NE Ridge via High Saddle (Winter Route)

Approach

See the "NE Ridge from Dicks Pass" route for a description of the Bayview Trail. This is the recommended winter route, as the route from Emerald Bay and over Maggies Peaks is fairly safe and established for winter access to the Dicks Lake area. Follow this trail until it joins the PCT above Dicks Lake.

Route Description

Ski or snowshoe to the saddle above Dicks Lake where the Emerald Bay/Bayview Trail joins the PCT. Do not follow the PCT to Dicks Pass. A better winter route is to drop down to Dicks Lake, and then ski across the NW corner of the lake to the other side. Your goal is the broad "ramp" that rises above the west shore of Dicks Lake and leads up to the high 9,400'+ saddle between Dicks Peak and the subpeak to the east.

From the lake shore, ski up and around the backside of the ramp, eventually getting up on top of this ridge. Follow it up to the high saddle, where you can soak in the southward views towards Round Top/Carson Pass, and the Ebbetts Pass area behind it. From the saddle, turn right and climb the NE ridge to the summit. The saddle is probably a good spot to trade skis/snowshoes for ice axe and crampons. The first small chute directly above the saddle is very steep and a fall could have serious consequences. Once above this first pitch, the angle eases considerably and the route becomes a straightforward rock scramble.

Essential Gear

Ice axe and crampons recommended.

Miscellaneous Info

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