r/alpinism

Where on earth does one get snow pickets in Europe, in store and online I cannot for the life of me find any, currently residing in Switzerland. Any and all clues or resources are welcome. Thank you.

My boyfriend and I are planning to climb Mt Adams and I’d like to get the best of both worlds and try splitboarding. It’s my first time climbing Adams but my boyfriend is no stranger and he anticipates using crampons. I have about 20 years experience snowboarding and have hiked into Tucks with microspikes, that’s about the extent of my experience boarding outside of resorts so any advice is appreciated. I have some mountaineering experience, boyfriend is an experienced mountaineer

I’m wondering if I should climb in my mid-stiff resort boots or bring my mountaineering boots along as well? Carrying both sounds awful but I’ve know people to regret climbing in their resort boots with crampons. I have TM2s and the boas loosen on resort days resulting in frequent tightening. I’m planning to rent equipment in Portland. Am I better off renting hard boots? I don’t have the funds to buy any new equipment at the moment so I come to you searching for enlightenment 🫶🏼

Also if anyone knows a spot to rent gear that’s closer to Mt Adams than Portland, please do tell!

Thank you

Edit: Alternatively, is it unwise for a beginner splitboarder to descend in mountaineering boots?

I have a Fenix 6x Pro and I’m quite happy with it. I spend a lot of time outdoors and in the mountains. I’m still thinking about buying an 8 Pro, though, because of the built-in InReach. That would save me having to carry an extra device. I’d only buy the 8 Pro once the 9 Pro is out. Because of the cost…

How is the functionality and battery life? Perhaps (ONLY) users who use this setup could share their experiences.

Thanks

Looking for a conditions update in and around Mount rainier and the tatoosh snow conditions and depth? Looking to climb lane peak and maybe a dry tool ascent of unicorn. Any pics, beta, snow reports, or trip reports would be appreciated. I’m guessing with such a weird winter the gulleys up lane could be a little shallow and icy and I’m a little worried it could be a bit harder than M2, my comfort level for leading is really no more than M3

I am searching for a ultralight windshell / softshell jacket for Mountaineering, multipitch climbing and trailrunning in the Swiss Alps. I have allready tried on the Blackdiamond Distance which feels a bit plasticky for me and is probalbly not breathable enough. I've tried the Bd Alpine Start Hoodie which I think is not windproof enough and recently I have tried the Nnormal trail wind jacket which felt amazing while tring it on but I am not shure if it breathes enough and I'm not shure about the durability. I am also thinking about the 7mesh Northwood, the Mountainequipment Aerofoil and maybee even if it is a bit heavier the Rab Borealis Alpine. I almost always carry a light Hardshell with me so rain ressistance isn't that important to me. What is your expirience? what do you suggest?

https://preview.redd.it/k4z7jfl963wg1.png?width=1100&format=png&auto=webp&s=b393528cd2765bd809bbaa6a487ea6d3e39108a4

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) luxury trek offers the same route as the standard trek, from Lukla to Base Camp at 5,364m, but with upgraded comfort, logistics, and services. 

Key Differences from the Standard Trek 
Both treks share:

• Identical trails 
• Same mountain views (Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse)

Luxury trekking includes: 

• Heated rooms and private bathrooms (lower altitude)
• Higher-quality meals 
• Better guide-to-trekker ratios (1:1 or 1:2)
• Optional helicopter return

It is often chosen by: 

• First-time trekkers
• Travelers with limited time 
• Older trekkers or families
• Those seeking more comfort

Accommodation by Altitude 

• Kathmandu: 5-star hotels
• Lukla-Namche: Premium lodges with modern facilities 
• Tengboche-Dingboche: Upgraded but simpler lodges 
• Lobuche-Gorakshep: Basic teahouses

At higher altitudes, comfort decreases due to environmental limitations.

Cost (2026 Estimates)

• Luxury trek: USD 3,500-6,000
• Standard trek: USD 1,200-1,500

Included:

• Accommodation
• Guides and porters
• Meals
• Permits 
• Helicopter return (in many packages)
• Safety equipment

Excluded: 

• Flights 
• Visa 
• Insurance 
• Personal gear
• Tips

 

Helicopter Return
Many trekkers return by helicopter from Gorakshep: 

• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Cost: USD 900-1,200 (shared)
• Saves 3-4 days of descent

 

Safety and Acclimatization
Luxury trekking improves safety support but does not eliminate altitude risks. 

• Acclimatization days at Namche and Dingboche 
• Oxygen and medical kits 
• Trained guides
• Monitoring of altitude-related symptoms

Best Time to Trek 

• Spring (March-May)
• Autumn (September-November)

Winter is colder, and the monsoon brings rain and limited visibility. 

Is It Worth It?
The luxury trek offers: 

• More comfort 
• Better logistical support
• Time efficiency

 

The standard trek offers: 

• Lower cost 
• More social teahouse experience

The overall mountain experience remains the same.

Summary 
The Everest Base Camp luxury trek provides a more comfortable and efficient way to complete the classic EBC route. While it significantly improves accommodation, food, and logistics, trekkers should still prepare for altitude challenges and basic conditions at higher elevations. 

Recently got a good deal on a 60m RAD line style rope. I plan to use it for general ski mountaineering, and glacier travel while on skis, or on foot, usually as a party of two.

Having done more research, and from my general use it seems a 60m static does have plenty of uses, but 40 or 50m is more popular for teams of two on glaciers, and in the past I have used 30m's for general skiing. I won't carry a 60m 'just in case' but I would definitely carry a 30m while skiing.

So the question: Should I cut my 60m in half and have two 30s, and could I tie the two 30's together to form a 60 for team of two glacier travel? Leaving me with essentially the best of both worlds?

I’m torn between the G tech and G summit. I climb in Michigan and the Rockies but I am moving to Norway in May. Just looking for insight as temperatures drop pretty low in each place. Potentially use them for higher altitude climbs as well.

I got into alpine climbing 2 years ago from a rock climbing background. I am slower on the uphill than most of my alpine climbing partners but I am usually better at hard climbing, route finding, rope management etc. My all day endurance is decent too physically and mentally, no problem walking uphill for 3 hours, leading 10 pitches of 5.10 trad, 8 pitches of rappel then 2 hour scrambling down. I have done a few TD routes and my all day fitness or climbing ability has never been an issue.

However, a lot of my climbing partners come from some sort of trail running background and seemed frustrated when I say, need 2.5hr for the approach instead of 2. I know this so I would suggest to wake up 30 min earlier, and they would reluctantly agree. I am not annoyed when they say, take an extra 5 minutes building each anchors, and I give technical advice to them if I notice something inefficient that they can easily improve, and they are usually appreciative.

I don't particularly enjoy long cardio unless there is a cool summit, technical climbing or steep ski down for the reward. I enjoy and train for technical climbing. Between gym climbing during the week and alpine climbing on the weekends I have no time or energy to train cardio as well. I would love to go slower on the approach when I climb outside so I can be at zone 1/2 but that's not really feasible when I'm already slower than my climbing partner.

I should also mention that I'm a female and most of my climbing partners are male. Ongoing process (and struggle) to find more women partners that want to climb the same objective as I do.

Is anybody else in the same boat? Any tips or advice?

As the title says thinking of summiting Breithorn via the normal route (from the lift) either late aguest to late September. I've got some mountaineering skills as I've done a glacier 3 day course which included a Weissmies summit + 3000m summit + basic skills. Wanted to be more "independent" and test my abilities and was thinking if this is a reasonable choice ? Thanks

Ps: don't really want to pay £800 for 4 hours haha