[pct-l] Ice/Snow Skills Training

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Mountain Education will be offering nine "Basic" Snow Courses this 
winter/spring to help prepare hikers for the rigors of snow travel and 
camping. There will also be two Intermediate skill level extended trips and 
one Advanced level trip along a portion of the John Muir Trail, all on snow. 
These courses are basically "free," offered on a donation basis as we are 
non-profit and passion-driven.

As our website is being remodeled, please go over to our forum at Postholer: 
http://postholer.com/MountainEducation for the details on Course Schedule 
and Descriptions. If you want to see photographs of previous Snow Courses, 
go to our Facebook page: 
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/South-Lake-Tahoe-CA/Mountain-Education/157155614308934


"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes" <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 6:39 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ice/Snow


>
> On Oct 28, 2010, at 1:28 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>> I am seeking advice on whether snow/ice skills are realistically
>> needed on a PCT thru-hike.  I am comfortable in the outdoors, have
>> done other long walks, but as an Australian, I have walked in snow for
>> a total of 2hrs in my entire life!  I am drawn to the PCT (over the
>> Appalachian) for the longer daily distance and fewer people but I also
>> need to be realistic about whether it is honestly feasible to thru-
>> hike the PCT without experience in snow and ice.  I was, for example,
>> considering delaying my start on the PCT for a few weeks after the
>> traditional start time to try and avoid the snow, but am not sure is
>> sufficient?  If I am being too idealistic, I would rather know that
>> now, so I can go walk the Appalachian successfully, rather than
>> attempt and fail the PCT due to snow conditions.  Any and all advice
>> happily received.
>
> I'm born and raised in Santa Barbara. I didn't see snow fall until I
> was 21 years old. I had precious little experience (could be measured
> in hours) walking on snow. I struggled in the snow on the PCT but I
> managed. I don't think I could have done a high snow year. I broke
> down in tears over my low snow year, even gave up and went home (but
> I went back a few days later.)
>
> I started May 1, which is after kickoff, but there still was snow in
> the Sierras.
>
> You might consider taking Ned's snow course. I think he has one close
> to the time of kickoff. At least you might learn to walk on snow.
> Once a friend told me how to do it, I got better. Before that I fell
> down frequently and pulled my groin muscles constantly.
>
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