I am thinking of booking a custom day trip this weekend with a local guide service (Sierra Mountain Guides) to work on basic ice axe and crampon skills. I learned the very basic basics this last weekend during a fantastic if challenging Mt. Shasta climb, but want to do more focused practicing (ascents, descents, self-arrests) with input from an experienced guide. The location would be in the Eastern Sierras off 395 somewhere between Lone Pine and Bridgeport, probably either in the Bishop or Mammoth areas.

If there are folks out there who are interested in participating in such a skills building day, please drop me a line. The cost goes down if there are 2 or 3 people ($175-250/person).

Thanks.