CraterCraver

I have climbed Hood a couple of times in spring conditions, and have wanted to try it under easy conditions (route + weather) in winter. A friend and I want to give it a go this weekend, but since neither of us has winter-climbing experience, we thought we would see if anyone more experienced would like to join the fun either tomorrow or Sunday (yeah, late notice, but we wanted to make sure the weather/avalanche-conditions looked decent). Let us know today (Friday) if you want to join the trip. My buddy and I are in pretty decent shape since we each completed about 15-20 climbs in '06 (incl., between us: Shasta, Adams, Rainier, Hood, North/Middle Sisters, Three Finger Jack, Broken Top, Rainier), but we are used to joining climbs with a more experienced leader, as opposed to being a lead climber in charge. But hey, we are learning.

We were planning on approaching from the West side, so the Collier Glacier route is an easy option for us (thanks for the tip, mattp!). Gapertimmy, I didn't even realize there was a SW Ridge on Middle Sister. Can't find mention of it in my "Climbing the Cascade Volcanoes" book. It sounds like a decent way to go, so I wonder why it isn't mentioned. You didn't mean southeast, did you?

Thanks for the info. It is good to hear that crampons/axes aren't needed for Middle Sister under the current conditions. We'll bring the axes to practice self-arrest on Renfrew, as you mentioned. One question: is there any need to summit really early in the morning? I've read some trip logs for Middle Sister where people talk about starting the summit push at 3am, and others don't leave camp until 9am. What's up with that?

Just to clarify the previous message, we would be following the standard (easy) North Ridge route.

I climbed South Sister and Thielsen last year, and now I'd like to climb Middle Sister. I recently purchased 2 ice axes and a set of crampons, but haven't used them yet. I suggested to a friend that we climb Middle Sister next week (mid August), but he does not have crampons. Given the late-summer date and the unusually warm weather in this area, is it enough to bring just the ice axes for "just in case" use, or are crampons also needed. I have heard that harnesses/ropes aren't needed, but I have heard conflicting information regarding whether we would need crampons. Input from anyone who has climbed Middle Sister around this time of year would be appreciated!