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cheetofoot t1_izj0694 wrote

Dr Meoff,

The most fun thing about snowshoeing is that the sky is your limit for places to go. Woods are more easily navigated while covered in a deep snow without foliage, so bushwhacks are really fun.

You can also choose most hiking trails. Ethics wise, be mindful of ski trails because nothing pisses off skiers like having their skin tracks (what you call an uphill ski track that's been set) filled with the chundery mess from snowshoes. Although less so than post holes from a boot pack.

You might also want to carry microspikes as well, because sometimes you will want to change out depending on conditions.

Layering is key. You'll definitely get a sweat going, and then get really cold when you stop. Managing this is key to winter survival -- especially if alpine conditions get serious. Peaceful walk in the woods can change to life threatening. If you're stuck with a bunch of wet clothes and an injury, it can get bad fast. Carry layers and get used to using them in easier lower elevation terrain. Carry headlamps, an emergency bivvy, fire starting method and tinder.

But go rip it, have fun!

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numetalbeatsjazz t1_izj1jjl wrote

Echoing the sentiment in case anyone glossed over it: DO NOT walk in ski tracks. Nothing ruins a day on skis more than constantly tripping over some one's snow shoe tracks in the ski tracks. Most trails I have been on have 2 tracks: one for skis, one for snowshoes. Stick to your side and we can all live harmoniously.

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Rich_Depth7314 t1_izj9d3c wrote

The flip side for OP is that snowshoeing in heavily skied areas is really just best avoided. Having to jump out of the way to avoid collisions is never fun, it tends to be loud, and finding the actual 'trail' in a heavily skied area can be impossible (while simultaneously trying to dodge skiers).

Same applies for snowmobiles, with the added bonus of them smelling terribly, but you at least tend to hear them coming from far away.

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JerryKook t1_izjhe1s wrote

I think u/numetalbeatsjazz is talking about the skin track that skiers make while skinning up the mountain. The first skier makes the track. The other skiers will stay in that track because it is the easiest way up. People walking in a ski track (postholers), snowshoers, dogs... ruin a skin track.

Same thing applies on cross country ski tracks.

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Rich_Depth7314 t1_izk1sg2 wrote

For sure. I didn't mean to imply snowshoers shouldn't ruin tracks. I would just suggest that, in my experience, the best snowshoeing tends to be on trails that aren't mixed use like that, for a variety of reasons.

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Twombls t1_izjplnz wrote

But pretty much every single outdoor trail in the winter will have a skin track

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tuctrohs t1_izj11cs wrote

This is an excellent comment. My first thought was to say there's nothing to it, just put on snowshoes and go for a walk, which to some extent is true, but everything you said is important to at least be aware of.

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cheetofoot t1_izj1fox wrote

Context is key! There's all levels and I think what you mention is probably the most common case. Like, if you're at Burlington County Club or the intervale, you can probably get an ambulance to drive up if something goes wrong. Or get a cocoa delivered and a ride from a friend. But, changes during alpine travel and requires some planning and some experience.

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tuctrohs t1_izj4s2h wrote

There used to be a field with cross country ski trails behind the fire station in the next town over from me. I skied there often, but once on an icy day I fell and dislocated my shoulder. It was excruciating, but it was very convenient that I was less than half a mile from the biggest team of well-equipped first responders in the region. And it gave them an excuse to fire up their snowmobile to tow me in a sled behind it to the road.

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blutbad_buddy t1_izjkrgh wrote

A collapsible shovel is another key item! Also a hatchet. An emergency blanket, a change of clothes and several changes of socks can save your life if you get wet.

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