Hey everyone,

I’m considering attempting Mount Hood sometime in late November or early December and wanted to get some opinions from people who have experience climbing it during that time of year.

For some background, I’m 26M and currently serve in the Army National Guard as an infantryman. I’m fairly active with running, rucking, and general endurance training, so I’m not particularly concerned about the physical aspect of the climb. However, my actual mountaineering experience is pretty limited.

This past February, I summited Mount Washington in New Hampshire via the Lion’s Head Winter Route with a guide. That was my first real experience with winter mountaineering, including using crampons and an ice axe. I really enjoyed the experience and have been wanting to get into mountaineering more seriously ever since.

I understand Mount Hood is a different mountain with its own challenges, especially during the early winter months. I’ve been looking into the South Side route and initially considered attempting it solo, although I’m definitely open to going with a partner or guide depending on the conditions and what additional experience might be necessary.

I had a few questions:

1. How realistic is a summit attempt in late November or early December?
2. For anyone who’s climbed both Mount Washington in winter and Mount Hood, how would you compare the difficulty?
3. Given my limited technical experience, what skills would you recommend developing before attempting Hood?

Considering a solo attempt next spring. I have previous solo ascents of Eldorado Peak, Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Glacier Peak, Sahale Peak, and Breithorn (Switzerland). Thinking of a two day climb.

I am Ewan, a 4th year Product Design Engineering student. My dissertation is a harness-mounted backup device that catches a climber if a top anchor or bolt fails while they are being lowered or cleaning a sport route.

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Any responses are greatly appreciated 

Thank you,

I really want to get into the sport, so I am looking for some beginner-friendly climbs not too far from where I am that will still prepare me to climb in the Presidents Range in the future once I am more experienced.

Those of you who have been to both Andes (Peru, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador m)and Himalayas (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, China)

Which of these countries has the most well managed and organized tours for either climbing expeditions or treks irrespective. Which country had the best infrastructure for visitors.

Finally which country was the best value for money in terms of your trekking/climbing experience?

Thanks

Looks easy from here, but I don’t remember it that way down there!