best option for climbing bowl

[jeep89yj]

I am curious, what is the best way to hike up bowl with my ski's?

1) hold one in each hand and plant
2) hold both in one hand and pole in other and plant
3) leave on pack and use ski poles
4) Leave on pack and use axe
5) other

I never seem to feel comfortable, any thoughts?

Thanks :happyhiker:

[Skilasnow]

I am curious, what is the best way to hike up bowl with my ski's?

1) hold one in each hand and plant
2) hold both in one hand and pole in other and plant
3) leave on pack and use ski poles
4) Leave on pack and use axe
5) other

I never seem to feel comfortable, any thoughts?

Thanks :happyhiker:

If it gets really steep, like it was at the top of LG 2 weeks ago, I was happy to have my skis on my back, but an axe would have been an added bonus.

Having tried just about everything at this point I like the skis on my back, but not a full pack, just something to hold the skis, but sometimes I also have both skis in on hand and plant as a self belay when it gets steeper, and over my shoulder while its not so steep.

Just keep trying different things and you'll eventually find something you like.

[Skilasnow]

WOW! 3 votes and no chicken!!

[RR]

I like one per hand with the poles adjusted shortest possible and looped over each ski.

Alpine or Tele...plant-plant, kick a step - kick another step and that's the way we do the hokey pokey....oops, listening to Buffet.

On low angle the skis work like canes, on the steeps, they become belay anchors.

The only issue with this method is dealing with dropped skis.

[kmrnskier]

The only issue with this method is dealing with dropped skis.

and twin tips.

[BladeGirl]

I have climbed with a blade in each hand and no poles, which worked well, and I was able to use a blade to self arrest last year. blades in the pack and poles in the hand, also worked well but not as good for self arresting. Bladeguy tried a method this year with the blade straps connected to each other, and a blade in each hand, anchoring each blade with each step, so even a dropped blade would not fall.

-BG

[RR]

and twin tips.
Thanks for reminding me...I have plans for some ScratchBC's and there's gonna have to be a change in my method of choice.

In that case I'm with the strap'n'pack'em types. However, I find a sense of insecurity climbing at or near 60% with baskets on my ski poles. I'll be using an ice axe, TYVM. I'd probably go with the 70cm instead of the 75CM. The spike guard and adze and pick guards will go on to limit the potential damage to self and others when I fix the axe to my pack for the trip down.

[Rider.Steve]

I'll be using an ice axe, TYVM. I'd probably go with the 70cm instead of the 75CM.

I ordered a 70 cm Black Diamond ice axe on eBay last night - same logic, and I'll be swapping my soft snowboard boots for AT boots with step-in crampons in the back country. Gonna take a mountaineering safety class in Bartlett next winter at some point too, all cause I fear the climb worse than the descent.

Steve

[DMC]

Keep me posted on the AT boot thing...

[RR]

I ordered a 70 cm Black Diamond ice axe on eBay last night - same logic

Being a Dad, I gave one of those to my only child...seems like the best axe out there for strength and lightness...so he'll have a better chance to live and therefore be able to support me in my old age.... ;)

[DMC]

Thats what I like about you RR....
Your always thinkin!!!! :)

[Rider.Steve]

Keep me posted on the AT boot thing...

I ordered Lowa Struktura from Sierra Traders; should arrive any day. Paid $180. They're down to $140 now, still a mix of sizes available. :doh:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.asp?base_no=66036

This is previous year's model, so no thermo liner, therefore a pound heavier than this year's model, but *buckets* less cash. I'm buying this boot because it recently got excellent rep. in the Couloir splitboard discussion group.

http://www.telemarkskier.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000673

Ride On.

Steve

[DMC]

Wow.... great thread...

I'm the softboot guy who needs a little ankle action to turn on steeps and in trees... When things get tough I go for ankle over knees.... If I felt like I couldnt get that flex - I think I'd really be hatin life... I go for that surfy feel... Riding into natural 1/4 pipes - maybe pulling 180 off of a little ridgeline... that kind of Craig Kelly stuff....

I'm still not %100 sure what direction I'm going to go with this... I may just grin and bear the softboots... I already have strapon Grivel G10 Crampons... And it isnt THAT tough to put them on... So thats not really driving my decision...

it's going to come down to flex... I really don't want to be too rigid in the ankle.. Side to side as well... I have a pair of tele boots I may try with my Missions next winter... I have a friend who has mountaineering boots my size so I can try that option too.....

am i rambling....?

[Rider.Steve]

I'm the softboot guy who needs a little ankle action to turn on steeps and in trees... it's going to come down to flex... I really don't want to be too rigid in the ankle..

