snowshoes

[stonethrower]

anyone have any thoughts on using snowshoes to access some backcountry ski spots? I know most use skins, but has anyone used snowshoes? My wife bought me some new snowshoes and I would like to get out on em...

thanks.

[NtrentT]

Of course. Those without AT (alpine touring) gear use snowshoes.

On the thunderbolt the other day there was this dude post-holeing to the summit without shoes, Right up the middle.

I know the trail was in bad shape in terms of post holes but he didn't need to add to the mess, plus it looked miserable too, post holes were deeper than your knee, sometimes mid thigh

[boardman]

more common among us snowboarders, but yeah, it's a tried and true way to access the BC goods. Do the research and get some good ones that are going to keep you afloat with a pack (which should have all your avy gear and other stuff, like the 10 essentials), and your skis/board on your back. Mine are the MSR Denalis, which I'm real fond of; I also bought the add-on powder tails.

[surf88]

more common among us snowboarders, but yeah, it's a tried and true way to access the BC goods. Do the research and get some good ones that are going to keep you afloat with a pack (which should have all your avy gear and other stuff, like the 10 essentials), and your skis/board on your back. Mine are the MSR Denalis, which I'm real fond of; I also bought the add-on powder tails.
I also am fond of the Denalis, the tails are essential for deep pow. I like how they are easily stowed for the descent. But IMHO a split board becomes an inevitable (sp) solution for a frequent BC rider. Skinning is sooooo much more efficient.

[skibumm100]

Another vote for the Denali's. I also have a pair of Atlas 830's (I think that's the number). I bought the powder tails, also. EMS had a great sale last year around Christmas and I got them cheaper than the best internet deal i could find. Campmor has good prices, too.

[RR]

The Denali EVO has the climbing bail...saves your calf-muscles and achilles tendon a lot of aggrevation on breakable crust and the firm. In the pow it's still a help as kicking steps for more level foot placements (old school) means higher step-ups....far better to walk w/o the kicks if you have the floatation.

Atlas 10 series and up has the climbing bail too.

I have ten year old Atlas 1030's (no climbing bail). Not big into snowshoeing as a sport, but sometimes they are the only way to get someplace or, as happens more often, the other members of the party have snowshoes, but not the ski or splitter touring setups.

[scottie4183]

second the Denali EVO. I've got a pair that doesn't get used as much now that i'm on skins but the grip with those snowshoes is amazing! They do also pack up pretty nicely for the way down.

they also have a rockin binding system...feel real secure when they are on

[cms829]

speaking of which if anyone has a pair of evo's they wanna get rid of let me know! lol

I have a old pair of MSR's that have seen better days and were like the cheapo deluxe version of the denali's. the plastic design is def durable and less prone to need field repairs. IMO

[skibumm100]

Mine also have the climbing bail. Aren't they called the "Denali EVO Acsent"? "Ascent" being the climbing bail? I forget now. I bought them for elk hunting in CO. We hunt in deep snow some years. I was getting tired of falling on my butt when stepping on deadfalls. Those Atlas shoes are like riding skiis off the deadfalls if the crampon doesn't dig into the log. I figured if I didn't get something different I was gonna get hurt way back in the woods. It can be a long wait for help to come. The MSR's have a longitudinal crampon rail with wicked looking teeth. I figured it should bite better. The MSR's are very comfortable to use and the bindings are easy-on, easy-off. I guess I'm getting a little OT. Anyway, I'd recommend them if I were shoeing in to make some turns in the BC. I don't own any AT gear so it's really the only practical way for me to do it.

[euphoria]

I got a pair of the EVO Ascents. Did a lil bushwacking in the daks earlier this year. Great grip and lots of fun. Was wondering if ya'll think they would be overkill for the TR trail? I snowboard so it would be nice to hike up with the evos and snowboard boots instead of putting them in my board on my back or in my pack...

[RR]

I got a pair of the EVO Ascents. Did a lil bushwacking in the daks earlier this year. Great grip and lots of fun. Was wondering if ya'll think they would be overkill for the TR trail? I snowboard so it would be nice to hike up with the evos and snowboard boots instead of putting them in my board on my back or in my pack...They might be handy in mid winter if you are an early bird. Once the Spring is in full force most folks just boot it.

If you are used to lugging them around on descents they might be good to have for the less traveled areas on the Mountain, even in spring. If they are not a constant part of your bc kit you might just leave them in the car if there's no fresh snow.