If you are planning to go up the Main Mt. Whitney Trail between 5/1 and 11/1 in 2008, It is not a bad idea to get started right now. Already we have folks asking about ice axes and crampons...what to buy and how to use them. If you are new to all that, you should be making you plans to buy it now and acquire some skills before walking on icy trails next May and June. The key here is acquiring the skills...not the gear.
I am a big proponent that knowledge is the key to a successful trip up MMWT for the newbie. Yet, many come to Whitney Portal having never been to the Sierra or Whitney Portal and live but a couple of hours away. This is the perfect time of the year to head up the MMWT for a look-see. You don't need a permit, you can go as far as you skills will take you, rather than having to stop at Lone Pine Lake, and you are under no pressure to get to the top.
If you are a true newbie, I ain't got nothing and I need everything. Now is the time, to make a list of the things you will need and figure out what you are willing to spend for your new endeavor. It will more than you thing I can guarantee it. Focus on the big ticket items, footwear and packs.
Figure out what is the best time for you and yours to head up this mountain. If you are a snow and icephobic it makes sense to plan your trip between 8/1 and 9/15. I know this is a small window of time but in November 2007 there are no guarantees of mild winter like last year when most could have started walking up the trail before 4th of July.
If you are a NoCal or SoCal it makes a lot of sense to see what it like to hike at 14,000'. This is fairly easy to accomplish at White Mountain if you have a car that can handle 16 miles of forest roads that are in fair to good condition. I have done White in mid June after both harsh and mild winters without winter gear. Think of the Sierra as a big sponge that keep those mountains east of 395 pretty dry. You find out what is like to hike at these elevations and if you are going to have problems with AMS. It is better to find out about this on a peak that you don't care too much about than on MMWT at Trail Camp, after you spent all that money, on all those nice new shiny things.
Good luck in 2008!
