We returned from our defeat the day before, hungry for a successful summit. This time, we brought all the requisite gear for safe ascent; microspikes, ice axe, sunglasses, and a whole boatload of spirit.

We blazed up the first mile of trail to the Summit Ski-Lift and looked up at what we were going to attempt. We continued up the trail until we got to the first snowfield crossing and geared up. Microspikes on and ice axes in hand, we worked our way across the snowfield and back onto the trail. Spikes came off, and jangled on the pack, ice axe still in hand. Pushing onward in the face of adventure, we proceeded up the mountain, crossing a couple more snowfields, each with a fresh application of the microspikes. Upon reaching the summit, we could barely contain ourselves. This was the first snow-covered mountain we had ever attempted and, even after our original defeat the day before, we had accomplished it! Unfortunately, the weather didn't agree with us and a cloud quickly engulfed the summit.

Then we realized something. We didn't have to hike back down! Overjoyed, we basically skied the entire length of the Summit Ski-Lift in our hiking boots, resorting to glissading the sections that were too steep to stand on. Giddy with excitement and a little bit of adrenaline from the descent, we hiked the remaining mile out to the car and looked West, towards the next days challenge, South Sister.