HIKING MT BALDY IN WINTER - IN A SNOW STORM
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- Опубліковано 9 лис 2020
- We thought we were going to hike Mt Baldy after the first snow of the season. Weather forecast for Mt Baldy said scattered showers. Weather forecast was wrong. So, so wrong.
This is our journey up the Mt Baldy Ski Hut Trail in a total and complete winter snow storm blizzard bonanza. Will we survive? Maybe. Will we ever be warm again? Probably not.
#MtBaldy #winterhiking #hiking
ABOUT US
We’re Adam and Elise, a couple who believes that adventure is the best therapy. We’ve climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in gale-force winds, hiked Iceland’s famed Laugavegur trail in a sleet-storm, and run through Death Valley in 130 degree heat. Through it all we’ve laughed, cried, bled, bickered, and grown ever closer as a couple. Live Hard x Love Hard will inspire you to get into the wild and outside your comfort zone. Don't forget to subscribe so you can join us on our lifelong pursuit of adventure!
Disclaimer: We do not advise climbing Mt Baldy or any other mountain in the winter under snow storm or blizzard conditions. This. Was. Intense. And dangerous. We made sure to bring proper warm weather gear and navigation tools, we knew the route incredibly well, and we were ready to turn around at any time if the conditions worsened. - Спорт
Wow, No microspikes, crampons, ice axe, snow shoes, ski goggles, Gaiters, water proof hiking shoes, brave souls. I am glad you guys made it down safely. Baldy is no joke during the winter.
Thanks Christy, and you're right it is definitely no joke. To be fair, the weather forecast said no snow, and it was just dead wrong on that day. If we hadn't known that route well we never would have attempted it in those conditions.
don't do as they did, theyre stupid AF, never be complacent on BALDY or take it for granted
It's no joke in spring especially Devils Backbone too many experienced hikers took one wrong step please use caution awesome video
Looked like a fun day.
Haha it was awesome, Francis! A little bit of a struggle getting to the summit, but so much fun coming down! ❤️
I can't believe this is California!! Just incredible hiking conditions! Major props to you both!
Ya it gets crazy here in the winter at high elevations! This winter might be really nuts with El Nino rolling in -- looking forward to finding out!! ❤
This is actually my favorite video, my Pal Mike went up hard way in snow, buried, 2011, from valley, between it and Baden Powell. Yeah. BURIED IN SNOW.
WOW beautiful
Thanks Dan! So glad you saw this adventure -- still one of our most memorable ever!! ❤️
This was the funnest hike I've never been on. You guys made me smile. Be safe! 🤣😘
Yes! Mt. Baldy is a true SoCal classic -- glad to hear you love it. Once the snow melts you might try Iron Mountain if you haven't done that yet -- same area, and you can look over at Baldy from the summit, but even a little bit harder than Baldy. You stay safe too, especially with the crazy storms this year! ❤️
You two have this likability about you thats really hard to find in people these days. Amazing job with the videos; don't ever stop. Good luck and keep trekking !!
Aw thank you so much! We really appreciate that encouragement, and promise that as long as our bodies are willing, we will not stop trekking, because our spirits are definitely strong and quest after ever higher peaks. 😊
This vid reminds me of an attempted accent on Humphrey’s Peak in a unrelenting snow storm. When the trail disappeared in the snow I took a compass setting to go off trail. In snow waist deep brought me to a steep ridge line above the trees. Wind was blowing so hard that I crawled on my Kees until my turn around time. No idea where I was, but it was epic. In your vid I felt I was right there with you. Thanks again for taking your audience with you into magical places in this Creation.
Wow Richard that sounds absolutely incredible! There really is something about pushing yourself in the elements that deepens you as a person. Just like your Humphrey's experience we will never, ever forget this climb, and it has given us strength to try other difficult things since then. ❤️
Absolutely beautiful place and thank you for sharing
You two are crazy, and thanks for the journey
We plead temporary insanity 🤣 thanks for coming along!
