Are crapons recommended in mid April?

[Data.D]

I've skied Tucks before but unfortunately I've never been up early enough in the season to ski it top to bottom. I am going April 19th. Are crampons recommended for that time of year or will it just be a waste to rent them? If they are helpful, do people hike up the actual ravine in them or do they still use only their skiboots? Thanks for the advice.

[VTrider]

I've been bringing crampons to Tucks for the last 4 years, I usually go mid-end of April most often. I find that sometimes no crampons are needed (IMO), other times I feel glad that I do have them on.

It's almost a hit or miss kind of thing, not so much the time of year, but the conditions of that day/time will warrant the use of crampons. I've started ascending in easy Sun/corn snow only to find myself in hard conditions when you find yourself in a shady spot, then you I sometimes wish I had my crampons.

I bring em every year, never regret it.

-VTrider

[gfagley]

I've been using crampons the post couple of years and they do come in very handy (as snowboard boots suck at making toe holes). I also use them on the Tuckerman hiking trail (keeps you from sliding back).