We boot packed 50 m elevation to bypass the waterfall at 2100 m. Otherwise, we kept our skis on to the col between the two peaks. Ski crampons were helpful for the final 300 m to the col. Boot crampons were also useful for the final scramble to the summit.
We found snow depths up to 155 cm on the Hector Glacier. We had pleasant ski conditions below 3100 m with ski penetration of 5-10 cm. Despite the shallow snowpack below treeline, the December 18th crust was supportive and kept our skis above the rocks.
