[pct-l] dealing with snow

[JOHNNY J FARBER]

I have done alot of steep snow travel and the two most important items are an ice axe and a boot or shoe with a good gripping sole.  Most of the time  ski poles work perfectly fine, but if you are on an icey steep slope with a dangerous runout you need an ice axe to self arrest.  I often carry a ski pole in one hand and an ice axe in the other on the very steep slopes.  The reason for the good gripping soles is that as you traverse a slope you will be kicking in steps and balancing on the edge of your shoe.  As for crampons they are great in icey conditions and I own two sets, but if you wait until the sun softens the snow they are not   necessary.  Mountain climbers need them because they start climbing at midnight and waiting for the snow to soften over a hidden crevasse is not smart.  So unless you are in a big hurry (which seems oposite of the hiking ethic) crampons shouldn't be necessary.  If you don't know how   to use an ice axe the Mountaineers Freedom of the Hills climbing book has great instructions.  You should go practice in the snow before you have to depend on it.  I think a grassy hill might also work, but I haven't tried it.  I think the worst thing about snow on the trail is the route finding---sometimes it takes a while to find the trail.  But no matter what happens it will all be a great adventure even if we are forced to sit around drinking beer for a few days.  Good luck "FREE" 
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