I am so proud of you two making this hike for us!!!
Thank you so much for saying that! It means a lot to us that you understand and appreciate the difficulties of breaking that trail.
Thank you both
Unique experience but after it being at home feel great . New friend wishing the best joy in your adventures ! All my greetings👍🙂
Well hey there thanks so much! We have been trying to get warm for a week 🤪 but such a good adventure, happy to take you along!
Awesome adventure and video - thank you! Heading up tomorrow via Old Baldy Trail and looking forward to clear skies and snow on the ground. :)
Hey thanks Mike. So jealous of your adventure tomorrow- we’ve got to head back sans blizzard because the views from Baldy of all the snow capped peaks are unreal! Enjoy!
I love this snow wonderland
thankyou so much.
We loved it too, Randolph! It's such an amazing place, and we're delighted you saw and enjoyed this one. ❤️
Love how you 2 challenge yourselves & your bodies!!! 💪🏼👏🏼💯✨
Thanks so much! We do have this obsession with finding new challenges and testing our limits... Always looking forward to what’s next! ❤️
Fun, fun, fun!! Smile on my face the whole time!! Thanks for the wonderful adventure!!From Arizona🌵🌵
Haha thanks Mary! Glad you found this one. That was one wacky, tough, and incredibly fun day! Hope you've been having a great week ♥️
My Baldy in snowstorm....that too via Ski hut, the steepest route of all! Great effort guys! It looks so scary and as you said the visibility is so poor! Take care and have all the safety gear!
There were definitely a few very terrifying moments out there. But not going up backbone was a good idea... would only recommend doing that in the bright warm sun!!
You guys are fantastic! Adam you’ve got the energy of an 18year old! Elise, keeping up with Adam, in a blinding snow storm, tells me you’re Super hero 🦸🏻♀️ material. Your hair was frozen stiff! And as if climbing Baldy isn’t challenging enough, you did it without eye protection. Thank you for sharing your wild & adventures journey.
Haha thank you so much Frans! I actually kinda liked the way my hair looked frozen... maybe I’ll have to get “frosted tips” 🤣💁🏻♀️
Crazy! Good job for making it and staying safe!
Thanks so much Brittany! It was total insanity out there!
That was an epic adventure through a snowy wasteland! Way to blaze that summit trail! I was worried you guys were underdressed for that hike! Thanks for taking us along - I haven't seen that much snow since moving down south!
I was worried we were underdressed too! 🤣🤣 but I always make sure to bring a stash of hot hands for this very type of occasion- you never know when you’re going to almost freeze to death haha!
Hardcore winter scent yes the wind taking a beating .wow 😲
OMG we were so freaking wind-beaten at the top!
Oh man, I can feel this video. Winter hiking is beautiful, but a special kind of painful. And those surprise snow storms... 😍😳😬🥶I definitely have a love/hate relationship with it. But these hikes make for some of the best "We did it!" stories. I don't think people who haven't done it can quite get it, but you did an awesome job capturing this kind of journey.
Thanks so much -- you definitely understand, and described the ethos of the surprise storm completely! Even while it's happening and you're kind of freaking out, you're also like "this is gonna be an incredible memory." Really glad you saw this one -- even almost a year later, we remember every detail of that crazy adventure and it's so fun to share and think back on it!❤️
I don’t even know where this mountain is and still really enjoyed this video. Nice job! Such good quality.
Thanks so much Dan! I guess we should have clarified - Mt Baldy is in the Angeles National Forest, about an hour outside Los Angeles. For most hikes it usually offers sweeping views from Los Angeles to Palm Springs but... not if you attempt it in a blizzard haha. Glad you enjoyed it!
That hair scene reminded me to like, Elise is so adorable. Adam's always a gentleman.
