Interpreting David Goodman guide and AMC "winter Trails" map

[kletter1mann]

I'm having difficulty interpreting what kind of skiing the book and map refer too. My main interest is AT, but I'm new to it and continually looking for trails to try. I also do cross country in a casual way, so maybe my X-C horizons could be broadened too while I'm at it.

For the book somebody in another thread suggested that trails rated as good for snowboarding would be good for AT. But what about the other stuff? Is that all really just old school X-country? Or something in between, like the newer x-country skis with metal edges and burlier boots? (I don't even know what that's called).

The AMC Winter Trails map is similarly confusing. The map is called "backcountry ski tours and snowshoeing." It shows the GOS and Sherburne as "expert" trails and they're certainly not something most people do with XC gear. But I can't believe that the easy trails on the map are for AT or tele gear.

There's some gray area between balls-to-the-wall AT/tele and XC that eludes me. :cry: How to figure it out? Just point me in the right direction. thanks!

[yuckster]

There's a section in the beginning of the book that explains the ratings, stating that "moderates" (and maybe more difficult) are suitable for the NNN-BC style of gear. I've found this to be fairly accurate, though some tours rated "more difficult" or "most difficult", despite some steep sections, also include some longer sections of rolling terrain, which does tend to drive a choice towards lighter gear. It's true that the "good for snowboarding" trails are going to have more continuous descents. But the Wildcat Valley trail is, for example, still a must-do.

[kletter1mann]

There's a section in the beginning of the book Oh yeah, i should have commented - I don't actually have the book, I'm going by the electronic versions on Trails.com . maybe I ought to get the real book.:doh:

[stoneman]

For AT & Tele, the Goodman book is not all that usefull. He does a decent job covering Mt Washington but other than that, pretty much all the tours are
cross country skiing... you can call it back country skiing with cross country skis. Seriously i wouldn't bother with it.

[surf88]

I found that unless he evaluates the tour worthwhile for a snowboard, its pretty much best suited for light touring gear only

[Seeker]

If you have a question about specific trails, I'd be willing to bet folks here could give you advice about whether it is suitable for AT or not. But I'd have to agree that anything listed as moderate is more suited to lighter gear.

[Seeker]

As for the AMC Winter trails map (had to go dig it out), the ONLY two trails suitable for AT are GOS and Sherbie, IMO. I think AT is overkill for the Wildcat Valley Ski Trail, and most others are really for light touring (3-pins or NNN-BC). I've done Garfield, Connie's Way, and Kanc Brook, and they are a lot of fun, but again AT would be overkill.

[kletter1mann]

This is great, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the info everybody. Now I need to decide when/if/ever I'd use a NNN-BC setup. I fall into a gear frenzy this time of year awaiting the snows... :rolleyes:

[Rider.Steve]

This is great, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the info everybody. Now I need to decide when/if/ever I'd use a NNN-BC setup. I fall into a gear frenzy this time of year awaiting the snows... :rolleyes:

I'm not a bc ski expert, but I am a gear-sl*t. You may get more "range" out of 3 pin (with or without cable) bindings with a ski like the Karhu 10th Mountain or equivalents than the NNN-BC may provide. Others with more experience will have firm opinions on this issue.

As for the Goodman trail ratings, there is always the variability factor (pow vs. hardpack vs. ice). The Moosilauke Carriage Road, Sherburne, etc. are doable on light bc edged gear in good conditions, but if it gets icy, AT or heavy tele is nice to have.

[skimtwashington]

A light but stronger design than NNN-BC is indeed, the 3-pin.

I would never use the NNN-BC....'cept for touring. Tele-turning.... It WILL break under stress....

....Never mind the boot choices to match the NNN-BC binding.

[RR]

the NNN-BC Magnum binding paired with some Alpina 2150 boots will easily stand up to 10th mountains driven hard.

That being said, I'm a three-pin guy, still driving my Outtabounds Wax with Alpina Tele Lights.

[icelanticskier]

A light but stronger design than NNN-BC is indeed, the 3-pin.

I would never use the NNN-BC....'cept for touring. Tele-turning.... It WILL break under stress....

....Never mind the boot choices to match the NNN-BC binding.

3 pins are good for dragging in the snow. nnnbc, no magnum needed, will parallel and tele with ease. it ain't the equipment, it's the driver. people rely way too much on gear to improve the skiing technique.

rog

[T0DD]

it ain't the equipment, it's the driver.

I've got some old Riva tele bindings and some 3 buckle plastics that I just got last year.

If I'm going more rolling terrain, I put the bindings on some old alpine skiis that I modified to have scales. I know this setup is heavier than a 3pin or NNN setup but whatever, it is no less fun, and a better work out.

If I'm doing more up, up, up, to earn some down, down, down, I put them on my old ROSSI B2 Bandits use my skins and I'm good to go.