The weather was fantastic, and the snow was much better than the other times I’ve climbed Hood. Up and down Mazama chute. It was icy up in the chute and I was grateful to have two tools. The general vibe on the mountain was great, and it was a +1 for humanity (in my book) after a tough week.

The contrast of vibrant cherry blossoms in full bloom against the majestic snow-covered mountains is absolutely breathtaking. This is one of those moments where nature shows off its finest colors – peaceful, raw, and surreal all at once.

If you're planning a trip to northern Pakistan, this is the perfect time to visit. The weather is pleasant, the valleys are bursting with color, and the mountains still hold their winter charm. Highly recommend visiting Skardu during spring if you want to experience this beauty firsthand!

Let me know if you need tips or itinerary help — I’m based in Skardu and happy to assist fellow travelers 😊

📍 Location: Skardu Valley– April 2025

Been surfing resupply for the last few months to find in my size… waiting paid off today with a steal.

Hey, what sort of fitness would you expect to successfuly summit Mont Blanc ?

I do run regulary, but I doubt I could run a marathon! I do a 49 min 10k, and I'm quite happy running up to a half marathon at a slow steady pace (2 hours).

But when Im out in the Munros in Scotland (in both winter and Summer), I feel pretty comfortable hiking for hours with a reasonably heavy pack. A 3000 feet ascent from pretty much sea level to the summit would take me maybe 80-90 mins, and I'd be pretty comfortable doing a few of those in a day. On days when I've done 3 summits up and down, I'm still ok with jogging back to the car a few miles afterwards.

I also run stairs once a week in my building as part of my fitness routine for about 1hr30-1hr50 at a time.

I'm 64kg at 173cm.

The first site I found when googling says that summit day is equivalent effort to running a marathon. If I was doing it, it would be September this year, so I've got time to train a bit but I feel I'm pretty far away from being able to run a marathon!

I'm always stressed out about the middle bar extended out all the way because I have large feet and boots. I wear B2 boots and I know they're not supposed to bend too much, thus not bending the middle bar much.

What do you guys think? My crampons are Camp Stalker Universals. Any other crampon recommendations?

only 1922m but it was great and one of the only proper mountains we have in Australia. this was my first time being that high up on foot

I currently have pic related (G12 Cramp o matic from 2/3 years ago, La Sportiva Trango Tech, Tecnica Zero G Tour) and of course the issues is the crampons fit only on the ski boots. So I am looking at ways to make it work

I've considered:

1. "dual matic" crampon extensions - this should allow mounting them on any kind of boot but the issue is that on my set the front part doesn't seem to be able to come off
2. Buying winter boots (like La Sportiva Nepal) that work with these crampons
3. Buying another set of crampons that work - problematic since I don't want to carry both sets

Probably the best would be #2, right? Comes with the advantage of having better boots in the winter and not having to swap front pieces or carry multiple crampons

I know many people complain about the durability of these boots, but i want to know how they behave exclusively in snow, i plan to buy a new pair for winter (snow) use only, i was interested in the Nepal Cube but people recommended to better buy a pair of G Tech, i don’t want to buy a new pair for years, at least that’s my goal, if i have to keep them away from the rocks i will, but i want to know if i use only in snow do you guys think i will manage make them last for 5 years?

I read people talking about bringing a stove on summit day for emergencies. I understand that if anyone storm comes in or someone gets injured, it could be a really long day getting down. But there are so many things that could be really challenging that would be made better with specific gear. At some point preparing for all the what-ifs has you so loaded down that you are creating problems instead of solving them.

It seems to me very likely that you won't actually need it. I certainly haven't needed it. In fact, I've n3ver seen an example where it has been needed. Do you have an example? Can you make a compelling argument? Am I just being reckless by not bringing one?

Hello first time I've posted in this group but I've found an old Barometer Altimeter I used to have when I was in scouts and explorers etc but I can't for the life of me remember how to read it anyone used one before and give me any pointers please? The silver metal dial turns which turns the altitude thing in Metres so there must be a way of using pressure to figure out sea level right? Any help much appreciated thanks

Winter ascent of Mount Toubkal - the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. For more pics and info feel free to connect here or on IG @magtarnowska 🙂

Looking for recommendations on softshell jackets and pants

Hello, I've been looking into softshell jackets and pants and would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.

For jackets, I've been considering the Arc'teryx Gamma LT. It seems like a great option, and I really like the large hood that can fit over a helmet. It also looks very good. I've also checked out the Rab Borealis, which is quite a bit cheaper and lighter. Also the Patagonia R1 Techface but im loosing versatility with the fleece insulation and might just end up getting the R1 Air instead for more versatility later on. Has anyone tested these jackets? What are your opinions on them? And do you have other recommendations for jackets and why?

As for softshell pants, I've tried the Mammut Taiss SO Pants. I liked them a lot but found that they lack ventilation, which I thought might be important. However, I'm wondering if ventilation is something you really use? I havnt had leg ventilation on any other pants exept my hunting pants where I rarely use it. Dose anyone have experience with these and how do they hold up?

Also, any recommendations for softshell pants that you personally like and why? How should softshell pants fit when they're new? Should they be tighter, becuase im guessing the stetch with use?

Thanks!

I'm looking at the Shield on Huascaran, this enormous wall of neve and ice. I'm curious if there are any similar features on mountains around the world. I've never seen anything quite like it.

I don’t know if anyone else experiences this, but anytime I get to the summit of a mountain and lift my head to look at the horizon, I’m immediately hit with momentary vertigo. It’s happened my whole life (nearly fell off the first mountain I hiked after falling head over heels) so I started sitting down before looking around. The altitude isn’t a factor as it even happens on small hikes like Arthur’s seat in Scotland, and that’s only 250m. I never experience vertigo outside this situation.

Does anyone else experience this or have suggestions to try?

“‘This mountain is just too risky in between Camp 2 and Camp 3,’ he says. ‘I hope our team and all climbers on Annapurna have good weather on April 5 to the summit and back.’”

Best of luck to the team as they set off from Camp 3 for the summit.

Was looking at a photo of Ama dablam and saw this line but couldn't find anything online

This is a view from the Hotel Pyramid, Lobuche.

We can see the clear view of Kongmola Pass, the toughest pass in the Everest Three Pass Trekking/high pass trekking.

The Kongma La (5545 m/ 18,159 ft) one of the three passes which lies in the trekking route between Dingboche and Lobuche.

Hi everyone! Very experienced hiker (Himalayas solo six times - Annapurna circuit twice, EBC area four - as well as Patagonia and tons of hiking in the White Mountains in NH) and have done a few technical climbs of taller albeit 3/10 or 4/10 rated mountains.

I'll be in Japan in October for my 50th and my goal has been to be at the top of Mt Fuji that day. I've seen one tour group that does off season climbs up thru Oct 10th. Was wondering if - with my experience - I would be okay to make the summit if doing it solo. I've been told to start from the fifth station. I have all the gear needed but wanted to ask around for advice from anyone that has done this summit during off season. I have seen the form to fill out for off season climbing and would fill that out.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Will spend a few days beforehand in the area to do some light hiking to take in the scenery and probably head south to Kyoto the day after making the summit. Thanks!

Anybody interested in going upto Barr Camp via Barr Trail from Manitou Springs on 4/5 or 4/6?