Haha we haven't thought about that hair scene in a while! Thanks so much for calling that back -- what a crazy adventure! Adam's hands were numb for like two weeks after that one! ❤️
That is amazing! Lol Excellent job you two! 👏
Haha oh man, thanks so much! One of the most insane days of our lives. Maybe only second to summit night of Kilimanjaro. Are you planning to head out this way for some hiking soon?
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I sure will be up there soon. 🙂 I've had the pleasure myself of being up on the summit during a snow storm. Its far from easy navigating the trail in those conditions. You guys rocked it!
Thank you! And yeah navigation was grueling. Be careful out there and enjoy 😊
Wow you pair are such vivacious gorgeous souls!!
A bit f#%king crazy too 😉😂😂
This is absolutely awesome!!! Wow putting yourselves through that 😫But what a great video!!!
I’ve never seen real snow!!
Such epic footage!
Your videos are beautiful to watch 💕💕
Much love to you ✨✨💎
Haha! I will gladly accept your diagnosis 😜 you’ve never seen snow?! Is there just no snow near you? Can’t imagine! We’ve got to get you out sometime for a snow day!
You guys are nuts!
Just loved it
We take that as the best kind of compliment 😂 this was definitely one of our wackiest but memorable adventures. Being on the summit in that wind and snow storm was bonkers!!
Beautiful scenery! Love all the snow
It definitely started out with such a gorgeous sunrise, and then the snow storm set in and we lost all visibility but.. there's something beautiful about all encompassing snow, regardless of summit views. Hoping to get back for some climbing in the sun to really show off the scenery up there!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard definitely beautiful and all the elements just in a different way! We really enjoy making outdoor content also
@@NickandRachel awesome to see another couple into adventuring together!
Loved it
You guys rock !!
Aw thanks Elisa! We’re finally starting to feel warm again, so that’s a bonus 🤣
Wow great video, never considered a snow hike til now. Good Job ! Is the ski hut open all the time ?
That's a good question! We've never actually been inside the ski hut even though we've hiked the trail a bunch of times, so not sure how it actually works in terms of being open. But the trail itself is always open, though obviously you wouldn't want to try it in any weather much worse than we did here, because it would be so easy to get lost in a whiteout. ❤️
That was absolutely incredible! Congrats on the summit during a snow storm! Glad all went well. Made me want to try to do a snow summit!
Thanks so much Mariela! It was a true adventure. Just be safe out there if you decide to do a snow summit- this definitely got dicey a few times even despite the fact we know this route so well! Insanity!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I'm watching visit me
Omg I miss your guys faces through adventure!!! Eekkkk 😱 you both carried this to the next level of avid hiking !! Soo happy you guys made it out alive and took the time to graciously let us in on the hardcore hiking adventure !! Absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 y’all are BEAST !!! 💪🏼💪🏼 Congratulations 🏔 🎉
Cee! We’ve missed you! How have you been?! Would have loved for you to join us on this adventure.... it was a beast like no other! Hope to see you out there... we’ve been running into lots of SoCal hikers and I’m hoping that one day it will be you!!!
yall are so wild! love the videos
Haha thanks so much Davis! I think we may have an adventure addiction but... what can ya do 🤷🏻♀️
🙋 from the Sunshine State 😎 🌞🌻 🏖️ ⛱️🏊♂️🐬,🍻📸. "warm" emojis ....lol...glad y'all are o.k. after this one ! 🥶
Thanks Dorothy! Ya we definitely got more than we bargained for on this one -- but it turned out to be a great experience and taught us a good lesson about being careful with weather! ❤️
wow beautifull
So wild!
Haha this was a wild climb for sure! Definitely did not know if we would be able to make it to that summit!
Very cool hike! I just did the devils route and came down the way you guys went up but during sunny weather. Can't imagine how cold your fingers were. I had snow gloves with me and my fingers were still uncomfortably cold with the wind chill factor near the top.
