A few winter hiking questions

[bills328]

Last winter I did a guided climb with EMS of Mt. Washington and loved it. Though it certainly was not easy. I'm interested in trying a winter hike in the Adirondacks in a few weeks, possibly unguided, and have a few questions for you.

Firstly, would a hike up Cascade (and possibly Porter) be reasonable, or should I start with something smaller? I have done a fair amount of summer hiking, but my only winter experience is the one hike I mentioned. This one would be with a friend, also with little winter experience. I have the clothing, and would rent winter boots, snowshoes, and crampons, which I used last year.

Secondly, I called EMS about renting. Are there other places that you think may rent quality equiptment for a little less, or is EMS is good bet?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KevCon223]

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Secondly, I called EMS about renting. Are there other places that you think may rent quality equiptment for a little less, or is EMS is good bet?

The Mountaineer in Keene Valley is also good for rental equipment.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Firstly, would a hike up Cascade (and possibly Porter) be reasonable, or should I start with something smaller? I have done a fair amount of summer hiking, but my only winter experience is the one hike I mentioned. This one would be with a friend, also with little winter experience. I have the clothing, and would rent winter boots, snowshoes, and crampons, which I used last year.

Cascade is about 2000' of climbing and about 4.5 miles round trip. Adding on Porter can be discussed before the trip, and when you actually get to the trail junction. They are fairly easy *most* of the time, but conditions are everything. See
this link for a 'worst case' scenario. If you are prepared with the right kind of gear, and you heed the weather, it will be fine. A *LOT* of people hike this mountain all year round, so it's unlikely you will be truly alone. If it was any other Winter 46, I would advise going with a larger group.

 

[Whiteman]

Do It

Cascade and Porter are great first winter hikes, and you also get to bag a couple of 46'rs along the way. There is ample roadside parking, the trail is easy to follow, and it is not steep. You can do Cascade then decide if you want to do Porter.

It is exposed on top of Cascade. Last time we were there the winds were around 40 mph which, with the cold, did not leave a lot of time for summit picture taking. And you'll want to take pictures. The views are spectacular.

Have a blast!

 

[Tom Rankin]

...

I see we've both been to Whiteface recently!

 

[sierra]

I cant speak directly to your choice of hikes as I am a White mountain hiker but have a generic piece of advice if I may.Regardless of where you hike in the winter its imporntant to keep your head about any conditions you encounter as your learning. be aware of weather and conditions and while pushing yourself is important know when to say when. For instance if conditions deteriate can you navigate down safelt in low visabilty? are you staying warm and hydrated? do you have the right choice of gear ie. snowshoes or crampons and know when to use both at the right time? and most important how is your partner doing? how your friend is doing is as imporntant as how your doing. There is a learning curve in the winter, be patient take reasonable steps and if you dont make the summitt its ok, after your hike figure out why and learn from your mistakes in the safety of your house.Many people learn and advance in the winter with little more then a little discomfort, but some people learn the hard way and some even pay for bad decisions dearly. Winter can be both rewarding and costly.

 

[Jim lombard]

Another thing somebody told me when I was beginning my first winter season was to practice putting on and taking off the crampons and snowshoes in my yard where I could easily run inside to warm up. Nothing like being out on the trail and encountering a place where crampons are needed and then fumbling with cold fingers, reading instructions on how to put them on.

 

[Splitrock821]

I know the most important piece of advice that I had to learn when starting out winter hiking was that you need to be flexible about potentially turning back without summitting. Not to say anything is guaranteed over the summer, but I had gotten used to picking my hikes, and delivering upon them with 100% success. Once we started making winter hiking bids, the number of variables increases substantially- will the trail be broken out, will a storm blow in? Etc....with that said, I agree with the previous posts- Cascade & Porter are a great place to start. I would recommend a reliable partner and a consistent, honest assessment of your progress & situation as you hike.

 

[sapblatt]

With a little practice and familiarity with your gear you will find that you can can get these things on and off with your glove liners on...
Jim is right - practice - and do not try new stuff in the field if you have not tried it under more controlled situations.

 

[spaddock]

Nothing like being out on the trail and encountering a place where crampons are needed and then fumbling with cold fingers, reading instructions on how to put them on.

Absolutely! That happened to a friend of mine on the trail with his insteps, they ended up staying in the pack the whole weekend because of that.

I think you should give Cascade & Porter a shot. But like everyone else has said, conditions are everything.

If you're looking for a partner just post the trip under "Trips & Events" and you'll probably be able to pickup a partner or two.


-Shayne

 

[bills328]

Thanks to everybody for your responses!

I am certainly prepared to turn around, and probably quicker than necessary, until I feel more comfortable in the winter.

 

[Hikerdad]

Cascade is a great peak to start on...it's very moderate (not steep) and short, it gets plenty of traffic so the trail will probably be packed down and obvious and there will probably be people around. It's in trees until the very close to the top so it is a bit sheltered until then, then there is the open summit (where the conditions can be very different than the climb itself). When we were there it was calm in the trees then we hit treeline and it was like walking through a doorway into the roaring wind (it was really cool). Crampons usually wouldn't be necessary (I wouldn't think..at least we didn't use them).
You can always try Porter or choose not to (it gets less traffic so the trail might not be as proken out). Enjoy...