Getting Started with Winter Hiking

[sli74]

I no longer feel that snowshoes are trivial and obvious things for beginners to pick up. Yes, they don't slip and slide like skis do, but they require a significant amount of time to learn how to use and can be just as clumsy as skis for non-skiers to use.

I guess I never had a problem learning to use snowshoes, kinda just like BIG shoes but skiing has been a slower learning curve and I am guessing that this will be different for different people. It might very well depend on if you grew up around snow and snow related activities. I do agree that skiing is more fun overall than snowshoeing but I think it is harder to pick up and get good at as an adult.

sli74

 

[DougPaul]

I might add, it is impossible to rent crampons.

Not true. REI Reading rents crampons, but only for boots that you rent from them.

EMS and IME (both North Conway) may also rent crampons. (Haven't checked myself.)

Doug

 

[DougPaul]

Just to toss my 2 cents in:

As one who both skis and snowshoes, I think they are both worthwhile. Skis are faster and more fun on terrain that is suitable (suitability is highly subjective and skill dependent), but snowshoes are easier to use with heavy packs, on steep terrain, or where a lot of tight maneuvering is required.

Snowshoes have a much shorter learning curve than skis (certainly for me, probably also for most).

Just for the record, it appears that Dave.m is a much better skier than I...

Also encouraging people to go out in winter without snowshoes is probably not a good idea--its a good way to get trapped. (Parties have been fined after being rescued in the Whites after they got trapped in deep snow without snowshoes or skis.) It also sets people up to become dreaded and reviled postholers...

Crampons are very worthwhile--they serve a different need than do skis or snowshoes.

Doug

 

[nazdarovye]

I no longer feel that snowshoes are trivial and obvious things for beginners to pick up. Yes, they don't slip and slide like skis do, but they require a significant amount of time to learn how to use and can be just as clumsy as skis for non-skiers to use. Add to this the fact that snowshoeing is unrepentantly hard work in anything but ideal conditions.

Now, there *are* places where snowshoes are better than skis for forward travel. I'm thinking here of steep untracked snow in super tight woods like thick balsam. But generally, I can ski through that stuff about as easy as I could go with snowshoes in many cases. Only the steepest and ledgiest of places would I prefer the shoes. Note, I consider that kind of terrain the place for more experienced winter hikers though.

As for general snow camping below treeline in NH, man, I'll take skis over snowshoes pretty much anywhere.

Interesting...I snowshoe in the Adirondacks (whenever I can get back) and here in the Sierra Nevada, often with our local Sierra Club's ski touring group. I've found that, except on plowed roads and long, open downhills, I easily keep up with the skiers on our trips. On uphills, in dense vegetation, and when breaking trail, I go faster than the skiers.

I don't find the snowshoes awkward at all, can get up and around terrain skiers wouldn't touch, and love them for backpacking and bushwhacking in the snow. I move fast in them, too (especially my Northern Lites).

Nothing against skiing - I ski too, and want to work on my backcountry ski skills so I can enjoy whizzing past folks on Glacier Point road here at Yosemite (for example), but they won't take the place of snowshoes for many of the places I go.

I also think snowshoes are actually quite easy for beginners to pick up.

Either way, and to return to the subject of the post, winter camping is great! I second all of the recommendations to just get out there with a group and try it out.

- Steve

 

[paul ron]

I'm sure everyone has said this over and over but...

Start by doing some research, to gt familiar with equipment and how to deal with the cold. Then hook up with someone that has winter camping experiance. An experianced person can gear you up properly for the conditions you will be camping in. Also don't go over your head, stay close the first time out so you can bail if anything goes wrong. I do most of my cloths testing in my backyard to be sure I can hang out in the cold. Anyone can hike in the cold, it's the hanging around that gets ya in the fingers n toes. Know what the symptoms of hypothermia are so if you do experiance it, you'll know how to cope with it.

Again hook up with someone ort a group that has winter experiance, it's the best way to learn. It can be very dangerous and it is so easy to make deadly mistakes.

Good info, check out this site...
http://www.theozarks.com/WinterCamping.htm

 

[Peakbagr]

A good point could be made that a beginner shouldn't be anywhere near a set of crampons. I'd suggest that would be the last piece of gear to carry. Better to spend the time in the lower or treed environments, than up high, or on ice, where the wind, visibility, temps, and more, leave the newcomer far closer to the edge than is necessary.

 

[BrentD22]

?

I might add, it is impossible to rent crampons.

Puck - I'm not sure if you are joking, but you can rent crampons, plastic boots, and almost any other winter hiking gear from IME in Conway, NH. Here is a link to the site.

You can rent most tech type gear from them as well as purchase used (consignment shop) gear at very low costs.


I def 2nd the recom for Mountainering Freedom in the Hills.