Yes! It's the combination of altitude and wind chill that gets you. My fingers were numb for like two weeks after that! 🥶 --A
Inspired inspired inspired thank you .
Haha at Elise's "grey" hair 😃!!
Haha and just so we're clear. Even though it didn't look bad, it's gonna be a few years before I "let" it go gray! ❤️
New subscriber 😊 loving your adventures thank YOU for awesome videos.
So stoked you’ve decided to come along for the ride! Thanks for your support. We can’t wait to show you what’s ahead for this summer!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard ✌😎
Woooaaahhhh!!!! That WIND isn’t playing!!!!
Gotta give that wind respect!!
A great video , you guys are clearly very experienced, hugely capable and a great team , it really looked quite dangerous! Well done and thanks for sharing!
Thanks John! Yes this hike definitely turned out to be a lot more dangerous than we were expecting, and honestly we probably would have turned around if it wasn't a trail that we'd already done and knew fairly well, so felt confident we could find our way back even in a whiteout.
crazy weather, well done new sub
Ha, we live for this type of insanity! Thanks for coming along for the adventure!
I remember when this snow storm hit. The weather reports didn't give it justice lol! Mount Baldy gives so many fun adventures.
Haha! You are so right. Weather forecast was casually predicting a slight chance of showers... so wrong. So very very wrong. 🤣
You guys are crazy 🤪
Haha you're right about that, Esmeralda! But fun crazy!! ❤️
This acents in winter is not for beginners on the mountain.but you to are pros looks epic.👍😳
You're right about that, David -- Baldy can be super dangerous in winter but WOW is it also beautiful and fun! ❤️
Gonna be making this trek on Sunday. Supposed to snow 😜
Oh heck yes! It is awesome in the snow. But please be careful, Brian. We did it in the snowstorm because we know the route very well, so felt confident we could find our way down even in a whiteout. But if the snow's falling hard it's very easy to get lost up there. On the other hand, if it snows and then the sun comes out you will rarely see anything more beautiful! ❤️
take care always
Thank you! You too :D
Love it!!! Did you both go back down the same way you went up?
I want to go this weekend but have never hiked it in snow before. Figuring out the best decent route.
Glad you enjoyed! Yes we went both up and down the same route on ski hut trail, though as you saw there was no discernible trail for the second part of the way up because the snow had completely covered it. We were very happy taking the ski hut route, because there were no deadly vertical drop offs like there are on the Devil's Backbone route. With all the snow that has fallen lately though, you might want to check and make sure about avalanche danger. It gets pretty steep in places up there, and it seems like some of the upper parts could be fertile avalanche terrain. Stay safe, and enjoy it up there when you go -- it is SO spectacular in the winter!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard thank you for the comprehensive response!! I sincerely appreciate it.
I’m a bit nervous but excited to do it. Your video made me want to do it even more.
Where would I find a reliable avalanche report?
@@durzoblint415 We go with Socalsnow.org, but "reliable" is always a relative term. You might also just call the Baldy Rangers -- you should be able to find the number online -- and ask them directly. When we're unsure about trail conditions, we like to go straight to the rangers with questions because they're usually the first ones out there.
Wow, what a snow storm. New subscriber here. I saw your comment from my friend, @joyabayontv. Great content.
Hey Lyzel! Thanks for stopping by and joining our crazy adventures! We’re still recovering from the frostbite but it was worth every minute 🤣❤️
You are 2 tough cookies!
Good job guys! Haven't done Baldy in snow yet, this winter it's happening! And I agree, Devil's Backbone would be something to do with a helmet, crampons and 2 ice axes XD
Btw, what are you guys using for filming?
Thanks Michal. So stoked for you! Are you going to attempt backbone this winter or a different route? Backbone would be a great goal for us but only with the proper gear. Hoping to go back in better, more sunny and warm conditions haha 😊
@@LiveHardxLoveHard if I can find a sunny, no wind day, I'll definitely give Backbone a try😁
Be safe out there!!
