First AT Trip of the Year?

So, I did my first few tours last year, and I'm trying to get my girlfriend into AT. I'm wondering if anyone out there can reccommend a good early season tour that is simple enough that my girlfriend (very strong skier but has never ascended with skins) will feel comfortable learning the ropes and not have to worry too much about avalanches/route finding/etc.

Paradise to Muir when the weather is clear!<br>If clear , it has simple route finding, you will not be alone and that gives confidence to newbies. Views are magnificent.<br>Lots of others but Muir is still one of the best introductions. But, again, wait for a clear day!

If I were in your shoes I'd try for a "pre-opening" ski tour of crystal or one of the higher elevation ski areas. <br>Once a couple of storm cycles hit and the base settles in a bit there's usually good skiing to be had at the areas with good access and usually less than typical avy danger. Most ski areas have just a few trouble spots where patrol is concerned about so if you already know the area you'll know the hills to avoid. Avoiding the black diamond runs pre-season also helps to minimize skiing on the rocks at the bottom of the snowpack. Some of the more popular runs may even be groomed before opening day, as the areas sometimes try to pack the early season snow down to preserve it and hopefully prepare a base for the season.

I'd suggest the Alpine areas- we usually try to bag some turns the weekend before Crystal opens up- the main route up is safe- look for tracks. Or go someplace she is familar with. If you wait long enough Hyak is easy too.

Any ideas for the month of late-October/early-November? Is Muir doable currently? If not, any guesses on how soon?

I don't think conditions are currently good for convincing newbies that backcountry skiing is fun <br><br>whiteouts, rain, long approaches, thin covering of snow on rock-studded ice, etc...<br><br>Usually by mid to late november we'll start to get decent coverage at reasonable elevations.