Talk to me about snowshoes

[johnnybgood]

I'm looking at spending a week up north in New Hampshire and Maine in late December for Christmas and hope to see snow on the ground.

I have always wanted to hike wearing snowshoes on a snow covered trail somewhere but know nothing about where to rent them or what size to get.

I'll be in the Randolph area .

Also , a good trail(s) to hike using snowshoes would be appreciated.

Happy Thanksgiving to all WB members and their families.

[WinterWarlock]

I'm sure you'll get some good answers here, but I would also recommend you check out Views From the Top (http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/index.php), a hiking forum that focuses on New England...there are MANY members there from New Hampshire who can help.

Scott




I'm looking at spending a week up north in New Hampshire and Maine in late December for Christmas and hope to see snow on the ground.

I have always wanted to hike wearing snowshoes on a snow covered trail somewhere but know nothing about where to rent them or what size to get.

I'll be in the Randolph area .

Also , a good trail(s) to hike using snowshoes would be appreciated.

Happy Thanksgiving to all WB members and their families.

[woodsy]

Views from the top is good for info but interacting with anyone there is difficult since you need to be referred by a member to get registration approved.
You might contact the Randolph Mountain Club (http://www.randolphmountainclub.org/) for area trail info on snowshoe trails you could try out ., and any rentals in Gorham.??
Should be plenty of snow up there end of Dec.

[WinterWarlock]

Views from the top is good for info but interacting with anyone there is difficult since you need to be referred by a member to get registration approved.
You might contact the Randolph Mountain Club (http://www.randolphmountainclub.org/) for area trail info on snowshoe trails you could try out ., and any rentals in Gorham.??
Should be plenty of snow up there end of Dec.

True - but it's gotten easier since the owner moved back East...I'd be happy to sponsor anyone who is interested in joining Views, just send me a PM.

You might also want to check out Mt Washington Observatory's forum (http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/)...

[Tinker]

Optimum snowshoe size is based on the weight of the user (with gear) and the snow conditions. Newfallen powder requires larger shoes than older, consolidated snow. Most shoes have metal cleats on the bottom of the binding, some on the shoe itself. Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum but is heavier. As with most gear heavier shoes are generally (but not always) sturdier than lighter ones. What do I use at over 200 lbs. (260+ with all winter gear) in the White Mountains where snow can vary from nothing to 6+ feet and hard packed to powder? Atlas 1036 (10x36 inches).
In tight terrain with roots and rocks they are cumbersome and heavy but in deep snow they don't sink in as much. They have aluminum cleats, but I don't use them enough to wear them down quickly. They weigh about 5-1/2 lbs. for the pair. Mine are 12 years old. The new bindings are better. Atlas makes three (last I knew) levels of shoes. I bought the best. They were (and are) expensive.
Check with REI in Reading, Ma. to see what they rent and their recommendations for you. They are right off of I-93 in Reading, Ma. on the way to the Whites from Richmond (unless you're flying in north of Boston).

[Slo-go'en]

Being a summer resident of Randoph, (my drivers license says I live there), I know the area well. Get a RMC trail map first thing. Any of the trails on the lower side of Madison and Adams, such as those leaving from trails parking (aka Appalacia) are good, as are a number of trails off of Randolph hill road. There's a whole maze of trails here.

Unless we get a couple of good dumpings of snow in the next few weeks, which doesn't seem likely, there won't be any good snow shoeing. There needs to be a base of about 2 feet to smooth over the rocks and stuff.

Right now there isn't any snow at all, even on the summits. Usually by this time of year there is at least some snow here and a base is starting. It was looking good in October, but it warmed up and rained a lot in November.

I use a fairly short shoe, as thier easier to get around stuff and its not too often we get a really deep, fluffy snow which bigger shoes are best in. Also, unless your the first one out after a new snow fall, many of the more popular trails will have been broken for you.

[peakbagger]

Well they do predict 10 inches of snow by Saturday 11/28 so there is a slight chance that there will be enough snow on the ground for snowshoeing in three weeks (but unlikely unless we get some significant snow. The way things are going a pair of microspikes is probably the most important equipment to carry. Unfortunately, I dont think you can rent them, so its a roughly $50 investment.

The only local option for rentals is probably

Altitude Sports
101 Main St., Gorham, NH 03581,
603-466-5050

but I am not sure if they still rent.

The best places to rent snowshoes are probably

http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/pnvc/index.cfm

followed by

http://www.greatglentrails.com/Winter-Page-54.html. THis is a commercial operation that is more oriented to cross country rather than snowshoes and they will try to sell you a trail pass but realistically the best trails are at AMC.

By the way, bring your hiking poles, they are very important for beginning snowshoers and the rental places dont rent them, but will gladly sell you some.

By the way, Walmart usually has some showshoe kits wihich include poles and snowshoes. They usually arent bad for recreational use and cost about what you may pay for Renting for a few days. They have an aluminum frame with a plastic decking (they are actually Sherpa knockoffs).

Great Glen and AMC are both are about 20 minutes from Randolph at the base of Mt Washington on Rt 16. If there isnt snow there,, you are out of luck. AMC has a lot of local trails for free (you ned ato buy a pass for great glen). A walk up to the base of Tuckermans is always nice (do attempt to climb the mountain via the upper Tuckerman trail unless you have special gear and the skills to use it).

