View Full Version : snowshoeing
hoyawolf
08-18-2008, 23:39
anyone else here into snowshoeing or cross country ski touring? i am hoping to make a winter trip to dolly sods and up to the adirondacks to the vampire peaks. let's start planning now!
kayak karl
08-19-2008, 05:42
anyone else here into snowshoeing or cross country ski touring? i am hoping to make a winter trip to dolly sods and up to the adirondacks to the vampire peaks. let's start planning now!
what kind of snowshoes do u use?
I've enjoyed the Catamount Ski Trail over the past few years. Finished my first end to end last Feb.
hoyawolf
08-19-2008, 08:43
i have some msr denalis that i use for winter mountaineering which worked very well in germany; however, they are not the best for travelling over level terrain.
kayak karl
08-19-2008, 08:57
i have some msr denalis that i use for winter mountaineering which worked very well in germany; however, they are not the best for travelling over level terrain.
arnt they more for ascent? what is good for a trip your talking about?
hoyawolf
08-19-2008, 10:24
they would be perfect for the high peaks region of the adirondacks and would recommend them for anything vertical.
I used to snowshoe (still do once in great while), but now prefer ski touring.
I used to snowshoe (still do once in great while), but now prefer ski touring.
My winter trails over the years have been better suited for snow shoeing than for skiis. That's especially true now that I've drifted out of climbing mountains in winter and concentrate on ungroomed five mile town land trust winter walks.
Plus my sense of balance has deteriorated over the years. making snowshoes a more stable underpinning. I still use the traditional wood and raw hide or wood and artificial webbing shoes. I have several pairs and occasionally pick up another pair at yard sales and auctions.
Most are fitted with improvised crampons. I have pairs suitable for all conditions. Bear Paw for brushy and hilly trails. Long and narrow for open fields with few steep places.
There used to be a significant weight differential between wood and aluminum frames. But I notice the "modern" snowshoes are getting heavier, so the distinction is increasingly irrelevant.
Plus, in addition to enjoying the winter wild places, I walk for the exercise. Thus an extra few ounces adds something to the purpose of my walks.
Weary
hoyawolf
08-19-2008, 10:55
i agree mags, skis are much better but snowshoes are excellent on steep terrain and pack easier.
what skis do you use? i have some madshus.
Plus, in addition to enjoying the winter wild places,
..and that is what is really important in the end. Get out, enjoy the woods and the beauty of winter.
i agree mags, skis are much better but snowshoes are excellent on steep terrain and pack easier.
what skis do you use? i have some madshus.
Some older Black Diamond Rubicons that do me well. Light telemark/heavy touring skis..with asolo snowfield leather boots. :) I have some heavier telemark skis that I use with Scarpa T2s; but that kind of skiing bores me for the most part. For spring skiing, I still use my Karhu fishscales.
The only time I go snowshoeing now is when my (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=36&g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=16456)friends take out their son and I tag along (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=36&g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=16460) or the rare snowshoe date (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21504&highlight=snowshoe+date)(ugh!).