transplant

Oh, and you live in Boulder so you gotta drive an hour to even get near the snow. Go to Vail.

The snow in the Northwest sucks, its too stinkin heavy. East coast is icy. There is NOTHING in the world like Colorado champagne powder (well maybe Utah). The snow will come, it usually does...

Frischi freerides rock. Spend the money and get the best. They have a hi DIN setting so you won't eject in hairy situations. Don't get the Dynafit system inless you just want lightweight. The little notch system gets packed with snow too easy and you'll spend too much time digggin crap out (and they eject easier). Denali's are the best boot (as far as stiffness and performance). All the other boots are too soft. Get a older/light pair of mid-fats (Rossi's or K2) and put a nice edge on them. Don't skimp on the skins either. Get a good set-up and it'll last you a long time. You don't want to have crummy equipment out in the backcountry...

how to post?

To the point. I am new to Washington and want to go up Mt Rainier next summer. I have some equipment and have some backcountry/altitude experience. I am in good shape and don't want to pay $1000 to go up the mountain. Do I just find a climbing buddy and go for it or what?