@Michael Steele We agree. Too many hikers have gone missing/died on that trail during winter conditions, extremely dangerous. That's why we avoided it this weekend.
@Michael Steele that's an awesome idea. Somehow we have never done register ridge in all our years of climbing baldy, but would love to check it out. Baldy should be gorgeous right now with the blizzard cleared up!
hi my friend what is the Elevation of mt BALDY?
Hello! Baldy is just over 10,000FT 🤗
How long was the hike ? And sorry I know you mention it but what was the bane of the trail
It's fairly short distance-wise, Mike -- from car to car it was just under 10 miles and 4000 feet of climbing. In summer that's pretty easy, but as you saw it was definitely more of a challenge in winter since there was absolutely no trail to follow and walking in snow is just plain tough!
I miss this one but found it.
Super glad you found this - without doubt one of our most memorable hikes.
I’m assuming you didn’t take register ridge trail because it isn’t an “official” trail. That was my first way up in the snow. So beautiful.
Awesome Brynna! We want to try that one too -- maybe this winter. We just took the regular Ski Hut trail, but it felt new in some ways once the storm kicked in because we couldn't see the trail at all and couldn't see far into the distance either. Looking forward to doing a winer one there when it's really sunny and the snow is glistening!
Even during the summer, the trail mostly disappears after the ski hut. You just scramble up the mountain until you reach the top.
Yeah, it can definitely become a choose your own adventure in some spots. We wouldn't have continued on if we hadn't done this route a ton of times before because wow that white-out got pretty dicey.
Wow !! brave hikers to summit Mt Baldy. Your video quality is so clear. What kind of phone or camera use for video? Thanks
Hey! Thanks so much! Definitely one of the most insane hikes of our lives. Would love to get back here when it’s not storming because it should be beautiful out there now haha. We actually use the GoPro hero 8 on the 4K setting! It was immensely challenging filming this since the storm ruined the lens every two seconds, so we’re happy that we got some footage out of it!!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Is this video from Sunday ? I was there on Sunday The snow storm was insane . I think i saw you guys. I was taking pictures and I lost a micro spike so I could not continue the trail .
Wait no way! That was us Sunday. Where did we run into you? There was a group of hikers kind of climbing with us from the ski hut up to the summit. Was that you?
People do not realize how hard those two mountains are, they are big, if you go up not on the road Baldy is soul crushing in the snow. Baden Powell is one of the biggest elevation gains in the west. but there is a reason folks go up Whitney again and again, 3 hour drive from Cal City side. 4 from Palmdale. And you can do Kearsarge or Taboose too. If you live there do them all. Even Walker Pass to Owens Peak. Olancha. Whats the one over Death Valley, Telescope? My dream winter trip is White Mountain from where ever the road closes. How does 54 below sound? 72 mph winds? That"s night though. On a bad day.
Baldy was definitely a beast in the snow, Dan! We've actually been thinking about White Mountain as a snowshoe adventure. But we're not sure about the road, and if we could get close enough to do it in a day or if it would have to be a multi-day camping situation. Please let us know if you find out!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard You can work at these places. Just go to USAjobs search maintenance/trail crew/ and by parks. If you are in socal then kings canyon would be easiest place. I just hit them all up took what came up initially.
@@LiveHardxLoveHard she would be a natural for talking ranger guide. interpretation.
How you guys do this with no balaclava. My nose is cold just watching
Haha Adam actually did have a balaclava in his pack -- you can see him put it on at the top. The biggest problem we had was our hands getting cold because we kept having to take our darn gloves off to manipulate the cameras and the GPS!
I hiked Mt Baldy in June one year on the back bone trail it was ninety degrees at the ski hut super hot to a boring rocky peak . I prefer hiking Mt Baden Powell only 400 ft lower and better peak in my opinion
Haha we are partial to Baldy just because it was the first mountain we really started climbing together. But yeah there’s so many amazing peaks in this area! If you take Baden Powell over to Hawkins - now those are some views!!
