Ice Climbing Central Gully Mount Washington New Hampshire

Hello guys, just trying to find out if i need to rent ice tools for the ice sections on mount washington. the route ill be doing is the Central Gully. iv seen a couple of pictures and it doesn't look to steep, so thats why i was thinking i could just do it in crampons and a mountaineering ice axe.

Or do veterans of this route think i should rent ice tools? clearly it would be easier to do it with ice climbing axes but i was just wondering if any one has done it with out them and just used there mountaineering axe?

Thanks any input is helpful!

It depends on conditions and your tolerance for climbing with one tool. The last time I was on it I was carrying two tools, so I used them. If you're comfortable with an glacier axe and crampons you should be fine. If i remember correctly, you can skirt the "steeper" ice by scrambling on rocks to climbers right. have fun up there!

Edit:
Just saw your other post where you asked if you could do this climb in regular snow boots.

You need to be very, very careful, Paul. Your plan looks like it depends an awful lot on luck.

Do you have a more experienced partner with you? Or are you planning to solo?

I climbed it like 25 years ago and I was pleased to have a second tool at the time. Even if you don't have to use it, its nice to have it as an insurance policy.

Chris Drover wrote:Edit: Just saw your other post where you asked if you could do this climb in regular snow boots. You need to be very, very careful, Paul. Your plan looks like it depends an awful lot on luck. Do you have a more experienced partner with you? Or are you planning to solo?

+1. I agree. Not to tell you your business, but Mt. Washington is no place to get gung ho and throw yourself into the business.

"Not without Peril" is a great but sad book about the 100+ people that have died on that mountain. It is NOT to be taken lightly!!

amazon.com/Not-Without-Peri…

My first "ice" climb. Take a second tool

Are you planning on soloing it? If so definitely take a second tool. That was the first gully that I ever soloed and glad that I had two ice tools with me, it was pretty icy most of the way to the top of the gully.

Just call the rescue guys the day before you head up and let them know your going to be in there.......

I'd hire a guide as it sounds like you have no idea what your getting into....

Climbed it at the end of January last season. I guess I'd consider myself a fairly experienced ice climber (every season for 28+).

Glad to have two ice tools.

Was a fair bit of ice. Was some soft, wind blown snow that would kinda bust out under the feet and/or tools. Nice to not have to work at getting secure placements by having that second tool buried if need be. Made climbing a lot faster and much more casual.

Thanks guys. and yes i am going up with an experienced ice climber. i just wasn't sure how much ice is actually on the route were doing, but every body here has convinced me to get the proper tools.

chris drover..that post was awhile ago when i had no idea the advantage of the mountaineering boots over the regular. like i said im just trying to figure everything out.

Thanks again.

Paul U Roberts wrote:Thanks guys. and yes i am going up with an experienced ice climber. i just wasn't sure how much ice is actually on the route were doing, but every body here has convinced me to get the proper tools. chris drover..that post was awhile ago when i had no idea the advantage of the mountaineering boots over the regular. like i said im just trying to figure everything out. Thanks again.

Paul:

Bottom line is that it's great you are getting out - but if your climbing partner is indeed experienced, I would suggest talking him directly about the gear the two of you will be needing for your adventure.

Have fun up there!

Jason

For Yvon Chouinard, a second tool, front points, or even a helmet are not required for easy ice.

Your results may vary.

I almost never regret taking a second tool. If you don't need it then it rides on the pack. If you do then you cruise instead of bailing or going super slow.

+1 for what J said.

I'm not trying to shut you down - like I said, just be very careful, don't depend too much on getting lucky with conditions, and be ready to turn around.

My experience with Central was that it was 95% firm snow... but that was in March, so your experience will probably vary.

Paul U Roberts wrote:.... clearly it would be easier to do it with ice climbing axes but i was just wondering if any one has done it with out them and just used there mountaineering axe? Thanks any input is helpful!

Sure you could do it with a mountaineering axe, but it would be a very good idea to get in a season's practice at cutting steps with a lip for handhold....
But why bother?! It ain't 1960 anymore.

Paul: How'd it go?