High Sierra Topix

First time poster (be nice! LOL)

I am planning on doing Ritter in a month, does anyone know if we are going to need crampons and ice axes this year? I am hearing that we are NOT.

Any help and advice will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

David

Hi Dpizza61,

Welcome to HST! Here is some great info on the climb: http://www.tahoebackcountry.net/feature ... _route.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Call the Mammoth Ranger station to get current climbing info at 760-924-5500.

David, given that ice axe and crampon use is an issue, I would imagine you are planning the climb via the "standard" route from the vicinity of Lake Ediza? Both this route and the route to the Ritter-Banner saddle (much harder) are the routes that commonly require ice axe and crampons (the saddle always does), whereas the west flank route from Ritter Lakes (class 2 with some route finding challenges) will be totally snow free as of right now.

be sure to post a trip report with photos. I have wanted to summit ritter and banner for a while!

Ditto on posting a trip report. The topic of doing it this fall came up at dinner!