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Picking The Best Time Of Year To Climb Pico de Orizaba
by
Rico Rincon
No doubt you’ve heard of the grand Pico de Orizaba, the tallest mountain in Mexico. At 18,500 feet, it soars above the tiny town of Tlachichuca. It’s summit lures mountaineers of all skill levels from all over the world. There are many things that recommend Pico de Orizaba as a climbing destination, however the lack of necessary fees and permits and it’s optimal glacial ascent terrain which is great for training are two of the biggest. In addition to the many positive aspects, the are has sufficient lodging and dining accommodations and experienced guides available for hire to help you make your way up the mountain.
Unlike most vacations, mountain climbing in Pico de Orizaba is not a walk on the beach. You don’t roll out of the plane and into a lounge chair in the sun. To reach the summit, you need to prepare by taking the necessary time to plan your trip, prepare your equipment and make certain you have booked all of your accommodations. First things first, however, you really must know the proper time to climb Pico de Orizaba, safely and successfully.
According those experienced in mountaineering and climbing, the best time to approach the climb on Pico de Orizaba is between November and March. This is the dry season in Mexico and the earlier during the season you climb, the more chance you have of reaching the top. The base of Pico de Orizaba is a popular place during this time and you’ll find it teeming with mountaineers eager to practice their high altitude glacier climbs, improving their skill level. You may see many of the same climbers who tackle Mt. Everest, cutting their climbing gear on the slopes of Orizaba, while training for the taller mountain. However, if you try to climb Orizaba during the off season, what with bitterly cold, unpredictable weather, strong winds and harsh conditions, and the danger of crevasses, or deep fissures that open in glaciers, makes the trip not worth the risk.
It is also important to consider what time of day you plan on making the climb. Generally, a mountaineer with glacier trekking experience who is in top physical shape can make the trip to the summit and back in 6 to 10 hours. The timing here is very important and is generally planned so that the climbing party leaves during pre-dawn, or what climbers in the field call an “alpine start.” It may take a bit of getting used to such an early start if you are a beginner, but the timing is very important. By beginning the climb in the small hours before dawn, you have a much time to climb before the sun comes out and heats the ice and snow on the mountain to dangerous melting conditions, often causing rock, ice and snow to fall on climbers. It is also imperative to make the climb and return to your camp before nightfall.
The key to climbing Pico de Orizaba is simple: understand your own capacity and have clearly outlined goals. If you are planning to tackle climbing Pico de Orizaba for the sake of advancing your skill level and training, while focusing on your strength and endurance all while getting experience in harsh weather conditions, the you can consider climbing during the wet season, but only with the proper precautions and clear expectations. Even during peak climbing seasons, you can always learn from the local, professional guides, regardless of your skill level. Always climb with other mountaineers, not only for safety’s sake, but to share the lasting and amazing memories you are sure to gather on your way to the top.
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Picking The Best Time Of Year To Climb Pico de Orizaba