I see that Ptarmigan Ridge was in until early August last season and the season before that (http://mountrainierconditions.blogspot. ... 11_21.html) and I was wondering if this is typical? Also, if it's climbable does that mean its still fun or should I pack a machete to hack through penitentes? I've got some time off in the late summer and I'd like to do some alpine ice somewhere and I was wondering if this is worth looking into.
Thanks!