Newbie Advice (Etiquette Etc.)

I want to earn a few turns this summer for the first time. The photos and trip reports on this page are inspiring. I've never been AT skiing before, so I was going to buy my first set-up before heading out. After calculating expenses, I've decided to wait before purchasing new gear.

I short: How dumb is it to just boot up a couple hills with my standard equip? Is avalanche safety a bigger/lesser concern in summer? I'm trying to read as much as I can, but maybe some of you can shorten the learning curve.

I'm heading out to RMNP in mid-June, maybe head out to Rainier mid-July.

Plenty of people hike to Camp Muir in the summer with regular alpine skis and boots strapped to their packs -- avalanche hazard is a fairly low concern June-July-August -- unless a recent storm has dumped 18+ inches of new snow. (which can happen)

Watch the weather reports carefully: www.atmos.washington.edu/data/rainier_report.html

I would only go when a sunny and low wind day is in the forecast -- but note that conditions can change very quickly as Mt Rainier tends to generate its own weather. 

While hiking up, be sure to "look over your shoulder" periodically and look for clouds or fog forming and heading your way and be willing to head down quickly before getting enveloped by clouds.   Skiing the Muir snowfield in the fog is not enjoyable -- and it has killed a number of people over the decades.

Also be sure to bring very dark sunglasses and SPF-50+ sunscreen -- a baseball cap + bandana to shade the face and neck are very useful to avoid getting fried.  I've seen the combination of high altitude, reflective snow and long summer days result in 2nd degree burns (blisters) on unprotected skin.

The park service desk at the Jackson visitor center has a handy map with compass points that can help you navigate back from the Muir Snowfield in the fog if you do get caught -- you need to know how to use a map and compass.   You can download and print out a copy before you go: www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/ca...arings-map-oct11.pdf

Buying used gear off craigslist or the "yard sale" section can save a lot of coin www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboardi.../index.php?board=5.0

Excellent advice! Thanks! Rainier is much more likely now

with some fear of getting eviscerated here by saying avy concern is less of an issue in the summer....it is less of a concern for ME in the late spring and summer. There are still risks but not so much those that are associated with winter snow cycle.

I don't think it would be particularly dumb to boot up a hill with your standard stuff as long as you're prepared.

Not sure how RMNP is faring but I think things will be a little meager/towards the end on Rainier in Mid July as far as skiing is concerned, maybe others can offer more encouraging feedback.

Might consider doing a few rentals from local gear shops, most have demo AT setups, as indeed it is a bit of a steep cost curve to jump into fullon AT kit, especially when you include the concomitant safety equipment and training. Would let you at least get a feel if you're on the fence about it or want to try some things before committing to a size of ski/skin/brand of binding/etc.

I'm mostly going to be hiking, but whenever possible I'd rather be earning turns; nothing too huge. I'll be in RMNP until June 25th (tentative Flattop Mountain, Sundance Bowl), then up to Glacier Park until the 4th, then maybe west over to Whistler/Rainier for a week or two if I'm not burnt out or broke.

In the summer months, I often find it faster to take waterproof shoes and A-Frame my ski's (AT Setup) and not skin up from Pebble Creek to Muir towards mid/late summer. However, that being said, take your own skis, strap them on your back and hike them up. Have fun.

Sunny days are keys for this if you're new, and lots of sunscreen/water/food. Take your camera and enjoy the hike.