Name: Fuhrer Finger
Rating: 5.0

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Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

In the winter, there is a gate closure at Longmire. Currently (March 15), the gate hours are 9:00-18:00 Monday through Friday // 8:00-21:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Note that the uphill gate closes a full hour before the official closing. (Check for more info: nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/… or twitter.com/MountRainierNPS)

Wilderness passes are required for all overnight camping and glacial travel. Climbing passes are required for all trips above 10,000 ft.

Overview

For the adventurous ski mountaineer, this is a classic big mountain ski descent.

Need to Know

This line requires glacial travel and rope skills. Extra caution should be used in the chute, as rockfall is common. It is recommended that parties get an alpine start and ascend the route before the sun gets to it.

Description

I will not discuss the route/descent above 11,600 ft. After exiting the Nisqually Glacier at ~11,600 ft. (assuming you are summiting), descend great steep skiing (~45ish deg.) to 11,300 ft. This is where you need to make sure you are on the skier's left-trending chute. The chute to the right is the Fuhrer Thumb, which is steeper and can be cliffed out.

Continue down the chute, making sure to stay left (skiers) at ~10,100 ft. as there is extensive rockfall to the NW. Descend further to ~9,400 ft., where you'll need to pick your way across the Wilson Glacier to the ridge extending from the bottom of The Turtle.