[pct-l] Early start, snow reality taught

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Solo hiking in the winter (Nov. thru March) is very dangerous for the 
overly-enthusiastic, under-trained, inexperienced, and/or hasty travelers. 
We don't encourage winter snow-hiking for anyone without training or 
experience in what to watch out for.

Snow-hiking can be a real thrill, but you need to know how to safely 
navigate, avoid the hazards out there, and stay warm and dry. This is not 
hard, but you've got to be on your game and attentive to your surroundings 
all the time (this is why we're out there anyway, of course!). The 
snow-covered sierra is a beautiful place, so different from the hot and dry 
summer, but don't enter in without lots of preparation! Day hikes on flat 
ground between low hills on mild slopes that don't face to the NE can be 
great, though, for starters.

We safely ski and snowshoe the John Muir/PCT during the snow-consolidated 
months of May thru July without much worry. Even the creek crossings are 
best then (good, strong snow bridges), too. It is best to know what is 
under-foot, how snow moves and releases, how to avoid falling (maintaining 
traction) and getting hurt (self-arrest), and the hazards of post-holing 
(really hard on the legs, knees, and hips).



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michiel Duvekot" <michiel at duvekot.ca>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Early start, snow reality taught


> Ned, your insightful post is much appreciated, but left one issue 
> unadressed. While I wouldn't have any reservations about hiking solo in 
> the warmer months, I've always thought that unless you are *very* 
> experienced, winter solo hikes are not a good idea. What is your position 
> on solo hiking in winter?
>
>
> Michiel
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