Re: help a snow noob
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 9:09 pm
Greetings peaksandpotatoes
I'm a little curious what you mean by, "picked up the training"?
Good for you for having the spirit to get outdoors and enjoy the winter. It's great that you're adventurous enough to try snow camping. Why not go with a group? Maybe you could post here to find more experienced people to snowshoe with?
Let's do the math: Snowshoe beginner: heavy snow forecast; "snowshoe up some Tahoe peaks." That equates to more than sad and miserable. Sounds like it could add up to tragedy. You do not want to be anywhere near a mountain that has even a remote chance for avalanche. Those moderate Tahoe area slopes with 30-45 degree inclination are "AVALANCHE CITY". You can find trailheads like Wolverton (which has tree blazes) or Badger Pass (hike along side the road) where you're not in terminal avalanche country.
Here's one thing to consider. It's not the weather that should stop you. I personally think it's a lot of fun to be outdoors during a snowstorm in a solid, well-anchored tent. In my opinion, snow is more user friendly than cold rain. You can rent a storm-worthy tent, and a shovel, and whatever else you might need. But you can't rent experience. Before I began solo winter camping, I went with people who had climbed Denali (and came back with all their toes). Believe me, you can find experienced people who will enjoy showing you the right way to do things. Then you'll be able to enjoy the beauty Mother Nature displays when she gets decked out in white.
Peace.
I'm a little curious what you mean by, "picked up the training"?
Good for you for having the spirit to get outdoors and enjoy the winter. It's great that you're adventurous enough to try snow camping. Why not go with a group? Maybe you could post here to find more experienced people to snowshoe with?
Let's do the math: Snowshoe beginner: heavy snow forecast; "snowshoe up some Tahoe peaks." That equates to more than sad and miserable. Sounds like it could add up to tragedy. You do not want to be anywhere near a mountain that has even a remote chance for avalanche. Those moderate Tahoe area slopes with 30-45 degree inclination are "AVALANCHE CITY". You can find trailheads like Wolverton (which has tree blazes) or Badger Pass (hike along side the road) where you're not in terminal avalanche country.
Here's one thing to consider. It's not the weather that should stop you. I personally think it's a lot of fun to be outdoors during a snowstorm in a solid, well-anchored tent. In my opinion, snow is more user friendly than cold rain. You can rent a storm-worthy tent, and a shovel, and whatever else you might need. But you can't rent experience. Before I began solo winter camping, I went with people who had climbed Denali (and came back with all their toes). Believe me, you can find experienced people who will enjoy showing you the right way to do things. Then you'll be able to enjoy the beauty Mother Nature displays when she gets decked out in white.
Peace.
