Mt. Quandary Ascent
Here is a picture of a couple hikers ascending the east ridge of Mt. Quandary in April of 2014. We spent two nights in a snow cave. It was the first time that I have built a snow shelter and slept in it. The temperature stayed a fairly consistent 30-35 degrees inside, which was about 10-15 degrees warmer than the temperature outside overnight.
The most interesting experience in the snow shelter was the stillness. Compared to a tent, the snow shelter completely protected from the wind and noise from the snow storm that hit us the second night. I can definitely understand why some of the Denali climbers elect to build snow shelters as opposed to staying in a tent.
Mt. Quandary Snowstorm by Luke Parr on 500px
These conditions aren't the easiest to ascend a 14er, but Quandary is a fairly easy climb in the summer. The trail is fairly well marked (assuming it isn't covered completely in snow) and makes for an obvious route to the summit.
The most interesting experience in the snow shelter was the stillness. Compared to a tent, the snow shelter completely protected from the wind and noise from the snow storm that hit us the second night. I can definitely understand why some of the Denali climbers elect to build snow shelters as opposed to staying in a tent.
Mt. Quandary Snowstorm by Luke Parr on 500px
These conditions aren't the easiest to ascend a 14er, but Quandary is a fairly easy climb in the summer. The trail is fairly well marked (assuming it isn't covered completely in snow) and makes for an obvious route to the summit.
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