TXNoob

Yeah, got some beta from SP that says those routes can be done in a day. Both of the guide services I've seen have only multiday iteneraries though. And the cost is nearly twice that of the TMG guided trip. My brother is going with me and I don't think he has any overnight gear. Thinking I'll probably just spend the extra couple hundred bucks for the TMG guided trip. Still sucks to pay so much money, just so I can make sure I have a partner. Plus I can't help but feel like it's cheating to do half the route in a snow cat.

Okay. I see what he meant now - not that I haven't heard of people climbing Hood in July. Isn't Baker an overnighter? I think I remember reading that.

Why the recommendation for Baker and not just waiting until July to climb Hood?

I'm planning on a trip to climb Hood's south side in May. I want to take the TMG alpine skills course and then rely on an experienced partner to help me find my way up the summit (I don't want to pay TMG's exhorbitant guide fee). Things I'm neurotic about: Partner flaking out Crappy weather (I've only got a 2-day climbing window) I'm going to spend a lot on air fare and lodging, so I want to make the most of my trip. If partners and weather don't cooperate, what to do? With the cost of my trip, I'd prefer not to sit in the lodge and drink beer. I can do that at home. Any suggestions for a backup plan?