Crampons? Gulf of Slides?

[SNJguy]

This will be one first time up Tucks. Hopefully we will get the trip off the ground in the next few weeks. Can anyone give me any info on whether crampons are needed? Also, any info on the Gulf of Slides would be greatly appreciated as well. We would like to give that place a try too. Is it better, easier, harder, worse? Thanks
NIC

[AD]

The Gulf of Slides is a great tour. A couple of the chutes are pretty steep, but for the most part, they are similar to hillmans highway. I think the trail is a bit more difficult to skin up than the tuckerman trail (it is the road less travelled). Be aware that the conditions in the gulf may be different from those posted for Tucks and Hillmans and that there are fewer individuals skiing out there so extra emphasis on caution should be exercised. If you are going to venture out into the gulf, especially around this time, make certain that you are versed in backcountry travel and carry the appropriate equipment (beacon shovel and probe). Spring skiing up there is great. There are usually no others in the chutes and you get nice corn snow.

good luck and enjoy.

[AD]

Oh yeah, one other thing, the Gulf of slides is more prone to avalanches than hillmans and tucks (thus the name "gulf of slide"). Be aware of this if you are thinking of going during avalanche season.