[Old_Mil]

Out of curiousity, why would someone chose this time of year to try and climb Mt. Hood? Instead of, say, the middle of summer?

[george76]

A winter climb here could be practice for one of the bigs like Everest.

It can be very pretty with the snow and ice sparkling in the winter.

Some other reasons, too.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

Not to mention a clearly defined winter storm in the forecast for the region, several days in advance.

This is the epitome of arrogant logic; "This Mountain and severe winter storm will not defeat our ability do what we please!"

The many rescue climbers, helicopter crews and people who spent the better part of a week trying to rescue them did not deserve this unnecessary risk.

I would understand this if it were an accidental or inadvertent event, but this was planned and fully intentional, during the very worst time of year. They were also pleaded with by many experienced fellow climbers to not go during this high risk time of year.

You can call me cruel if you like but you will be wasting your time. I spent 20 years in Alaska as a search and rescue pilot. I have seen the loss of many of my close friends who gave their lives in the service of rescuing people like this. In most cases, the victims were caught in circumstances beyond their control and were not out to defy the laws the natural World. It's with those of whom I sympathize.

It's cases like this that offset my sympathy with contempt for the concept of extreme defiance, which has become so popular these days.

[RightWhale]

why would someone chose this time of year to try and climb Mt. Hood?

They might be elite Liberals (whitewater kayakers, etc.) who value their privacy and own the entire planet, but took a dare and a chance on becoming very, very public. Are they Liberals?

[MHT]

Why would sometime want to go on the north side in the winter? I pray for the families but moreso, I pray for the safety of those brave souls out there on the recovery mission. At what point does society say, "Do at your own risk". Beyond the safety of the rescue workers--the equipment at risk and the cost.

Are people so self-oriented that the thrill of their extreme sport is more important than the angst of their familiees and safety of others?

[Arizona Carolyn]

One reason is rushing water under the glaciers make it more dangerous in warmer weather....I understand they are not certain the water under the glaciers completely frozen even in December.

[Arizona Carolyn]

almost forgot -- another reason is this being a volcanic mountain, the rocks are worse to deal with in the summer when they are exposed, they break easily and cut the skin and gear more easily. Having decorative volcanic rocks ion my yard, I can understand some of those concerns.