Hi all! I am looking to do the Mount Whitney Trail the weekend of April 8. I have experience with many difficult hikes, but we are just getting into winter hiking. I have never used an Ice Ax or crampons before, but I have plenty of experience with snowshoeing. Any input on the difficulty of this hike for a first time ice ax/crampon user? Is it doable or not a good idea?
Welcome ahunter,
It is doable if you don't hit anything too icy. Just be aware that with an ice axe and crampons, you can get into far more dangerous locations, but that's some of the fun of it. There are winter mountaineering courses available -- check out Sierra Mountaineering International. But many have picked up the skills by just going and trying things.
Just make SURE you don't get into something you can't get out of. For example, make sure you can descend a section before you commit to going up. Please read the Disclaimer.
Now as a minimum, check out these links and videos:
