[pct-l] crampons vs. lighter weight traction aids

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Anything that is not well strapped on and framed around the boot sole may roll off the shoe on a traverse. Yes, Yaktrax work well on icy sidewalks, but out in the wilderness, Forget It!

If the nighttime temps. continue to hover around freezing, the snow in the early morning will be hard and slippery requiring the use of KTS "crampons" for safe and reliable footing until the sun does its thing and softens the top of the snow surface to give your boot a little "purchase" to hold you in place. Don't expect to be able to "push" off your toes on snow, unless you have crampons. Aggressive pushing, like you were walking on dirt or rock, will only result in slipping. Put that action on a side-slope and you have a fall waiting to happen.

An ice axe in trained hands can be a life saver and disaster-preventer. The best tool you have is your brain and experience. Know when you'll need the crampons and axe. Stop and put them on or get the axe in-hand. Then proceed up, across, or down, as need be.

We still have snow training weekends up here around Lake Tahoe for the next three weekends. These will be two or three day training trips on the Tahoe Rim Trail. If anyone is interested in joining, please email us at info at mountaineducation.org 


"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