lion head hike necessities??

[pjlefeb]

I've never summitted Washington just for the hike, only via right gully in the spring time for the top to bottom ski. Is a mountaineering ax necessary for the lion head route? I'm an experienced hiker, but I only own crampons, no ax.

Also, how bout the access road to the Ammonussuc Trail? Will that be plowed?

Thanks much!

[JimS]

I would say that not only is the axe necessary, but so is the knowledge and practice in its use. There are enough exposed areas on the LHT that a long slide is possible!