freethinker

Thanks for all of the tremendous information and advice. A local outdoor had some Asolo Fugitives and FSN 95's that I tried on today . They felt pretty good. The salesperson indicated that for the Tetons in the summer, that's all that I would need. Being from Oregon, I get back there to visit so I'll probably want to do Hood and the Sisters at some point so it sounds like I'll probably want to get something that accepts crampons. The Vasque Alpinista looks nice as it is a single boot design so it probably wouldn't get too warm for summer climbs. Does it have enough bend though to navigate what I might find around the peaks of the Tetons? Anyone have any experience with the alpinista? Thanks.

That's what I'm talking about - good knowledge and experience. Thanks.

They don't: I gather that you're saying the Sportiva is much better (from my research, they're much higher in price and look a little nicer/more rugged), although being a Newbie, it's hard for me to tell the difference between the two from the pictures. Am I correct, here?

Anyone have any experience with the Alpinista in cold weather? I like the idea of a single boot for not so cold times, but around the Tetons and other Idaho areas, will it be warm enough? Thanks.

Thanks for all of the replies so far - excellent advice. FWIW I wasn't looking for labels, just trying to filter through all of the info available on the web and was curious if there was a clear distinction between the two types of climbing. I think I'm going to start riding to and from work and doing some hill climbing around here and then start with some small mountains. I'm really excited to get going! Thanks, again.

Very nice. Will check them out. From what I've heard, there's only one spot while summiting the Grand that can get a little dicey. The rest is pretty straightforward.

Thanks for the replies. When I do take on the Tetons I'm certainly going to take a guide or an experienced climber. I saw that book today at a local outdoor shop - looks quite informative. The Sportiva boot looks nice. Wonder how it compares with the Columbia Titanium Ice Field. Thanks again.

Yeah so I woke up and decided that I want to climb the Tetons. Then I came to the realization that I want to climb a lot of mountains. Then I came to the realization that I've really never climbed much - other than just dinking around in part of the Wasatch Range. Is there a separation between rock climbing and doing what I've mentioned (climbing mountains)? Is what I'm interested in doing called Mountaineering or is it all just sorta grouped together? Not really interested in doing Everest-type stuff but would love to climb some peaks that maybe aren't so technical. I would ask where to get started but having read through the other thread on this forum, I feel like I've got a decent idea. I'm in Idaho Falls and will probably just start climbing some of the smaller mountains around and what not. Any other suggestions or thoughts? Thanks PS - What type of boots/shoes should I be looking at?