slirty

Thanks all for the info. It sounds like the only obstacle is the 'shrund (either go left or right). I will teach my fellow climber how to self-arrest and climb in crampons. I feel we can do this ourselves and save the $$ that we would have spent on a guide. What time should we get started? I think we'll pitch my tent above the ski lift---- it's an '05 REI Half-Dome though. It's not a mountaineering tent but do you think that's OK? How bad are the winds? If you all recommend a 4-season tent I can rent one when we get there. Thanks again for the help-----Slirty

I plan on attempting Mt. Hood via the Hogback Ridge route in mid July with another beginner (two-person team). I do have some Alaskan glacier travel and ice climbing experience but not any formal crevasse rescue training. My lady friend has no experience what-so-ever on ice but she can rock climb 5.7. We will be roped-up with mechanical ascenders to aid a fall etc.. I have very good rock skills here in North Carolina (leading 5.6/climb 5.9) but unfortunately we do not have glaciers to work with. Anyways, what do you Oregoneans think? Would you recommend it? Should I hire a guide ( I'd rather not if it's not too technical)? We both have cold-weather camping experience and semi-technical high altitude ascents. I've been above 14,000 feet in Colorado with no problems. Thanks for your beta----Slirty