You may also want to purchase Not Without Peril - The book has many short stories regarding the deaths that have occured on (and near) Mt. Washington. It makes you think a little bit more about "going out and learning on your own".

I'm not sure if others mentioned this, but it would be a good idea to practice up on your compass/map skills. The most scared I've been above tree line in winter was during a white out. I had to "guess" which way to go and I thankfully eventually found the trail down. The conditions where not the kind I would have wanted to have to stay out in with out my gear (that I left at Gray Knob). From that point I've brought and practiced since.

Some things you might not think about.
- Your leather boots will freeze over night and become very uncomfortable in the morning.
- Sleeping Bags keep everything except your nose warm.
- Getting out of your sleeping bag at night in the cold is terrible. Bring an old water bottle to pee in at night. Holding it will only make it harder for your body to stay warm (it will have to keep the pee warm too).
- You will eat WAY more food while winter hiking or backpacking then in summer. You will also need as much if not more water. It is dry air.
- Everything will freeze that you don't protect. Your skin, your water bottle, if you use a water bladder the tube will freeze, ect.
- In my opinion mittens, over mitts, and gloves/glove liners are nessasary.
- I'm sure there is more, but you'll learn quick!


In case no one said it and I'm sure you've heard it before...

"Cotton Kills" no really I had a T-Shirt attack me once.

 

[DougPaul]

A good point could be made that a beginner shouldn't be anywhere near a set of crampons. I'd suggest that would be the last piece of gear to carry. Better to spend the time in the lower or treed environments, than up high, or on ice, where the wind, visibility, temps, and more, leave the newcomer far closer to the edge than is necessary.

This assumes relatively nice conditions. I've been on trips in the Whites where you literally had to put your crampons on in the parking lot... Needed them all the way to the summit and back.

Doug

 

[DougPaul]

Bring an old water bottle to pee in at night. Holding it will only make it harder for your body to stay warm (it will have to keep the pee warm too).

You have the cause and effect reversed--being cold makes you produce urine, having urine in your bladder has no effect on your heat loss. But the discomfort of a full baldder can drive you out of your warm sleeping bag.

A point that most novices will not realize is that venting excess heat is often a problem in winter hiking. Frequently a greater probem than staying warm...

Doug

 

[Puck]

Puck - I'm not sure if you are joking, but you can rent crampons, plastic boots, and almost any other winter hiking gear from IME in Conway, NH. Here is a link to the site.

I was serious. Last yeart I could not find a place to rent. sure everyone has snowshoes and boots etc. It was impossible for me to find a set of crampons...so now I am a proud owner. Had I known about IME....

 

[dave.m]

Oh Man, I have to learn how to ski. How long does it take to learn how to ski?

Pfft. How should I know? Ask TEO. He skis. I'm a hack.

I should clarify my statements about skis vs snowshoes off trail btw....

IMO, the trick for moving around in the woods with skis is to use short fat skis with full width climbing skins. This turns the ski into a sliding snowshoe. I prefer this over a regular snowshoe is nearly all unbroken snow as the ski tip surfs up to the surface easier than it always lifting shoes up and out of the snow.

Going down, the skins can stay on too. So, skiiing down need not take too much skill. Still easier than snowshoes imo.

This said.... on hiking trails that go straight up a mountain or back down, snowshoes are indeed better. Skins on skis can't climb anywhere near as steep as snowshoes can in most conditions. So if a person's interest is in trail hiking, snow shoes. Actually though, if the trail has traffic on it, I would rahter have crampons unless post holing is a problem.

 

[sierra]

The best way to learn is to go out and do it, when you make a mistake you will learn from it, its that simple. Oh yeah one more thing, try not to die, its easier then you think to do in the beginning.

 

[giggy]

Renting crampons while certainlly possible - is a pain - esp if your coming from 3 to 4 hours south - IME EMS , etc open well after you typically want to hit the trailhead and depending where you are going - might be well out of the way. Yea - you can prepare the night before - but its a hassle. I know from trying it before.

REI in mass/reading is typically out of them and sizes are limited Yes - It can be done for sure - but I have brought a few beginners out in the winter it is a pain to do it if you want to leave early and if your going to be back after 5pm when store closes - plus - for a couple of days - it probaby run you 1/3 of the costs anyway - buy a cheaper general mountainerring pair and play with them - Just some food for thought -

I think I see what peakbagger is trying to say - but I don't know - I think trying them out on an easy trail or mountain on a nice winyer day is no harm.

The key to this whole thread is get out there on winter on nice, sunny days and you will have no problems.


I still say the class is a good idea though. For less cost options - try the one day ascent of washington that many guides offer - low cost and you will get the basics on this trip for sure.

have fun

 

[Neil]

What a cool (no pun intended) thread!
My .02 says to go hiking progressively later and later in the year and extrapolate your experiences to even colder temps.

