Beginner East Coast Mountaineering Treks

“Hey hybird east coast mountaineers..... any reccomendations on areas to hike that would be good for beginners? I'd like to get the hang of some simple techniques this coming winter. Any & all advice is appreciated.”

“Catskills in NY, not real big, not real far from help if s**t happens.
Steep patches are fairly short, but they are there.
Snow - yes
Ice - yes

What techniques did you want to learn/practice?”

“Thanks Manuka..

Crampon usage, self arrest techniques, ice climbing, etc. are the things I'd like to gain experience in (self-arrest to practice, not for real situations hopefully), and possible ropework.

I know that there isn't any glacial traverses around here, but judging by your, pennsy's, warrens, pete's and artex's cats trip reports, it sounds like the right kind of terrain to start on.”

“Cats are a good learning area.
The peaks are mostly tree covered so you can get shelter pretty easy if weather goes bad.

Daks are more of a challenge, particularly Mt Gothics when the top gets iced over. Daks are simmilar to the Catskills in that each peak is separated so you can climb high and camp low. Most of the high peaks are above treeline so you get some good exposure.

White Mtns are a big bloc where once you get high camping is a lot more difficult. You can skirt around the base and go up for a peak but if you plan a traverse you stay above treeline for several days, and good weather there is like the worst weather in the Daks.

In the Whites you really need wands (little flags) to find your return path if you are day hiking a lot of the peaks.

self arrest, best place to practice is a ski area, steep with a clean runout (no rocks).”

“Thanks Manuka - especially for the self arrest tip.... never thought of that!”