Sunny Day up Whiteface

[paulc]

This is my first trip report on this forum and I’m only now writing because I recently joined and it was a unique day. Working toward his 46 my son ( aged 15 ) and his brother (13 ) decided to hike Whiteface and Esther. I was familiar with the Wilmington Trail from a past hike so a quick look at the map was all it would take. The plan was to drive from Saratoga to Wilmington trail head in the morning and get a 9 am start. Driving past Whiteface ski center the trails were snow laced from top to bottom and looked spectacular. Because it was Aril 22 and the ski resort was closed we decided to hike the ski face in place of the Wilmington trail. This purposed a very unique hike because we could see the castle at the top the entire way up.
After grabbing a Whiteface ski trail map and picking our route we followed a straight line under the first chair lift called Face Lift. From the top of that chair we crossed over to another chair called Summit lift and finally a steep bush wake straight up to the summit castle. No wind and Blue-bird skies made it a great lunch spot. From the Castle we connected with the Wilmington trail towards Esther junction. We went to Esther looking back at the castle from time to time and then headed back toward Whiteface Ski trails. At the top of the lookout mountain triple chair (4000 feet) we were able to butt sled down on the plastic butt sleds we brought. With the exception of the occasional flat spots we sledded the intire way down. It was a great ending to a perfect sunny day where we all got sunburns on our face.

[SummitHat]

Cool first trip report - what a way to introduce the boys to Whiteface! You picked a fine day for the walk and the great views from up there. Every time I've been up Whiteface I've ended up with a sunburn. Enjoy the rest of the break!

[Gregory Karl]

Welcome! Good idea with the sledding down—a plan perfectly tailored for the season.

[Jim46r]

Great choice in routes Paul.Couldn't have picked a nicer day for that trip.Tell Parker and Joe I said congratulations....JW

[rbalbs]

Originally Posted by paulc

At the top of the lookout mountain triple chair (4000 feet) we were able to butt sled down on the plastic butt sleds we brought. With the exception of the occasional flat spots we sledded the intire way down.

What a great route choice. I've used the ski slopes in Summer to make a shorter loop, though hadn't thought on using the closed down slope in spring. Sounds like a fantastic idea and thanks for sharing.