Mt. Adams Spilt Board question

We were up there on 6/18 and the snow from the lunch counter on up was very firm the rest of the way up throughout the morning. Most in our group used crampons (which had great purchase) while a few got away with telemark boots alone. Using regular snowboard boots would not work at all in yesterday's conditions.

NaPali tell your splitter friend that all he'll need is boot crampons and an ice axe.  Poles with whippets will suffice as well.  Guess it all boils down to is surface conditions and comfort level.  With a good boot track I've seen people ascend Pikers in tennis shoes.

Good luck on your climb!

If only people would be polite enough .....

Kinda asking alot, doncha think?  Remember now, these are snowboarders you're talking to.    (just kddng)

You also might consider using mountaineering boots instead of snowboard boots. These hike/kick steps/fit crampons much much better than snowboard boots. With most strap type bindings they ride OK too -- perhaps not as comfortable against the highback -- but you could address that by taping a little extra foam on to the highback.

I'll offer my adaptation. I bought a pair of thick knee pads (like for soccer, etc) and then, before I descend, I put them on so that the big cushy part of the pads are located directly behind my heel. It will basically act like a buffer between you and the bindings which will want to cut into your legs.

It's not a performance option but, at this point of the year, we're all just making lazy turns, eh?

i have used a split board for many years and many trips, including adams on numerous occasions. i use an AT boot that my regular climbing crampons fit on. and you can kick steps just as easy. not sure why anyone would want a soft boot for climbing...feet stay warm, liners come out to dry... who could ask for anything more

Hi Jim, we splitboarded Adams on 6/18; if you're headed up soon I agree that your friend will want either hard boots or mountaineering boots for a safe trip up.