Matterhorn Peak East Couloir

Join MAA on a winter ascent of Matterhorn Peak. This sharp granite peak is the king of the Sawtooth Range featuring a long couloir that leads to the summit spine. Proficiency in winter camping and climbing is required. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 8. Hope to have you out with us!

SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

DETAILS:

• What's happening: Matterhorn Peak, 12,279, East Couloir route, Class 3, snow up to 45 degrees. Multi-day ascent, winter camping, off trail navigation. TH is at Twin Lakes at 7,000'. Approach is about 4 miles and gains about 3,000'.  Will push higher if possible.  
  
• Map here
  
• Where to meet: At the entrance to Annette's Mono Village Resort at 8:00 a.m. near Bridgeport Ca. Take the Twin Lakes road to the end. 
• Volunteer Event Leader: Doug Harris
  
• Minimum / Maximum: 4/8
  
• What to bring: Warm, stormproof layers for upper and lower body - 4 layers for upper and 3 layers for lower, minimum. 2 pair socks and gloves, warm mittens, warm headwear, sunglasses, goggles, gaiters, helmet, warm mountain boots, sharp steel crampons fit to your boots, ice axe, food for 2 nights / 3 days, waterbottles with insulating sleeve, spoon, cup, warm sleeping bag, sleeping pads, trekking pole(s), snowshoes or skis, snow shovel. Equipment such as stove, pots, fuel and tents may be supplied by MAA. Bring what you have of these items and we'll select the group gear. Leave about 10 liters of space and up to 5 lbs for group gear. 
  

• Bobcat's Adventure Sports: MAA Apex and Base members enjoy a significant retail discount on mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, skiing, splitboarding, and backcountry clothing, equipment and gear, as well as consignment and rentals.    

• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
  
• Additional Info: We'll be parking on the road outside the resort if the gates are not open. If we park in the resort, there may be a $10 fee.
  

ITINERARY:

• DAY 1: Saturday March 14th - Meet at the entrance to Annette's Mono Village Resort at the end of Twin Lakes Road in Bridgeport, CA. Take care of gear, logistics. Walk to the TH and make the approx. 5 mile approach on snowshoes or skis, and establish basecamp near the base of Matterhorn Peak at about 10,600.
• DAY 2: Sunday, March 15th - With an early start, ascend snow up the East Couloir to the summit spine, then scramble Class 3 rock to the summit. Descend to take down camp and return to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

• This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

• MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

• MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

• Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

• Participant safety is our top priority. Circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

• As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

• All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.