[pct-l] Steep Snow Travel

[Jay Bruins]

It’s been a while since I’ve read Freedom of the Hills, but there’s definitely some debate around the benefit of a leash on consolidated snow or glaciers. Tumbling down a hill with an ice axe attached to you but not under control tends to result in puncture wounds. This could be worse than the terrain trap you’re attempting to avoid.

FWIW, the last time I had a yard-sale skiing, I lost my ski but not my poles (and I don’t use straps here, either). I wouldn’t underestimate the ability of the body to grasp onto things under stress.

Cheers,
Armstrong

> On Feb 3, 2017, at 5:13 PM, Stephen Adams <reddirt23 at att.net> wrote:
> 
> I have been going over some of the previous years videos of folks traversing steep snow in the Sierra.  Yikes!  Anyone actually know how to carry and use an ice axe...  Oh my gosh, scary.  I noted several trail traverses where folks, if taking a tumble would be at least injured.  Why not put the hiking poles on your pack and use the axe as it was intended, to save you from harm or save your life, and perhaps for others who may have to rescue you down that icy rocky slope.  I noted also that folks don't seem to take the idea of having a lanyard on the axe very seriously either...  Anybody ever read the Mountaineering guide anymore?  
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