I summited South Needle and began to descend into the col between the middle and south needle. I didnt have a rope, just an ice axe and microspikes. Has anyone traversed the Col in winter or with snow pack?

Thanks!

I was hoping someone who has "...traversed the Col in winter or with snowpack?" would help you out. All you get is me, I guess. We've been through it many times, but mostly in patchy spring snow. The most difficult part is just before the bottom of the South Needle's north side. You are descending a steep slab of rock with little in the way of foot/hand holds. Depending heavily on veggie holds. That part frees itself of snow early. My understanding is that there is a fixed rope there now. Apparently the route is heavily flagged these days too. We've never found the rest of the route to the Middle Needle that difficult, just steep. Hope this helps somewhat.

https://stevensong.com/coastal-inter...s/the-needles/

Detailed report Steven did in Winter conditions which are very different than spring conditions there. I personally would only drop off South Needle in snow with crampons and an ice axe, as well as a lot of practice downclimbing on snow. Otherwise, save it for the snow to get off there. Dropping off the South Needle is generally the most difficult move of the whole traverse unless you connect with the Coliseum trail from North Needle which is a sketchy mess of a route.

Thanks for the input, the upper part of the descent on the south needle (north west side) was easy to navigate. On the slab section it appeared the rope was buried under snow. It didnt help that there was a mini bergschrund in the way too that would of required a running jump onto a steep slab of snow. Im sure it would have been do able, I did the col years ago but cant remember if there was exposure of any sort? Anyways will have to wait for July !

Oh man, looks like Bubblin' Bacon is the type of poster this forum desperately needs!

Thx man, there are so many different apps and tools out there nowadays, but none super specific to local trails and adventure hikes in SW BC. Some of the old posts in clubtread are to be desired, trip reports and wild adventures. Cheers

snow conditions makes this trip more serious.
https://forums.clubtread.com/27-brit...edles-may.html
the one steep notch should be OK by mid June (just guessin')

The backside of South Needle is 90% snow free currently and the rope is not buried. Looks to be very wet still. Few sections to North Needle that needs an axe and traction. Information taken from the Bagger Challenge

Great, I was looking at South needle to middle needle yesterday from Fromme Mountain with binoculars. It looked like a huge amount of snow has melted in the last week. I will be doing the needles traverse in a week's time. North Needle looked a little snowed in still.