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Hi all, I am a novice here looking to climb some easy peaks (i.e. Vallunaraju, Ishinca) in Cordillera Blanca with a guide. Understood the ideal climbing season is June to August but I am only able to take time off in early-mid May this year . Although the local climbing company assured me these mountains can be climbed in May, I am still concerned that going in May will be less safe than in June or July due to snow conditions and avalanche risks. Does anyone have a view on whether it's safe to climb these mountains in May? Has anyone attempted these easy peaks during this period? Would really appreciate any views / advice. Many thanks!

sure you can climb them in May - the weather will be more unsettled and wetter/warmer - more precip, a bit more avalanche danger, but a month's worth of time will have less effect on the conditions than thow the general season has been - drier, colder, more or less precip, etc. Neither of those peaks should pose any issues outside the normal concerns in May. That having been said, I would still opt to climb as late in May as possible. A few days in Huaraz should be enough to acclimate to either as well. If you have time, you may want to run up RimaRima as a (long) day trip to test your fitness and acclimitazation first, and the view from the summit ain't bad either..