Are Crampons Needed?

[thameslives]

Hello all,

Coming up in Aprili with some ski patrollers from Pennsylvania. We are all wondering if we'll need crampons for the hike up.

What does everyone think? Thanks in advance!

Brian

[boardman]

Hello all,

Coming up in Aprili with some ski patrollers from Pennsylvania. We are all wondering if we'll need crampons for the hike up.

What does everyone think? Thanks in advance!

Brian


The answer of course is, it depends. So bring 'em! If it's a fine, warm spring day, then you're not likely to need them, unless you want to beat the crowds to the top and ascend while the snow is still firm in the early morning. Most people do not use them on typical spring skiing days, as there will be a well-established boot ladder. But I've been up there in April and May on less than perfect days and was glad to have them. At the very least, if ski conditions aren't good, you can make a run up and tag the summit, which is always a fine consolation prize for a first-timer.

[PWDR8S]

The answer of course is, it depends. So bring 'em! If it's a fine, warm spring day, then you're not likely to need them, unless you want to beat the crowds to the top and ascend while the snow is still firm in the early morning. Most people do not use them on typical spring skiing days, as there will be a well-established boot ladder. But I've been up there in April and May on less than perfect days and was glad to have them. At the very least, if ski conditions aren't good, you can make a run up and tag the summit, which is always a fine consolation prize for a first-timer.

What he said.

[M@]

Bring'em if you got'm, but you don't "need" them.

First bunch of times I did Tux I didn't have them, and I survived but there were a couple of spots on the climb up the headwall that I really wished I had them.

No that I own a pair, I bring them. I normally do NOT wear them on the hike up to the bowl because they don't fit my hiking boots. Once I did wear them for the hike up, but had to wear my ski boots.

Once hiking up the headwall/left gully - the final part of the hike - I almost always wear them, it isn't a "necessity" but having them makes me much faster and less worried about a tumble.

M@

[bradfordski]

double ditto.

I get :crap: sometimes when people see me hiking up to the bowl in sneakers... but hey, the past two years on the soi weekend sneaks worked just fine, but like they all said, if you got em'... bring em'.

[cbcbd]

Crampons aren't needed, but are nice on the headwall.

But on a serious note:

I put my crampons on when I leave the house and only take them off when I get back. I like to be on the safe side.

I'd bring an avalauncher too... will give you more options as to what lines you can ski.

[RR]

Many's the time I have seen guys dressed for a 10k run lounging around in the pack room at the PNVC. There's one gent of about 63 that tows a sled with all his gear. He makes the Caretaker's Hut in about 39 minutes if it's crowded on the trail. Lots quicker if it isn't!

[jumpturn]

Coming up in Aprili with some ski patrollers from Pennsylvania. We are all wondering if we'll need crampons for the hike up.

You won't need this gear, as a rule, on the approach trails.

Crampons and an ice axe are just common sense for climbing your descent route. Right now there are icy rain crusts all over the mountain. Hoping the sun will be out and the temps high enough to boot up some corn may not work out for you when the going gets steep or you get into the shade. Mount Washington weather can be fickle. Plus, you'll ascend the steeps faster and safer.

If one guy doesn't bring proper gear, your options are reduced or his safety is reduced.

[The Lisa]

My own mantra, whenever I find myself wanting to pack as little as possible, in ANY outdoor activity, is 'Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.' I don't mean the cans of beer - THEY are a necessity.
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/ernaehrung/food-smiley-004.gif
but if there is possibility you might need the crampons then throw them in - they are not going to add crippling weight or bulk to your pack. I love wearing mine as much as possible, although the kitchen linoleum has become rather aerated over the years.

[PWDR8S]

My own mantra, whenever I find myself wanting to pack as little as possible, in ANY outdoor activity, is 'Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.' I don't mean the cans of beer - THEY are a necessity.
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/ernaehrung/food-smiley-004.gif
but if there is possibility you might need the crampons then throw them in - they are not going to add crippling weight or bulk to your pack. I love wearing mine as much as possible, although the kitchen linoleum has become rather aerated over the years.

AND they don't have to be only for winter use! My lawn is lush and beautifull because I wear them while doin yardwork. :D

[The Lisa]

AND they don't have to be only for winter use! My lawn is lush and beautifull because I wear them while doin yardwork. :D

And since your neighbours are already used to seeing you pee off the deck into the piles of snow, they do not bat an eye at you strolling around the garden wearing crampons in summer.

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/natur/nature-smiley-010.gif

[PWDR8S]

And since your neighbours are already used to seeing you pee off the deck into the piles of snow, they do not bat an eye at you strolling around the garden wearing crampons in summer.

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/natur/nature-smiley-010.gif

I do it in the buff too! http://www.techsourceconsultants.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10020/butt.gif

[The Lisa]

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-001.gif
No anti-butt plates on your crampons, eh?

[RR]

hey...watch it or http://www.techsourceconsultants.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10040/sweeper_ani.gifwill be coming around

[Badinfluence]

wool socks. wool socks stick to snow like sticky rubber to rock

[icelanticskier]

crampons huh? i've used everything to ski tucks over the years from snowboard boots in my boardin days, i started out as a snowboarder, to leather tele boots in my freeheel days, lots of those too, to AT boots, to my final evolution, alpine boots. alpine boots are the best for kickin steps out of all of em and i've never needed crampons on those. if it's firm enough where i'd need em, i probably wouldn't want to be skiing anyway. for great gulf where yer skiing in from the top and don't know of the booter situation coming out, i'd definately take crampons for that with my alpines. i've only tele'd great gulf, pipeline, airplane and such and glad i had em.
crampons were not needed for gos this past week.
rog

[surf88]

I find its easier to drive with my walking crampons than in my climbing crampons.

[Freer4Skiing]

I am also comiong up from PA to ski tucks for the 1st time- maybe 5/26. Keep me posted with your plans.

[thameslives]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Many in my group do not have crampons and are trying to decide whether to drop the $$ for a pair that they may only use once.

This leads me to my next question...any place in the Pinkham Notch area to RENT crampons that will fit alpine ski boots?

Thanks again,
Brian

[icelanticskier]

eastern mountain sports in north conway rents em.
rog

[yuckster]

IME (International Mountain Equipment) in North Conway can set you up with rentals.

[Trainnvain]

EMS will only rent crampons with their mtneerng boots. Not separately.

[Mad Skier]

^^Wassup JONG!!:D

[Trainnvain]

^^Wassup JONG!!:D

Yeah, but I joined in 2004, gots ta count for something
(can you jong me in here?)

[PWDR8S]

Yeah, but I joined in 2004, gots ta count for something
(can you jong me in here?)

Woah! 2nd post in 4 years! This MUST be a momentous occasion! :p

[rockhead]

back to task: i'm gathering that current conditions in the bowl are requiring cramps? is it still too firm yet to kick up in alpine boots? just asking, cuz, you know, i have this friend...

[boardman]

back to task: i'm gathering that current conditions in the bowl are requiring cramps? is it still too firm yet to kick up in alpine boots? just asking, cuz, you know, i have this friend...

Rangers' report for today says that Left Gully yesterday resembled a "good beginner's ice climb." Does that answer your question? :)

[rockhead]

unfortunately, yes.