Micro-spikes: If you're going up the Portal Trail, by al means, bring them along, along with a pair of hiking poles. They may come in very handy. But if you come across seriously icy conditions, turn around! The mountain will still be there next year.

If you are climbing the Mountaineer's Route, though, micro-spikes won't help. Crampons and ice axe are in order there, as well as experience in using them.

Altitude sickness: Take it seriously--it isn't just dehydration or poor nutrition. Two hazards: Edema, which can be life-life-threatening, and hypoxia, which impairs judgment.

If you become nauseated or throw up, do not continue your ascent; you are one step away from edema. Go back down at least 1500 feet, more if still nauseated.

And assume before you go up that your judgment will be impaired by hypoxia, because it will. You will hike the Summit Trail as if you had just downed several shots of tequila. So be extra cautious, and take your time on your way to and from the summit. Hypoxia has convinced people they can make it across a long icy patch, with fatal results. Be hyper-cautious!

Drink as much water as you can in the 48 hours before you start the climb--it will help hold altitude sickness (but not hypoxia) at bay.