AlpinistAndrew

Awesome, thanks for the offer!

So I am headed to WA from Vermont for my annual pilgrimage to my homeland. I'm headed out Tuesday and am looking at climbing the NBC of Colchuck and was wondering if anyone has been in the area or up the route recently. I'm not really in tune with the snowpack in the Cascades this year, so I'm not sure what to expect right now. I realize that usually it is climbed a bit earlier in the season, but was hoping to get up it. Any beta would be appreciated, thank you!

Scarpa Freney XT GTX Boots Size: 44 (~10.5) Price: $99 plus shipping Great ice climbing and mountaineering boots. I've used them for ice climbing the last couple of years and they work great and keep my feet plenty warm. They are size 44, which fits by 10.5+ foot perfectly. They are in good condition with plenty of life left in them for ice climbing or mountaineering. Now that I don't ice climb and live in VT, I don't really have much use for this kind of boot anymore.

I have a few aid climbing items for sale. As of now I am not selling the items individually, but as a "package" ($60 for everything). Most of this stuff has been used once if ever. Only the daisies have seen any real use. (2) Black Diamond 6 Step Etriers (2) Black Diamond Talon Hooks (1) Black Diamond Cliffhanger Hook (1) Micro Cam Hook (1) Black Diamond Fifi Hook (2) Black Diamond Daisy Chains For Everything: $60 + Shipping

I have a few more things to sell in order to finalize my exit from ice climbing. Scarpa Omega Ice Climbing/Mountaineering Boots Price: $89 + shipping (~$15) Details: I've used these for a few seasons. They are quite warm and work well for both ice climbing and mountaineering. I have not thermomolded the liners before, so you could do that for a better fit. Size: Mens 10.5 (US sizing) Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Mitts Price: $45 + Shipping Details: I've used these once before. I bought them for an expedition and only had to bust them out one time. They are in like new condition. Very warm mitts! Great for belays or if you are going to Denali. Size: Large (Most of my gloves are medium, but I bought these to be a bit roomier) Black Diamond Cyborg Crampons --> SOLD

Dropped the price to $85 from my original $100 Item: Scarpa Omega Plastic Boots - Size 10.5 Details: Worn a few seasons, but overall in fine condition. Liners have never been molded. Price: $85 plus shipping

Scarpa Omega Ice Climbing Boots Size: US Men's 10.5 Older version, not the newest model $125 plus shipping I used these for three seasons, but they are still in decent condition. I have never thermo-molded the liners, so you could do so in order to get a perfect fit. I don't recall the UK sizing, but I normally wear a 10.5 for street shoes and these fit me well for ice climbing. I have used these for ice climbing and for mountaineering. I found that they walked and climbed well. PM me if you are interested!

I will say I never pounded a pin after that, and yes, I did need that pin badly I guess when I say gently used, I should say not used very often (~8 times per winter).

Petzl Nomic Ice Tools, $380 + shipping. Purchased these in the Fall of 2009 and have used then very lightly for two seasons. I have mixed climbed a few times, but for the most part the picks have seen mainly ice. Overall, they are in good condition; the picks have one more season on them. As one can interpret from the photos the backs of the heads on both tools have some minor wear. On one occasion I pounded in a few pitons, which caused some small dents, but doesn't impact switching out picks or putting on a hammer attachment. Overall I loved these tools, but with a young baby now, I don't have much time for climbing, at least for now. PM me with any questions. Payment via PayPal.

-Bivy Sold, Crampons Sold La Sportiva Cliff Rock Shoes: $30.00 + Shipping (Price reduced from 35.00) Mens size 42.5/9.5, these have only been worn a couple of times this past summer . They are in excellent shape. The reason I'm selling is they are too big for me. PM me with any questions or clarifications

I own the nomics and love them. I don't climb hard; I use them for easy/moderate ice (WI2/WI3). I've also used them following harder stuff (and they excelled). I used them today on a WI2 and they were awesome! I do grip them differently for lower angle stuff though. Thus far the lack of spike hasn't really been an issue for me.

I have 2 that I won't be using (mainly because I don't have the dual front point stuff for my bionics anymore). Depends on how sharp you want them, they are "used" but they seem fine, you've seen them.

I agree with Farrgo. If you are doing the West Ridge, then avy conditions shouldn't be a problem. I have climbed the W. Ridge in all conditions and during all times of the year (I think I'm at eight ascents now), I spent too much time in that area when I was going to WWU. Even if the gate is open, don't go past, because they will close it eventually and you'll be trapped. For South Sister, you can cut across from N. Twin's W. Ridge to S. Twin's west ridge (there may be some avy danger going ridge to ridge in the valley/bowl. S. Twin's West Ridge is longer than the North's, but easier. Bring some crampons for snow/ice on rock. The W. ridge is pretty fun in wintery conditions.

This is a great peak, highly recommend the Corkscrew Route. I climbed that route in October of '02, which was a wonderful time to be up there (maybe not so late this year with all the melt action). The approach was classically Cascades, the glacier travel was exciting (some fun jumps) and the rock section was easy. One of the most memorable climbs I have done in the Cascades. I haven't done many climbs in the Monte Cristo/Mountain Loop region, but everyone I've climbed has been awesome.

I second the Coleman seracs. Had some fun times up there. It's not the best, but you get to swing your tools. The hillside next to the Coleman has been known to freeze in October. Some of most fun ice climbing I have done. Though I'm not sure what the road condition getting to the TH is right now. North face of Observation Rock in Mt. Rainier NP. I've been up there before in late August/Early Sept. and it is a fun glacier ice climb.