Did you see anyone doing the bowl that day? I did not that day since it was the first snow so no sure the snow condition on the bowl.
Honestly we only saw a few other hikers that were following behind us on the trail up ski hut. It was a total whiteout on the summit so it was impossible to tell who else was up there or who could have ascended via other routes such as the bowl, but I am sure not too many because the conditions were pretty extreme.
Riddick would say keep moving.
Haha yes, and Riddick would definitely be right! ❤️
That's amazing. I've always wanted to hike baldy in the winter. I've run the "Baldy run to the top race" in september many times. Looks like you two were at the edge of cold, exhaustion and navigation. I would bundle up double with heavy boots and snow shoes for a warmer comfortable but challenging hike up. Any time there is snow and altitude expect to travel only about 1-2 miles an hour even on the downhill which might be icy and lethal. Some of the drop offs and slopes are near vertical.
That's awesome that you did "run to the top!" What a kick ass race!! Yeah we were pretty cold and tired, though thankfully navigation went okay because at least we've hiked ski hut trail a lot of times before (not in snow). Our route didn't feel too dangerous in terms of fall exposure -- not nearly as bad as it would have been going the other way, up Devil's backbone. Not sure we're brave enough to try that route in the winter!
I guess after Kiliminjaro, this was nothing. I thought the wind was going to blow you off the mountain, Elise. Adam, nice sherpa work.
Wait, so you’re not going to get mad at Adam for taking me into a blizzard?! 🤣 I thought that would for sure be coming!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Well, now that you bring it up. Adam, what's up with that???
🤣🤣🤣 dying. We love you!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard xo to both of you!
Lookout for the yeti
That looks insane on top of the summit
It was NUTS up there!!! We kinda needed a Yeti to keep us warm with all his fur.
Dang Elise has some crazy frozen hair!
Haha! Wishing I could rock this style more of the time! 🤣
this is how people disapppear on the mountain lol
Well you're not totally wrong. People really have disappeared on this mountain before in snowstorms. Remember though that we know the route well, had two different GPS devices for navigation, and also carry an emergency GPS beacon that can be used to summon help in case of emergency. So not too likely we would have been the ones disappearing -- unless maybe we got kidnapped!
just found out this video. (first snow day) We were at same day to Baldy via Register ridge trail. So windy and cold.
No way! Did we meet you on the trail? It was such an insane day!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard you two are 👍. At Nov 7, 2020 first snow we went Baldy but all of us like to go Rigister ridge trail instead ski hut trail.
@@spy818 Oh, nice! You guys are awesome for getting out there that day, it was really tough. We still have to check out the Register Ridge Route :)
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I saw most of your UA-cam videos. You're super happy couple and great hikers. 👍
You are so sweet, thanks friend! Love getting to share these adventures!!
Definitely ignore the negative feedback...We all take risks when we do this stuff. It's easy to second guess people. But you were prepared with gear, wayfinding and experience. The shots at the top were amazing. Awesome video!
Aw thanks so much Jerry! We’ve definitely learned by now that there’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like what you do for one reason or another. We just try to do our best, come prepared, and be willing to admit defeat when the mountain says it’s time to turn around. But, we do live for adventure and as you said, there’s always going to be a risk no matter what you do. Thanks for watching!!
Please be safe, we admire you, but please be safe
We will, Jebina, we promise! We want to be doing this for many decades to come!!
Congrats on making it and making it back safely. What song/music are you using in background? It’s same music I heard in mediocre amateur (another adventure UA-camr)
Hey thanks so much Ashwin. Happy to be alive! The two songs we used in the vid were both just taken from the UA-cam music library - one is called Synergy and the other is called Ocean View 😊
@@LiveHardxLoveHard thanks! What’s next for you? Rim2rim2rim seems up your alley if haven’t already, Grand Canyon isn’t so far!
