sorry for my late response. Well i went to the refuge which is a friendly hike. The most difficult part is the climitize for the altitue, and you need an experience hiker to take you to the sumit. Also, there are agencias that providethe proper gear.

there is always snow. sometimes depending on the weather it could all the way below the refuge or past the refuge. i saw many kids walking. a bit challenging but not complicated. make sure enough warm clothes.

Do want to climb Chimbo up to the summit? Or up to the refugio at approx 5050m? If you have an option to acclimatize, do it. We did a one day hike independently from Riobamba (approx 2750m?) and we made it up to 5100 (the ‚lagoon‘) but on the way down we got headache and were happy we could get back quickly riobamba. To more time you can spend for acclimatization, the better it gets. But as always, pay enough attention and be careful. Enjoy this beautiful region!

No, I just happened to run into the owner at a cafe.

Andean Adventures run by John. Google Andean Adventures Riobama. He is fantastic and his staff are total pros who take the safety, success, and comfort of their guests very seriously. Don't climb with anyone else.

Just summited Chimbo 2 days ago. Really great climb. John with Andean Adventures made it so easy to do. You need to bring almost nothing and he provides the gear. Heavy clothing, crampons, boots, axe, gloves, goggles, coats, all of it. His guides are really great and John carefully oversees everything. You have to acclimate or you will not really have a chance at making it. The gear and guides cannot do that for you. We did 2 other peaks and spent the full recommended time to acclimate. I made it to the full second summit and I am 60 years old. A great climb, great tour operator in John (best by far and nearly the lowest in price!), great mountain and wonderful and friendly country. Loved Ecuador! Bryan