The snow is finally coming - time for tramshoeing :)

[Lcpl Hughes]

cant wait till these storms pass thru..it is gonna be spectacular!

[Biletchick]

Hi All-
Newbie winter hiker here. Just came over from the Whitney Portal boards to check out the local area. Nice message board ya got here!!!
I was trying to find a place to try out some new winter gear...axe, micro spikes, and snowshoes (crampons soon). I've never used them before and want to learn.
Does anyone have any suggestions for an area or trail that would be good for testing this stuff out sometime in the next few weeks?
Nothing crazy, I just want to get a feel for the mechanics of the shoes & spikes and basic use for the axe...maybe even try self arrest?!?!?
Thanks for your help,
Stacy

[tinaballina]

Welcome Biletchick, my suggestion is you take the tram up to san jac. you will be able to play in your new snow shoes up there to get a feeling for it.
Enjoy.

[Biletchick]

Thanks TB, I'll look into that!

[zippetydude]

Hi Stacy. Welcome! Hey, keep your eyes on the board and you may get a chance to practice with that ice axe along with some new friends.

Tina's right, the area at the top of the tram is great for what you describe, although the microspikes take no practice and work wonderfully. The self-arrest practice is kinda fun, we did a trial run a few weeks ago. If some people want to get together one Saturday morning in the next couple of weeks, you're invited and it's a friendly group of hikin' fools, I'm sure everyone would love to meet you in person.

The snow conditions will dictate when it'll be possible. Right now, it's going to be too fluffy to be able to practice, but it shouldn't be too long til the snow consolidates.

See you out there!

z

[Biletchick]

Hey ZD
Thanks for the info and invite...sounds like fun!!! I'll keep my eyes on the weather and the board for updates.
Will be heading up to Lone Pine this weekend for the Whitney Portal hike through the Alabamas...I think I might get to see some snow...hahaha.
Keep in touch and thanks again!
Stacy

[climberslacker]

hey guys, would you mind if I came and joined your little self arrest practice party? Date dependant of course!

-CS

[Biletchick]

Hi CS
Sounds like a party doesn't it?

[climberslacker]

well it is sliding down a mountain with sharp pointy objects in your hands and on your feet

-CS

[KathyW]

See you all Saturday or Sunday if it's not too windy.