Hi friends. We've received a lot of questions and reports on people wanting to hike Mt. Baldy, San G, etc. in the winter.
These mountains in the winter are NOT HIKING. They are mountaineering routes that require preparation, training and experience. If you are a first timer, and asking to hike these mountains and what you need - you're not prepared to do this climb.
If you proceed to attempt these routes without the proper training and equipment, you are putting yourself, your companions and rescue teams in mortal danger. Myself, socalhiking, reddit, and members of this sub are not responsible and advice given should be taken with a grain of salt.
If you are asking basic questions on what you need to do these climbs, you need to take a proper class so you don't put yourself and others in danger.
Attempting these climbs mean you need to have ice axes, crampons, proper attire, check in times, etc. and you need to know how to use them effectively. It means you know how to read snowpack and snow quality, and understand avalanche dangers. It means you have a PLB and avalanche training. You cannot learn how to self arrest with an ice axe on the internet - that is something you need to learn in person, not from a post on a reddit thread.
Be safe, dont put others in danger, and don't make bad decisions.