Definitley read the threads. (Do searches, go back to winter etc.) I had done lots of flat land snowshoeing and winter camping but for winter peakbagging in the NE I learned just as much from this website as I did from my previous experience.

 

[Woody]

My first winter hike was on Mount Monadnock. I have been a skier most of my life so I was fairly familier with being outdoors in the winter and the concept of layering my clothing. I rented snowshoes from EMS for a weekend and went out and played with them in the woods behind my house for a few hours. The next day I went up and climbed Monadnock. One thing I wished I had with me on that day was crampons.

My advise on starting winter hiking would be to start off slow on smaller hikes staying below treeline. Learn how to layer your clothing and keep a warm parka ready to put on over everything else when you take a break (down is best). Learn what equipment and clothing works for you and what doesn't. rent or borrow gear before you spend a bunch of money.

Crampons would be a piece of gear I would recommend getting sooner rather than later if you find that you enjoy winter hiking. I use Grivel G-10's for hiking and general mountaineering. As stated on an earlier post, there are many hikes when the crampons go on almost at the parking lot and stay on until the hike is finished. A more experienced winter hiker can teach you the various techniques of walking with crampons on.

An ice axe is not needed on most winter hikes in the Whites. Trekking poles will suffice in most cases. If you decide you want to start climbing the steeper trails, like Flume Slide, or go above treeline in the winter then you will want an ice axe. Learn the proper way to use it. Either hike with an experienced winter hiker or take a class. I have had great experiences with IMCS (IME) but EMS and the AMC also offer good programs.

You will also want a good pair of winter hiking boots. I like my plastic Koflach boots but a lot of people prefer leather. Summer weight boots will not keep your feet warm in extreme temperatures or on long breaks.

As with summer hiking, a map and compass are essential along with the knowledge to use them.

Winter is a great time to be out in the mountains. Have fun!

 

[Lawn Sale]

Definitely read Freedom of the Hills, awesome book.

Read, read, read.

Go out with others, even if only for the day. Borrow the gear if you can before buying, lots of people I know have more than enough. It'll let you see what to buy and why, which is the most important.

DougPaul is right, I have also had to put on crampons in the parking lot just to start the trail. I always bring an ice axe, but frequently have to use my hiking poles. Don't forget night hiking, it's awesome in the winter, the lighting is much better than in the summer and it's so serene.

Get a bigger pack, fleece takes up a lot of room, you'll need more food and fuel, and there never seems to be enough space.

Never be afraid to ask if people are going out. I usually go out to NH once a month and locally more often.

 

[Lawn Sale]

The last two post by the Mainers had me thinking. How many grew up with the old wooden snowshoes?
I see these things for sale in antique stores now. How many would take an outing with these for old time sake, dressed of course in your green Johnson Mill wool pants?

I still have my old wooden ones on the wall, and they do go out. I also have a pair of military ones, which are magnesium with aircraft cable for webbing. Surprisingly light and just about indestructable. But, I usually leave them at home and take the more modern 25", 30", or 36" ones, depending on the trail.

I also have some backcountry skis, but find the snowshoes easier to maneuver in the woods on a trail I'm not familiar with, and even my wide 240cm skis would be a bear in 42" of fresh snow, but it's not a problem with my big snowshoes.

I did go out on a local trail last year, figuring on shallow snow, but instead found 36" (I live on the coast but it piled up on the backside). I went off trail downhill and had to use my ice gear to get off the mountain or trek back over the same terrain. Always have flexible plans, and know when to stop.

 

[sierra]

THis thread got me thinking. I have over 20 yrs experience in the backcountry year round, come winter, anyone who wants company regardless of your experience level, Ill be glad to go with you, my only request would be that you listen and turn around when I do, because as a beginner you might not know when your over your head, that is one of the most imporntant skills to aquire. Hiking with someone who has alot of experience can save you years of learning things on your own.

 

[Orsonab]

Nh Chapter Winter Hiking Course

I took the Winter Hiking workshop put on by the AMC New Hampshire chapter. The course consisted of a one day classroom instruction followed by a series of hikes that progressed in exposure. We finished our workshop hikes with the classic Franconia Loop over Lincoln and Lafayette on December 18th. Although technically it wasn't a winter hike, the conditions said otherwise. It was definitely not a hike that I would like to solo on.

I highly recommend you consider this course if you're interested in experiencing winter hiking. I learned alot and more importantly had a great time. They're taking applications now, see http://www.amc-nh.org/ Just be careful with the Visa card. Winter hiking can get very expensive.

Glenn

I second, third and fourth Glenn's review; this course is one full day of detailed advice on equipment, etc and then a series of day hikes, picking up tips and tricks along the way. Great way to gain useful experience without the risk of soloing and also meet some people who are equally insane as yourself. A great bargain and excellent teachers. (and all the day hikes are 4K's!)