About This Route
From Stella Point (18,850 feet) along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, this 500-foot traverse-bowl offers a technical snowboard line via Marangu or Machame routes. Snow lingers in shaded rim pockets, but park prohibitions stem from 1,000 annual evacuations and uncharted crevasse fields. Real-world attempts highlight the Heim-like risks without infrastructure; prioritize awareness over execution.
Safety Considerations
Wind chill drops to -20F; frostbite hits in minutes without vapor barriers. AMS escalates 50% faster on rims per expert blogs. Probe for 30m-deep crevasses using Black Diamond probes. Rockfall peaks post-sunrise; start pre-dawn. TANAPA mandates total block sunscreen above 9,800 feet; sunglasses prevent snow blindness. Acclimatize via 7-day Lemosho circuit, heeding Wilderness Medical Association: descend if saturation below 85%.
Essential Gear
Glacier-grade: Petzl crevasse rescue kit; Rab Neutrino puffy; Smith 4X goggles; 30L Osprey Talon with thermoregs; MSR Lightning ascenders for up-tracks.