Good2Go

There isn't a single setup that's perfect for all conditions. For example, an ultralight setup is great for skiing the volcanoes and big tours in the spring, but it won't deliver the freeride quality you could get out of a fat/heavy setup in the pow. If you can only have one setup and you're more inclined to yo-yo for pow turns, I'd go with a heavier (freerides/naxos and fat sticks with at least 90mm under foot). The trend I've been seeing lately is dynafits and megarides/scarpa spirits coupled with a shorter fat ski (170cm-ish). That setup will rip pow/crud/mank/crust and will still be managable on hardpack/sastrugi.

You could try this outfit as well: http://www.scottishlakes.com/newlook/Home.shtml I've never been, so if you go, please provide a report.

Yep, that's what I was thinking. I stand corrected.

As I recall, SS creek is about a 30 minute snomo ride in from Mazama, so it isn't a short ski approach by any means.

I currently have and use both Dynafits and Fritschis. Dynafits DO NOT pop out of tour mode when used properly. Dynafits tour way better than Fritschis. Not only are they way lighter than Fritschis, but they have a much better "stride". The only drawback with Dynafits is that you cannot (should not?) huck with them. They aren't very good for in-bounds either. If you can only buy one setup, I'd say go with the Fritschis. And, will you fatties please quit complaining about their weight? Try dropping a few pounds off that spare tire. That should take care of it.

Climb: Snow Creek Wall-Outer Space - Remorse Start Date of Climb: 8/12/2006 Trip Report: Watch out for the wasps' nest in the crack with the fixed Alien in it (on the first real pitch, 2nd if you count the class 4 starting thingy). They do not appreciate your company. Come within 10 feet and they get all pissy. You can bypass them by going above to the right then traversing left along a small ledge to the flake. Adds a few scary downclimbing moves to the pitch.

As embarassing as this is, I have to admit that I'm the one who lost that tool on Stuart, on the way to the North Ridge. It was a truly unpleasant surprise to discover the axe was no longer attached to my pack when we got to the glacier's edge. Wound up going with the "sharp rock option". Not trying to get it back. Just relaying yet another example of the axiom that you can't be stupid for free. Enjoy the bootie.