u/Icy-Somewhere9710

Hi guys. I want to pick up a second ice axe for ascending steep snow a little more comfortably. My current axe that I own is a straight mountaineering axe, an older simond model. It's on the heavier side but is very durable. However, my dilemma is that I also want to eventually progress into beginner ice climbing and more technical mountaineering in the next couple years, so I'm unsure if I should buy a lighter nontechnical tool like the Petzl Ride or Gully and buy tools later, or just go for something more technical like the Sumtec that could eventually be used in a pair? Thanks for your input!

Hey all, I am looking to start mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies with the goal of doing a good chunk of the 11,000ers. I will not be starting for a couple years, but want to start slowly buying gear (So I have the best chance of purchasing good used gear or hitting good sales). I could not find any definitive information on this, but what boot would you guys recommend for doing 11,000ers in the summer? Would be starting mainly on rock with some simple glacier travel and eventually progressing to snow/ice/mixed routes. Would a lighter boot such as the Scarpa Zodiac or the La Sportiva Aequilibrium be suitable, or would you recommend a beefier option like the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pros or the La Sportiva Nepal Cubes? I'm trying to do one all rounder pair, but would not be opposed to buying one pair now and another later. Thanks for any info!

There is currently a 2005 Chevrolet Blazer with 310,000 kilometres for sale in my area for $5500 CAD (Could likely offer $5000). Some of the pros are that it is a manual (would love to learn), had the clutch replaced at 250,xxx kms, and had the whole front end replaced at 300,xxx kms, has a clean interior, and looks relatively rust free (big plus as I live in the rust belt) I am however worried about the high mileage, can any of you speak to how the 4.3 V6’s last long term assuming that it has been well maintained? I would be upgrading from a 2003 Ford Escape with 286,xxx kms that has a good engine but it’s pretty rusty. Please let me know your thoughts, thanks!

Hey all, I'm based out of southern AB and want to scramble Mt. Blakiston in mid-late August, and was wondering if you guys could recommend some fun scrambles/hikes in the Crowsnest/Castle/Waterton area to help prepare physically, and to improve my scrambling and route finding abilities for Blakiston (Also for other hard scrambles in the area such as Dungarvan and Galwey). Please also mention any hikes you would recommend skipping. Currently looking at doing (in order) Turtle Mtn, Crowsnest Mtn, Mt Haig, Akamina ridge + Forum Peak, Mt Glendowan, and Victoria ridge & peak. Thanks for your input.