Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Our Transportation System
January 8th, 2013 in High Camp Happenings
1. What is the total distance and elevation gain between the parking lot and High Camp?
Total distance is 8 1/2 miles with a net vertical gain of 2,900 feet.
2. Are there designated daily times when the shuttle leaves the parking lot?
Yes, our guests can choose from six different arrival time choices: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm. Arrival times are always arranged in advance. Normally we are limited to transporting a maximum of eight people on any one shuttle.
3. What modes of transportation are used to move guests and gear up the mountain?
We use a combination of chained-up Suburbans and long-track snowmobiles. Typically we drive the first half of the trip in the Suburbans before switching to the snowmobiles. Each snowmobile pulls a cargo sled, where gear is wrapped in a trap and secured with bungie cords.
4. How long does the shuttle trip typically take to cover the 8 1/2 mile journey?
Normally we can move a smaller party all the way up the mountain to High Camp in an hour or less. Larger groups usually require some additional time, due to gear packing at mid-mountain.
5. How many persons can go on each snowmobile?
Each of our seven snowmobiles provides space on the seat for either one or two guests, in addition to our driver. Also, when conditions are favorable, people have the option of “dog-sledding”; i.e. standing up on the back of the cargo sled.
6. What about dogs?
We are successful with nearly all dogs by having them sit on the seat between our driver and the dog owner. Very rarely we need to use the cargo sled, either with a dog crate or with the owner standing on the back.
7. Why don’t you snowmobile everyone all the way from the parking lot?
Three reasons: (1) The trip is simple too long for most people to enjoy on a snowmobile. (2) Driving up half-way in the Suburbans provides the opportunity for people to get acquainted and provides a nice time for questions to be answered. (3) The first half-mile of the route is illegal for snowmobiles. (public road)
8. Who plow the first four miles of the road?
In most winters, High Camp assumes this responsibility. We hire a local snowplow service who keeps our road safe for driving. Equipment used includes a large road-grader and bulldozer and rate is $2.50 per minute. ($150.00 hourly) Depending on the depth of the new snow, the job can take several hours. When logging activity is occurring on the lower mountain, Longview Timber assumes the plowing responsibility.
9. Is it possible to ski or snowshoe all the way down to the parking lot from High Camp?
This is a very popular option with many of our regular guests. We have a system in which gear is carefully tagged and delivered to cars (normally via a second car key) so that our guests can go down the mountain with only light daypacks. While most people travel via the road, there are numerous other possibilities, offering a variety of rewards, including steep, open slopes, big views and waterfalls. Skiing or snowshoeing to mid-mountain to rendezvous with the Suburbans at a pre-arranged time is another popular option with guests on departure days.
10. What exactly is the mid-mountain transportation option?
A significant number of our guests select the mid-mountain option. The rate is lower and there is a certain satisfaction in arriving at your cabin via your own uphill devices. Of course, you miss the fun of the snowmobile ride.