ermate - Recent messages

In an accident near base camp 2 below Everest, one of the greatest alpinists of our time, Ueli Steck (41), died.
In his ascents he repeatedly proved that the impossible is possible and was a role model and inspiration to many.
Ueli, rest in peace.

https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/swiss-machine-ueli-steck-killed-in-mt-everest-accident/

I don't know the status of the micro-locations, but yesterday I was on Begunjščica via Centralka (and down via Šentanc) and the conditions below the line are bad. In Centralka the snow is still somehow acceptable, on Šentanc it's disastrous. South-facing snow on which you constantly slip and never know when it will hold or not. Ice build-ups are forming, annoying to walk... Status in Y probably similar to Centralka, Lenuhova not done... For your routes specifically, unfortunately I don't know.

Yesterday we were completely alone on Crna Prst. On the path from Kala nobody has walked for some time, as there were no visible footprints in the snow.

Above approx. 1250m frozen snow starts in the forest, partly covered with wind-blown fresh snow, so crampons and a lot of caution are needed already there. On some sections there's only frozen crust, under which is unprocessed fresh snow.

Higher up no issues, just on steep grass below the summit real caution is needed - but snow holds well. Full winter gear obligatory.

Yesterday we had proper frost most of the time and very strong wind carrying snow.

Today conditions ok, nothing to praise, but also not too bad. In the upper part of the Central and Šentanc the snow is blown away so can't ski, but for walking no problem. Snow is ok, but very varied. From ideal, nicely processed snow, to poorly processed chest-deep and icy patches. On the top of the ridge it's bare in many places, so you can sunbathe nicely there if not too windy.
Today from 7am whole processions were going up, so we rather turned into Y gully, which is also ok - we were alone in it, while there was a crowd in the Central. Right exit of Y gully is nicely filled, left blown away.

Fun fact; for or against, let's leave politics aside, Hojs has probably climbed more hills (especially demanding ones) than most users of this forum... In Dec he was on some 6000m peaks in the Himalayas and the highest peak of the southern/western hemisphere - Argentine Aconcagua.

If you're early/late, so no tourist queues, probably need around 1h15. Faster, more skilled, up in 45min-1h (meaning mountaineers, not runners). If it gets jammed, 2h or 2h30 is totally realistic.

@KJ I know... If there's no additional info, it's obvious. But on Peč conditions often allow just small spikes - which are much lighter and walking more comfortable. If someone has a pic pointing clearly one way or the other, fine. Otherwise classic crampons and ice axe with me...

Has anyone been up there in the past few days? How does it look? Is the snow frozen and is it good to bring classic winter gear (crampons, ice axe etc.)? Or is it more southern and is there more need for gaiters and small spikes?

Anyone up there today? Is snow very wet? How much? Any track made yet (from Krma, past Kredarica)?

Warning to all "weekend" hikers heading up tomorrow and over the nice weekend... Current conditions are very changeable, big temperature differences and fog appears quickly, so unequipped don't venture into the unknown.

Just witnessed a rescue under Triglav, someone apparently fell/slipped in thick fog. Likely fatal.

Good luck!

Yes, that's because of the recent death of a female hiker on that path... After inspection they decided that due to fallen trees and popped pitons it's (too) dangerous and consequently they temporarily closed it. Mainly because of tourists in my opinion.

Has anyone been up there in the last few days? Is it very icy on top?

Has anyone been up there in the last few days? What's it like? Any wind slabs anywhere? Is Viševnik - VDV traverse safe? Does the snow settle too much for walkers?

Microspikes aren't superfluous... Full crampons you don't need

Ah, no worry there... Still don't want surprises, not 100% sure about him. Won't drag him on a rope to Debela peč either hahaha