Route information - Know the ups and the downs

This may sound obvious to some, but the descent route off a peak often takes just as much planning and knowledge as the way up.

If the is descent is different than the ascent, always have maps and descriptions of both. It’s easy to get so focused on going up, one can forget the all-important part of getting back down - especially if the ascent is more challenging or technical than the descent.

Even if you are descending the same route you came up, marking route changes or junctions with wands, flagging tape, a quick pencil sketch, or jotting down a compass bearing can be a Very Good Idea.  These precautions might seem overkill if it’s a fine sunny morning, but may save the day if the weather turns south or visibility decreases.  The standard practice of regularly turning around and eyeballing the return route is always a good habit, in any sort of weather.

The “walk off” route may seem obvious in the guidebook, but not so easy to find in darkness, clouds/whiteout or when you’re tired. For you GPS people, waypoint(s) of key decision points such as the top of a drainage/ridge, high camp or trail junction can be very nice to have.  Written route info from a previous party, such as: “To find the right descent gully from the summit, go 170 meters on a bearing of 270 degrees” can be very useful in low visibility.

It’s best is everyone on the team has all the the route information needed, in case the party needs to separate. A photocopy of the guidebook pages or a “route card”, with a summary of route information and photos, can be invaluable.  Protect your paperwork from the elements with a ziplock bag, or better yet, a plastic sleeve sheet protector from the office supply store.