Richard_Pumpington

Carolyn, Try the Lowa Civetta 'Extremes'; you'll want theExtreme model, as it uses different plastic in the shells, for expedition/colder weather climbs.Raichle also makes a climbing boot version of theThermo-Flex liner(I've used these on Denali andMt.Logan); they create a custom fit and are quitewarm!

What I want to know, is where the hell did youall come up with those goofy names? And does anybody here really climb, except off the couch?

Kevin, All the routes on the mountain can be climbed in the winter, in stable conditions, but all of the routes with easterly facing aspects are going to be the most avi-prone(NE,E&SE); this because most of the weather patterns come from the west. This would then make your westerly facing routes a bit safer choice(Cooper Spur is also the route most people fall on and deaths occur!). I personaly would recommend the Reid Glacier Headwall(many possible variations!) or perhaps Cathedral Ridge (early season variation) as both are steep enough to shed new snow quickly and subsequently make for more interesting climbing. Try picking up a copy of Jeff Thomas 'Oregon High'; it has all of the routes on Mt. Hood, as well as the rest of Oregon's Cascades. Talk to ya labia!

Windfaith, Buy climbing boots! I've been to Denali 4 times and can tell you that if you take AT boots there, you will get what you deserve! Unless you are an absolute shit-hot boarder or skier and are truely willing to board/ski literal 'fall and die' stuff, you will only be using them for the approach(like most people). You also have to decide whether you are a climber who boards/skis, or a boarder/skier who climbs.