The North Face - Mountain 25

The Mountain 25 is an actual 4 season. If you truly need a tent for winter camping and expect heavy snow and harsh winds, go with that one.

Theoretically, you can winter camp in just about anything, it really just depends on how extreme the weather you're expecting to be. If you're camped up on a mountain ridge with gale force winds and the potential for big snow loads, you need a tent that has lots of poles and a low, round design to keep it from getting crushed. So for that, you really want the Mountain 25 (I have one from 20 years ago).

Loved my Mountain 25, it kept me dry on some nasty weather days in Scotland

The NF Mountain 25 is kinda trash. Very heavy for what you are getting, quite small inside. I bought one and the pole bent the first time I set it up. If you actually are serious about spending the money necessary to get this type of tent you should consider: 1. Hilleburg tent 2. Big Agnes Battle Mountain 2 or 3 (similar structure to NF but lighter and just as strong from a better and more reputable tent brand). 3. Samaya (extremely light, extremely expensive alpinist level tents)

I used to (10+ years ago) haul an NF Mountain 25. Extremely heavy, yet comfy, and bomb-proof. I did not really go out much in storms, especially since where I was located (central High Andes) everything is above treeline. I'm currently using a Sierra Design Cascade (if i got the name right). It's not as comfy or bombproof as the NF, but is way lighter and more compatible for a do it all tent . I also have tarps for lighter missions. It really boils down to what you want it for. The NF was great for base camping. The Sierra is more friendly for traverses, and pretty cheap too. Both are 2 wall, so condensation is not an issue. I would think that being based in the cascades, you would want something where you don't get wet. I think I've slept in the MSR, its light, but extremely tight and delicate.

The Mountain 25 is a legit alpine tent, how much snow and rain are you expecting?

Probably but usually you can find bodies easier than flys or poles. No idea what it's worth. I have a knock off ve-25 made by ems (ems copied a lot of TNF and other gear, like Wild Things, and slapped their name on it). And it's a great tent. But it's overkill if you aren't seriously winter camping. I ended up with an REI Arete that I used a lot more. Not a tent I'd put in exposed mountain environment, but it's a solid 4 season tent for the places I'd actually use it. Personally I'd look for something more like that. Caveat, my REI also has a sticky fly now and REI told me to kick rocks. When my Dana Designs had a sticky fly Marmot told me it was end of life. No one will cover this under warranty, so it's not worth the loss.

I'd just look for a light tent rated to 4 season. Something with continuous pole sleeves and 3-5 independent poles. The north face Mountain 25 is probably the best of that category. I've used that a bunch and it's a great tent. Bigger tent will be nice in winter (like a 35+ Sq ft 2 man) because of bulky bags and gear. Also I use a hanging stove in my winter tents so that space is appreciated. Honestly, in low elevation, the Alps Tasmanian is probably more than enough. It's designed for snow and will survive 40mph winds. I wouldn't bring in to the artic or a real mountain but it's definitely going to survive low elevation in the trees. And you won't have to worry about it getting sticky. Just replace it for less than Marmot will "give you a deal" to upgrade when your expensive tent dies.

I have the mountain 25 and love it. Context, we use it for winter camping in QC and ON Canada. Amazing in snow, rain, freezing rain, crazy winds. Only regret is not buying the 3 person version of it. 

Mountain 25 is a good tent used worldwide. If price is no concern then I would definitely suggest going with a Hilleberg black or red label or Mountain Hardwear Trango 2. Any of the three will definitely last a lifetime. I wouldn’t rush though, order a free hilleberg catalog online. They have some amazing tents. I’ve personally camped in a double-poled (yea you can use two poles where one goes on hilleberg) Tarra and saw winds of 80mph. Fabric whipped a bit but sleeping at that level we always bring ear plugs.

I use the mountain 25 on Rainier for guiding. It holds up well.