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November, 2024

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SNOWSHOES

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Gillis1257
Posts: 209 - Karma: 54
so im going to be skiing in montana for the second season in a row. ive skied pow, hiked, dropped cliffs built jumps all that side country jazz. me and my friends are trying our hand in touring. now i know alot of people who skin and things and ive looked into that new touring plate and touring adapters for alpine bindings and ive skied the marker touring binding many times and i dont like being off my ski.

now touring and skins are expensive so ive been toying with the idea of snow shoes. ive done my research and found a 25 inch mountaineering pair that will fit ski boots.

my question is is it really practical to buy them and be able to get a taste of some interesting backcountry? im not trying to do the longest most technical tours and ill more then likely invest in the new touring plate and skins next year, just want some feedback on backcountry with snow shoes.

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Sep 15 2011 6:23PM
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Flying~Squirrel
Posts: 6494 - Karma: 192
ive done it on small mountains in the east, and it works fine but you move slower than with skins and you have carry them on your back when you ski down, and thats a littel clunky.
Sep 15 2011 6:40PM
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Gillis1257
Posts: 209 - Karma: 54
very helpful man. keep it coming kids
Sep 15 2011 6:52PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
threads...
Sep 15 2011 7:37PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Snowshoeing sucks so much compares to touring.
It takes much longer and much more effort than skinning.

And, my usual ns disclaimer, get educated and get the proper gear before you go out in the backcountry. That means Avalanche gear, the knowledge to use it, as well as decision making skills, etc.
An avalanche level one class can be a good start, there are some good books that can help, too, but practice, with beacons and how to conduct a rescue, as well as route planning, etc. Is Esential.
Sep 15 2011 8:30PM
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SlurrP
Posts: 172 - Karma: 26
I didn't want to do the whole AT set before I got into touring...so I had a little experience doing small tours with snowshoes.

honestly i found them to be a huge pain in the ass. mine were not large enough for ski boots, so you do have that going for you.

i just hate carrying my skis on my back on a regular basis. i'd rather have em strapped to my feet. i used to have dukes but don't care for the ski. i'm buying MFD plates
Sep 15 2011 8:39PM
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Gillis1257
Posts: 209 - Karma: 54
ive done the avalanche training and have a beacon plus other essentials. so is it not a quick cheap way to get out and charge some back country effectively?
Sep 16 2011 2:28AM
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uT.
Posts: 130 - Karma: 20
ive used snow shoes with my ski boots, its a little harder but i didnt find it all that difficult maybe just a little slower. if you can carry ur skis on the side of the bag instead of crossed on the bag it stop you hitting ur legs against the skis as you hike. I did it all day in japan in some deep pow and i didnt have any troubles. Snowshoes that fit and tightly grip to the boot are just the necessities
Sep 16 2011 3:54AM
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POW-WOW
Posts: 1464 - Karma: 40
Bump for more help. Is it worth $250 more for smaller hikes year round?
Nov 13 2011 9:31PM
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Gillis1257
Posts: 209 - Karma: 54
bumpin this up again
Nov 20 2011 4:46PM
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