Mt. Tallac Winter Ascent and Ice Climbing (MTN 2, SNOW 1,2, ICE 1)

Join MAA in Tahoe for a winter ascent of Mt. Tallac and ice climbing at Cascade Falls. We are looking to do a winter two-for-one with an overnight in the Cascade Lake backcountry and either or both of these activities, as conditions and weather permits. We can also climb Maggies Peaks. Tallac will attempted via a non-traditional route on the full north ridge. Cascade Falls will be a top belay single pitch ice climbing experience. As a part of this experience, attendees will be exposed to MTN 2, SNOW 1,2 and ICE 1 training concepts. Recommended for those with steep snow climbing / snowshoeing and off-trail navigation proficiency. 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: Mt. Tallac 9,735, complete north ridge from near Cascade Lake, approximately 3,000' gain, off-trail brushy travel, steep snow up to 50 degrees, approximately 4 miles round trip. Ice climbing at Cascade Falls, 1 mile approach, minimal elevation gain, single pitch WI2-3. Overnight winter camping with tents in the snow, and snowshoeing. We may also climb Maggies Peaks, south and/or north summit. MTN 2 winter mountaineering, SNOW 1,2 snow climbing and self arrest, and ICE 1 top rope ice climbing technique training. 
• Where to meet: 8:00 am at Bayview Campground parking or the north side Hwy 89 road closure.
• Event Leader: Darren Shutt 916-872-3399
• Minimum / Maximum: 4,8
• What to bring: Mountain boots, crampons*, ice tool(s)*, harness*, belay device*, 48" sling or runner / PAS, snowshoes*, sturdy tent*, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, stove*, fuel*, pot*, mug, spoon, 3-4 layers of winter clothing, gloves, pack, trekking pole(s*), food, water, personal items, 10 essentials. MAA will provide ropes, anchoring and some technical gear such as crampons, snowshoes, and ice tools, as well as any item with a *

• 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.

• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
• Winter Driving: Please plan ahead, bring chains, go slow and allow plenty of travel time for the unpredictable nature of winter driving.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Friday, December 18th: Meet and greet at 8:00 am at the Bayview CG or the north side Hwy 89 road closure. Sort gear, pack, make the 1-2 mile approach over snowy trails to the area proximate to Cascade Falls, on a bench just west of Cascade Lake. Make camp. Choose between ice climbing, climbing Mt. Tallac via the north ridge, or climbing Maggies Peaks. Return to camp in the evening, dinner, head in for the night.

Day 2, Saturday, December 19th: Early start and choice of the same three options: ice climbing at the falls, climbing Tallac or Maggies Peaks. Break camp in the late afternoon, hike back to the cars, and head home / into Tahoe for dinner. Voila!

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. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards 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.