Yup, that's the debate. Well, I'm experimenting a little, and for what it's worth, here's a little report. Obviously the proof will be in the riding. :)

O.K. so these AT boots arrive today, and I set 'em up with my "trusty" Clicker HB boots (actually made by Ride and not very well put together :( ) and took some pics:

The AT boot fits true to size, nice and snug for me, and is about 1/2 lb heavier than the soft boot, but the plate binding lightness will offset that no problem compared to my current highbacks. The hard boot foot base is more compact - less toe drag, and the hard square toe will kickstep nicely! Height is about the same. I'll be concerned about flex too - ankle movement is nice to have. The hinged upper on the AT has a nice lock to switch from ride to walk mode, the plastic tongue is hinged, the buckles are readily adjustable for fit and flex, and the plastic shell itself is somewhat flexible - all good, but enough?.
http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/605/1606aside.JPG

I hiked Tux twice in my soft boots this year, and the metal clips on the sole are getting a little beat up. I think I"m going to to like the base on the AT boot better for hiking, plus the AT boot is narrower, which is better for rocky trails and for kickstepping.
http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/605/1606bottom.JPG http://timefortuckerman.com/photopost/data/605/1606front.JPG

We'll see how it goes. I'll start with some resort riding to get used to the stiffer feel, maybe dig some trenches :) , try some switch riding, and then head for the trees to see how that goes. I'm hoping to be able to adjust over the season so that I can handle the extreme steeps and enjoy the mountaineering advantage of the hardboot setup.

enough of that,

Steve

[DMC]

Excellent!!!
I'm concerned about the narrowness with the Missions... I'd have to get plates...

this is an awesome thread....

[skibum12583]

Hey all,
Personally, I would have to say that I like to plant my skis in one hand and have poles in the other, but this gets very tiring after awhile. I have never tried putting the skis on a pack in the back, but I have also not gone up with an ice axe. I recently bought a nice Grivel axe that I plan to use the next time I go up, which should make climbing up a little less straining. You always have to make sure you have an anchor, cause baby, when you slip in your boots, you're basically screwed :badwords: , and gonna take out people below you :yardsale: , as well as hurt yourself. :skierfrown:

About the AT boots, sweetness :) . I only have one question, open to anyone who has a comment or suggestion or a possible answer. I got some grivel cramp-o-matic crampons, but have no mountaineering boots, and they dont fit well on my ski boots. I was wondering if these Lowas (which im sure would wear the crampons snugly no problem) would fit into regular downhill bindings (would the lip on the toe be big enough?) Because if these would work, they would be a three in one dream come true :cooldog: . Thanks for any help anyone might have.
~Les

[RR]

I suppose they would fit as they are DIN binder compatible. I would say the fit would not be an "A" class fit. My understanding is that regular ski boots fit AT binders better than AT boots fit Regular binders. That's an automatic demotion to a class "B" fit.

That level of compatibility would provide a functional fit up to moderate loads. At high loads the fit would not be as predictable. In other words, it would probably work, but you would be taking a chance that it might result in a release when you least want one....or not get one when you need it.

If you look around at people using AT gear you will see lots of folks using the AT boot and AT binder as their all around setup.

I use regular boots in AT binders because I can't swing the upgrade to AT boots and have AT binders that fit my climbing boots (Silvreta 500/ LaSportiva Nepal Extreme). My primary use for that setup is ski to climbs and back out.

Had I the wherewithal I would go with AT boots (Denali XT's, stiffest and they fit) and a more rugged AT binder like the Fritchi Freeride or BCA Naxo.

I suggest asking Lowa which DIN binders they fit...they have a rep for good customer communications.

[Rider.Steve]

I got some grivel cramp-o-matic crampons, but have no mountaineering boots, and they dont fit well on my ski boots. I was wondering if these Lowas (which im sure would wear the crampons snugly no problem) would fit into regular downhill bindings

I picked up some inexpensive Cassin step-in crampons to use with the Lowa AT boot for my occasional snowboard mountaineering and they fit like a dream, rock solid snug, not technical by any means, but should work for me - you can see them here:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.69338/dept_id./qx/product.htm

As for fit of the AT boot in alpine bindings, that's not my cup of tea, but I have noticed that the AT sole is "rockered" somewhat for walking; I can't imagine that would help. You may want to log in to one of the backcountry discussion forums to search/solicate feedback:

http://www.telemarkskier.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

The Denali does seem to have the reputation for being the stoutest and stiffest boot for downhill ski control. On my snowboard I'm looking for maximum flexibility within the confines of the hardboot genre.

Steve