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Hi all-
First I apologize to post in the general forum. I'm having trouble posting in the California region forum.

I'm in the bay area, and would like to try my first snow mountain. I have no snow experience whatsoever. This would be my first experience with Crampons, Ice axes etc. I'm thinking about Mt.Shasta via the Avalanche Gulch, with my friend who is experienced with Shasta and other mountains. From what I read, looks like area just below the Red Banks is the most dangerous part.

Is this a good start, or should I start with something else?

Thanks all for your time.

Avalanche Gulch on Shasta is a great place for your first crampon experience, especially if you have someone with experience with you to show you how to use your ice axe and give you a short self-arrest class.

Before Shasta I did Brokeoff Mountain in winter in Lassen Park... or could do Lassen Peak itself.

Thanks @mrchad9 and @cab.
Planning to try it this season. Are there vertigo inducing portions on the Avalanche Gulch route? I know I have issues with vertigo, and so, I need to be careful with my choices.
Since this is my first ever snow attempt and being at higher altitude (never been over 7000 ft), I would gladly take even an attempt as a success.

Thanks!

There are no dropoff areas that would give you an issue... but it is a sustained slope for a couple of thousand feet above camp. If it is hard and icy in the morning it could make some nervous as they take a break, turn around, look down... etc...

The southeast face on Lassen, right of the trail up the ridge, is similar steepness but shorter... you could try it as well.

This is just a day trip, but you might check out Pyramid Peak near Twin Bridges and Strawberry. I just went last weekend. There was plenty of snow. We went up with boots only; but there are plenty of opportunities to put on the crampons in the last 1000 ft.

Clear Creek Route on Shasta is a good one.

Pyramid Peak
Round Top
Castle Peak
Agassiz
Price
These are all good day trips from the bay to hone your skills and build your fitness.

For Shasta, for your first time, I would recommend either hiring a guide or going with someone who is experienced. While the Avy Gulch route is "safe," the weather can change rapidly and snow conditions can be challenging. Proper crampon and ice axe technique and knowing how to self arrest and glissade are important skills that aren't always intuitive and should be practiced. There are some sections on Shasta where falls can be nasty, especially when the snow is firmer. And when the snow is softer, you will want to have someone with some basic understanding of avalanche danger in your group as well. They don't call it Avy gulch for nothing!

Castle Peak up at Donner Summit is a good place to practice snow techniques and it is just a day trip from the Bay Area. However, I regret to report that the nearby Rainbow Lodge is not currently open for after practice libations.

Check out Mount Saint Helen in Napa County .It stands out most Springs .