Overview: We set out to climb and ski the Wyeast face of Mt Hood. We met at the gate the night before to get an early 3:45 AM start. The gate to Mt Hood meadows was closed so instead of being in the parking lot for the night we ended up on the shoulder of the road. After a few hours of rest we were off from Meadows. It took about 6 hours of hiking to reach the top of the Wyeast face. There were many other groups up there getting a piece of the action. The upper section took all we had as it was a 1500 ft steep stair case to the top. The conditions were really good and smooth as we tore some turns into it on the way down.

The face we would climb and ski is seen here, starting from the trees on the bottom right, along the rocky ridge, then up to the top of the Wy'East slope

After making the drive from Bend after work on Friday, John and I pulled into the White River viewpoint and enjoyed the sunset and view of tomorrows destination

Wyeast Face from the White River

Colder than expected roadside camping, we set up the tents on the shoulder of the road near the closed ski resort gate - got about 3 hrs of rest

First light of the day skinning up a run at Mt Hood Meadows

Wyeast Face getting the early sun from Mt Hood Meadows

Ski slope and chair

Ben making his last few steps now just above the ski area

Ben with his homemade splitboard

The steep Wy'East Face dominating the view as we hike up a rocky ridgeline. I'm thinking... that better be soft.

Hiking high above Meadows

We went from skinning up, then hiking rock, back to skins, then rock as far as I could up to the face, then the final stair step.

You can see here a group of three hiking up  before heading up the slope

Looking South

Looking West

Slope and horizon

Time now to switch to crampons

The real hard work starts along with the heat. step... step...

Steep smooth corn skiing about to be torn up.

\More hiking

Up the final 200 ft,  guy climbing in front of me turns around and lets me know we just hit 10,000 ft elevation.

From the top of the Wyeast Face looking towards Mt Jefferson

Andy moments before enjoying the payoff of the hike

Excellent conditions all the way to the lot.

The finish line

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