SNOWSHOES & SKIIS

[dog]

I've never used snowshoes . Wanted to try last winter , but it did not fit .

Before a next attempt I would like to ask people experienced with both : when and why they use ( or do not use ) that or this ; to compare them in different ADK's conditions .
Yes , I got in ocean first time yesterday , but 06.22 is coming .

[redhawk]

I use showshoes in place of skis because i don't know how to ski. I was going to learn a couple of times but people kept telling me how much fun it was with their legs in a cast, so I 'spent the money on Yoga.

Snowshoes are a necessity here if you want to backpack and camp in the winter (besides being required in most cases). There are some places where I would think skis are not viable.

[Hakuna Matada]

We do both and I prefer to ski because you get a free ride on the downhills and can cover more ground in less time but snowshoes are needed in a lot of places such as the mountains. For a lot of trips we take both strapping the snowshoe to our packs as we ski into an area and then snowshoeing up and down the mountains.

[Neil]

Nowadays if you are intent on hiking the 46 then snowshoes are the way to go. (People have skiied all 46 though.) The crampon system on snowshoes today is quite awesome. However, a trip up to Avalanche lake and back would be very nice on skis. In fact there are likely many nice ski trips not involving long steep climbs (and descents!)

Skis are particularly good for the approaches to many of the 46. You ski until it's too steep for your equipment and/or technique (think descent) then switch over to the shoes, leaving the skis right there. It's heaven when on the way out you switch over. Not everone thinks this is worthwile due to the time it takes to change over and the weight of carrying the extra stuff, not to mention putting cold boots back on (if you use different boots)

For the simpler stuff all you need is very elementary equipment.

[johnstp]

I ski on Whiteface and snowshoe everywhere else. I've really grown to love snowshoeing. As far as cross-country skiiing goes, I'm envious when they pass me on the way downhill, but I'll laughing on the inside when I see them struggling on the way up!

[-ecc]

The most fun is to snow shoe up, carrying your skis, and then ski down as appropriate to your ability. (No casts, please.)
ecc

[dog]

Thanks everybody for replies ! Now I have much more clear picture of the subj . Going to buy .