Under Construction 
- Use waterproof boots, gaiters or snowshoes to avoid wet feet (trench foot).
- Maintain 3 points of contact at all time.
- Use ski/hiking poles with baskets.
The Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole has a hook like an ice ax on the handle.
- If the snow is deep you will sink in (post-holing) which slows you down and makes the trail unpleasant and dangerous for the next hiker.
- Deep snow may obscure trail blazing or trail markers. Topographical maps, a compass, and knowledge of how to use them is essential.
Do not rely on a GPS.
- Stay alert for the signs of hypothermia, frostbite or trench foot.
- Be aware of avalanche danger.
- On sloping firm or hard snow teach how firmly kick in your steps and edge into the hill to provide a platform to hold your weight without slipping.
- Kick stepping on uphill climbs - pushing the toe of the shoe vertically into the snowpack and pressing down in order to pack down the snow enough to support your weight.
Links:
Winter Hiking Safety Tips @ sectionhiker.com
Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing
RockAndPaddle.com: Snowshoeing
Return to recreation or Sierra Club
last updated 20 June 2010
|
