[Boot Frustrations]

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!

[The Joy of the Internet]

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?

[Cooper spur in winter]

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!

[Randonee-VS-Mountaineer boots?]

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.