jmegillon149
New member
winter risk reducers-solo or otherwise
here are a few winter risk reducers, solo or otherwise:
1. Only go in winter where you have been in summer, fall or spring. You have at least an idea of how much father to go, how long it will take, etc.
2. Out and back trips are safer than loops, traverses, etc. That way you don't have an entire trip of trailbreaking. All of the above about knowing where you are, where you are going, etc. is relevant here as well.
3. Strict "turn around" time. Once again why the out and back option is a good one. No guess work on if turning around or keeping on going is the best choice should you encounter some difficulty.
4. The obvious: "leave your plan with someone". I have also seen the leave a plan on the windshield, with a "call for help if not back by __" Hour or so past planned ending time is good.
5. Even if you don't plan to be gone all day, plan the rest of your life as if you will be gone all day. In other words, don't make 5:00 dinner reservations, or get tickets to some event. Deadlines cause people to rush and further the risk. Plus you don't want people to expect you for whatever event it happens to be. Although maybe that is a good tipping off thing to do.
6. Pay close attention to the weather. There is a difference between winter and "ridiculous" conditions.
These are my rules for winter, which is often solo (as much of my hiking is). Had an argument last year when staying with relatives in VT, they told me that I "shouldn't hike alone" so then I invited them to come along, they declined so I went alone. As soon as they declined, they shut up. I think it showed them how much I like to hike.
This was a beautiful clear, low wind, packed powder day, on Mt. Abraham (five mile trip). Had I opted out and done tourist stuff with them all day, I'd be kicking myself over the choice. It all about risk/reward.
One sidenote, when making these choices to people, and convincing them you will be fine: Do not leave your copy of Between a Rock and a Hard Place on the table, not gonna help your cause!
here are a few winter risk reducers, solo or otherwise:
1. Only go in winter where you have been in summer, fall or spring. You have at least an idea of how much father to go, how long it will take, etc.
2. Out and back trips are safer than loops, traverses, etc. That way you don't have an entire trip of trailbreaking. All of the above about knowing where you are, where you are going, etc. is relevant here as well.
3. Strict "turn around" time. Once again why the out and back option is a good one. No guess work on if turning around or keeping on going is the best choice should you encounter some difficulty.
4. The obvious: "leave your plan with someone". I have also seen the leave a plan on the windshield, with a "call for help if not back by __" Hour or so past planned ending time is good.
5. Even if you don't plan to be gone all day, plan the rest of your life as if you will be gone all day. In other words, don't make 5:00 dinner reservations, or get tickets to some event. Deadlines cause people to rush and further the risk. Plus you don't want people to expect you for whatever event it happens to be. Although maybe that is a good tipping off thing to do.
6. Pay close attention to the weather. There is a difference between winter and "ridiculous" conditions.
These are my rules for winter, which is often solo (as much of my hiking is). Had an argument last year when staying with relatives in VT, they told me that I "shouldn't hike alone" so then I invited them to come along, they declined so I went alone. As soon as they declined, they shut up. I think it showed them how much I like to hike.
This was a beautiful clear, low wind, packed powder day, on Mt. Abraham (five mile trip). Had I opted out and done tourist stuff with them all day, I'd be kicking myself over the choice. It all about risk/reward.
One sidenote, when making these choices to people, and convincing them you will be fine: Do not leave your copy of Between a Rock and a Hard Place on the table, not gonna help your cause!
