In reply to mauraman:
Ice screws are not cheap, but they can be a necessity.
Try and get two (its nearly Christmas, idea for presents) and possibly bulldog etc. as well as they are more versatile - and get your partner to get the same.
Avoid "ice" routes and go for classic gullies / mixed routes at grade III as you suggest- wait until things are in condition (not this weekend!) and go out, review conditions, make decisions on the day (not a bad thing to decide against one particular route and do another / nothing at all), stay safe and have fun - at grade III there are a lot of fun to be had Good luck, fingers crossed for a good season.