Most of my winter routes last year involved the winter Lions Head. Being our first year using crampons, etc...we were basically just looking to get comfortable with the axe and crampons and hit the summit. Now looking for some alternative and maybe even somewhat more aggressive routes in the area. My buddies and I picked up a bit more mountaineering experience this summer in doing mt Rainier so would like to seek out some challenging trails in the local region, ones that can be done with primarily crampons and ice axe. The only on-trail rope experience we have is limited to glacier travel techniques, so no ice climbing gear yet. Any suggestions?
Also, how are the trails at this point in the year?