely mandatory for this hike, as it is a long one and we might need them. Note: We are not doing Mount Schlee as described in the descriptive link, only Piper Pass Peak.

🌲 Distance: 22km
🌲 Elevation gain: 1100m
🌲 Time: 9-10 hours
🌲 Max Group Size: 12 (No children, No Pets, No guests)
🌲 Difficulty: OT5 route
🌲 Meeting Location: Valley Ridge (street parking near the arena)
🌲 Descriptive Link: https://www.explor8ion.com/2020/08/01/schlee-mount-piper-pass-peak/

🌲 If we have not hiked together before, please answer the question regarding your hiking experience. The waitlist for this event is not first come, first serve, but rather is based on your hiking/scrambling experience that is suitable for this hike.
🌲 I prefer to move at a moderate and steady pace with short breaks only when necessary (e.g., re/delayering, bathroom, snacks, lunch). This means that if you need to stop for frequent and/or elaborate photo shoots at every large boulder and pseudo-view point, please do not sign up. It is also a must that the GROUP STAYS TOGETHER, so don't sign up if you want to take off to do exploratory route finding through the bushes or up an uninviting gully or trying to set a personal best time. It is also not acceptable to break off into your own small group to selfishly bag a peak and then head back to the trailhead while leaving the rest of the group behind.

🌲 Required gear:
- snowshoes
- microspikes
- headlamp
- water
- lunch / snacks
- hiking boots
- hat / gloves
- sensible outdoor clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
- appropriate layers for changing weather (rain shell, down jacket, etc.)
- personal first aid kit, toilet kit
- trekking poles
- sunglasses

🌲 WAIVER: You must sign the club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the trailhead.
🌲 Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.