[pct-l] Ice/Snow

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Diane,

What were the techniques your friend taught you out about how to walk safely 
on snow that prevented further falls? Did you use poles and were they 
twist-locks? What kind of footwear were you using, specifically under-ankle 
and torsionally soft or above-ankle and torsionally rigid? Did you utilize 
any traction devices like the Katoola micro spikes vs. their KTS?


"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes" <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 6:39 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ice/Snow


>
> On Oct 28, 2010, at 1:28 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>> I am seeking advice on whether snow/ice skills are realistically
>> needed on a PCT thru-hike.  I am comfortable in the outdoors, have
>> done other long walks, but as an Australian, I have walked in snow for
>> a total of 2hrs in my entire life!  I am drawn to the PCT (over the
>> Appalachian) for the longer daily distance and fewer people but I also
>> need to be realistic about whether it is honestly feasible to thru-
>> hike the PCT without experience in snow and ice.  I was, for example,
>> considering delaying my start on the PCT for a few weeks after the
>> traditional start time to try and avoid the snow, but am not sure is
>> sufficient?  If I am being too idealistic, I would rather know that
>> now, so I can go walk the Appalachian successfully, rather than
>> attempt and fail the PCT due to snow conditions.  Any and all advice
>> happily received.
>
> I'm born and raised in Santa Barbara. I didn't see snow fall until I
> was 21 years old. I had precious little experience (could be measured
> in hours) walking on snow. I struggled in the snow on the PCT but I
> managed. I don't think I could have done a high snow year. I broke
> down in tears over my low snow year, even gave up and went home (but
> I went back a few days later.)
>
> I started May 1, which is after kickoff, but there still was snow in
> the Sierras.
>
> You might consider taking Ned's snow course. I think he has one close
> to the time of kickoff. At least you might learn to walk on snow.
> Once a friend told me how to do it, I got better. Before that I fell
> down frequently and pulled my groin muscles constantly.
>
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