[pct-l] Ice/Snow

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

On Oct 29, 2010, at 1:35 PM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:

> Diane,
>
> What were the techniques your friend taught you out about how to  
> walk safely on snow that prevented further falls? Did you use poles  
> and were they twist-locks? What kind of footwear were you using,  
> specifically under-ankle and torsionally soft or above-ankle and  
> torsionally rigid? Did you utilize any traction devices like the  
> Katoola micro spikes vs. their KTS?
>

My friend simply told me that if I planted my heel firmly I would  
slip less. He said I was walking too tentatively. That did the trick.  
Now whenever I walk on the snow I remember to stomp down hard with my  
heel.

I use twist-locking poles. I never put a lot of weight on them.  
They've served me well for over 3000 miles.