@@ashwinamit1823 R2R2R is 100% on the list! Have you done it? Haven't done enough research on doing it in winter season though. Definitely planning some more snow climbs but perhaps not all entirely in a blizzard haha. Any and all suggestions we're open...send em our way!
Nope, I just did rim2rim in October but you all are in much better shape than me! and Grand Canyon corridor trails are so well marked you don’t have to worry about route finding in a whiteout. Unless that’s your thing!
@@ashwinamit1823 Haha, Well Adam definitely enjoyed the route finding this weekend, but I'm not sure he's trying to make a hobby out of it! We're stoked on an R2R2R attempt though. Will keep you posted!
I grew up in La Canada in the 60’s and 70’s. My buddies and I would constantly climb all the larger San Gabriel peaks in all 4 seasons including Baldy. The Devil’s Backbone trail that they referred to is fairly long and fine when you are in your teens. Curious how these sacred trails are holding up 40+ years later?.. Mt. Baden Powell was another favorite or Little Jimmy is a pinch if you don’t have the time for one of the longer hikes. Great memories.
I would hope in that weather you brought some items in case you had to bivouac If not you might consider it next time. Potentially deadly scenario if not.
That's awesome that you guys went all 4 seasons -- we're totally following in your footsteps! Yes we always bring both an emergency bivy and a Garmin mini -- we've never needed either, but it's comforting to know we have them along just in case! ❤️
Do you guys ski baldy?
We wish! Downhill skiing is not in our wheelhouse - YET, but we have big aspirations to get good enough to be able to skin up and ski down some epic mountains 🤗
I have to hind this video from my wife and Grandkids
LOL John we always look forward to your comments!! Better keep this good and well hidden.... or maybe not 😜🤗
Not a wise thing to do. Two hikers ate missing 2023..
Yes Ginger it has been a tragic season on Baldy. Not sure if you watched the video, but we were very clear in saying we only felt safe doing this because we know the route like the back of our hand. Also, of course, it was a very different year with much lighter conditions, so we did not have the snow and ice conditions that exist this year. It's all about understanding the conditions and your capabilities. We haven't done Baldy this season because conditions are too bad for us -- however, we might do it later this winter if that changes.
5:12 - at this point you should have swallowed your pride and turned around.
That's an interesting perspective, and you might be right. We now bring multiple glove-heating options so that taking our hands in and out of gloves for filming is no longer an issue, but at the time the cold hands could have become a problem. Now that we have a lot more mountaineering experience, we've gained a deep respect for people willing to turn around even when they're very close to the summit.
Mt Baldy is my playground but im not ready to loose my life yet hiking in a snow storm.
Baldy is a beast and we would absolutely not endorse or advise doing this. Even in sunny conditions during the winter months it can still be dangerous (also a good reason we avoided devils backbone that day). Stay safe out there!
They should close this area in bad condition
They might very well start doing that -- especially during major storms and in years like 2023 when the there is so much snow and ice that conditions are brutal even when it's not storming. But remember that fatal accidents do happen on every popular mountain, and they always will -- when you have thousands of people climbing things will happen. We don't want to over-legislate based on a few accidents. It might be better to over-educate, and post more warnings to help people understand what they can and cannot handle.
@livehardxlovehard They should closed it due to weather forecast
Really dumb idea. You could have put a bunch of rescuers at risk with this stunt
Well, we always try to respond to hostile comments with kindness, so first of all let us say Merry Christmas to you. We agree that it is very important to have the training and knowledge of the trail you are on before you try an ascent in extreme snow conditions. We could pretty much come down Baldy Ski Hut trail blindfolded we know it that well, and, as we made absolutely sure to say at the end of the video, no one should attempt anything like this without the proper training, gear, and skills to do so. We were prepared to turn around at any time and we are not afraid to acknowledge our limits out there. Take care.