skimtn

It seems like I'm noticing more people using ice tools for general mountaineering as opposed to the traditional ice axe. I'm wondering is there a shift in thinking going on, and more are starting to use tools for general mountaineering? I can think of some benefits: * if it gets unexpectedly icy climbing something steep you've literally got better tools for the job * a truly steep snow climb is easier and probably safer to ascend with two tools, vs one axe but I feel like it has too many disadvantages: * probably very difficult to perform any kind of self arrest (not to mention you'll have to probably throw the other tool). * an ice tool doesn't seem very suitable for common things such as building a deadman, performing a standing ice axe belay (assuming the head even takes a carabiner), using one of the axe assist techniques when climbing, or descending, as it's even shorter than a shorty ski mountaineering axe I guess if I knew I was going to largely be climbing very steep snow 60 degrees ? that might have ice, I'd take them instead of, but not otherwise. Just curious to anyone elses thoughts or observations about this. cheers

Normally I'm dealing with cornices from above, before skiing or climbing down. Usually I'll end up knocking them down before doing my run, or downclimbing. However there's a 40-55 degree chute I've been eyeing that I'd like to climb up to reach the summit, I'm wondering what the best approach is for dealing with a cornice when coming from below. It should be a smaller cornice, and avy danger should be low. I expect the chute to be a little icy at this point. Is the normal approach to just hack a notch/tunnel through it and up you go? I feel like doing that is just likely to drop the thing on top of me taking me down with it. Even though avy danger is low I don't really like standing right where an avy will typically fracture, as I hack down snow blocks around me. thanks for any feedback.

You might also consider Hagan Off Limits 130cms http://store.haganskiusa.com/products/Hagan-Off-Limits-AT-ski.html dealer talking on them A quick google shows a pair on ebay with BC bindings, skins and crampons, I may bid on those myself. I have the Hagan Nanooks they're pretty limited use, I think you'll need something larger, there's always the scouts too but those are getting almost as big as a regular ski.

Hi, I recently picked up some 99cm Hagan Nanook ski boards that come with the skins and bindings (below). I'm mostly going to use them in lieu of snow shoes, as approach skis for easier alpine climbing in the sierras. I'll also be using them to get around to do some casual backcountry camping(for both cases I'll have a very light pack). Any particular boots come to mind as being good candidates for this? I've been contemplating using something like la sportiva alpine boots (with toe and heel welts) but am afraid they may be too soft for skiing. I really don't want to have to carry two pairs of boots however. cheers! [img:center]http://hartimontane.ro/articole/2865/.resized_600x567_nanook.jpg[/img]