As for trail guides, the RMC map and guide are great for Randolph but the AMC white mountain guide covers more area and also covers the Randolph trails (in less detail). If you are planning to concentrate on Randolph pick up the map, you probably can live without the guidebook. If you are staying with someone, buy a AMC guide, give it to them as Christmas gift and then borrow it for the week;)

Local to Randolph, there are lots of short hikes, Lookout Ledge is a nice run, not a lot of elevation, but great view. For something longer, Waumbek and Starr King in Jefferson is a very well graded trail with some good views through the trees south. Plus bring some Gorp and a camera and you probably can get some up close pictures of Grey Jays (they will eat out of your hand or land on your head).

Cherry Mountain in Jefferson is a nice hike, the easiest approach is the southerly trail head on Rt 115. If you do go up, the walk via Marthas Mile trail to the ledges on Owls Head is worth the walk, but there are some icy sections of trail so you need traction aids (like microspikes).

The Imp Face is also a nice hike with a great view. Its fairly well graded. If you do it, the easiest way is an out and back from the north trailhead. The continuation of the trail to the south trailhead, is woods walk with no real views.

As for sizing, if you are sticking to trails, the standard size rentals are fine, If for some odd reason we get a major snow dump in the next few weeks, larger shoes can be needed but I wouldnt worry about it. Realistically the trails get a lot of use during that period and are usually packed down into a "sidewalk" within a day of a snowstorm. The packed down routes can get slippery, so thats where the microspikes come in.

The bindign will fit almost any boot, you want to make sure that you have some warm socks and gaiters are real nice for keeping snow out of the boots.

The standard caveat applies, dont even think about going above treeline unless you have the gear and the skills to use it. Expect that you will get wet from snow falling off the trees so you gear should be synthetic or wool. If you are not used to the temps, pick up some of the air activated heater packs (availlable at most local stores). You also need to bring water bottles instead of a camelback setup as the tubes can freeze solid no matter what you try.

Have fun, I am off the week and if we get good weather, its a great time to hike!

[WinterWarlock]

There are some great sales today at EMS on snowshoes - some of the Atlas models are 50% off.

Also, last year I bought a pair of Yukon Charlies 25" for my daughter's boyfriend at Marshall's, of all places....they were like $49 or something. I noticed that they have them again this year, too.

I know that Bretton Woods ski resort rents snowshoes as well, near Gorham.

[Lone Wolf]

i have a pair similar to these http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/snowshoes/flat-and-rolling/denali/product and they were fine for steep and deep snow in northern vermont on the long trail. the catamount trail up there is nice for snowshoeing

[Mr. Clean]

You probably won't need larger shoes as the trails tend to get packed down quickly, just be careful of going off trail and getting into a spruce trap. I use Atlas 10x30 and weigh about 250 on the hoof. For light snow/rarely used trails I take my 10x33 Atlas.

Starr King and Waumbek are good mtns. Lots of good trails near Randolph. I'd beware of the higher peaks if you don't have winter experience.

North Conway has an EMS and IME where you can rent, as well as an LL Bean outlet store which may or may not have something.

Any trail is good, have fun.

[Shutterbug]

I'm looking at spending a week up north in New Hampshire and Maine in late December for Christmas and hope to see snow on the ground.

I have always wanted to hike wearing snowshoes on a snow covered trail somewhere but know nothing about where to rent them or what size to get.

I'll be in the Randolph area .

Also , a good trail(s) to hike using snowshoes would be appreciated.

Happy Thanksgiving to all WB members and their families.

In Washington, when I hike in the winter, I find that Yaktraks are more useful than snowshoes. Snowshoes work best in soft, fluffy snow. After a few people have walked on the snow, it gets packed down to ice. In icy areas, it is easier to remove the snow shoes and put on the YakTraks.

I would also observe that if you decide to go snow shoeing in fresh snow, but sure to take a gps or pay attention to your compass. I find it much easier to get lost when I hike in the snow. Don't rely on the tracks in the snow to find your way. The person you are following may be lost too.

[woodsy]

Mountains starting to get some snow cover , 1 1/2 ft on summit Mt Washington
Snow map (http://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa/index.html?year=2009&month=11&day=28&units=e&region=Northeast)

[WinterWarlock]

Mountains starting to get some snow cover , 1 1/2 ft on summit Mt Washington
Snow map (http://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa/index.html?year=2009&month=11&day=28&units=e&region=Northeast)

Nice - except for the 85 mph sustained winds!

http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/

[johnnybgood]

Great information by everyone. I appreciate the address and phone #for Altitude Sports ,Peakbagger. I remember seeing that place while going thru town last summer.

Another question: As for traction devices go is there any difference in quality or brand name ? Does it really matter ?

[Mags]

Another question: As for traction devices go is there any difference in quality or brand name ? Does it really matter ?

Though meant for trail running, this article gives a great overview for traction devices for lighter footwear. (http://web.archive.org/web/20080503033404/http://www.mountainrunning.com/features/february_08/index.html) The only review missing is for in-step (4 pt) crampons. (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___33054?CS_003=2477120&CS_010=33054) In-step crampons are a bit impractical for trailrunning and/or for some lighter footwear. However, if you use traditional boots, the four pt. crampons have proven to be a good option for hikers in icy, but non-technical, conditions.