Trail respect

[Tom Rankin]

The rule in the ADKs is meant to provide safety and equal access to skiers and hikers.

That guy just didn't get it. He was inconsiderate, and down right dumb, to avoid using the better choice he had strapped to his back.

The problem with the rule is that if there is 3 feet of snow off trail, but the trail is a hard-packed sidewalk, what is a better choice? IMHO, it's better to wear microspikes in those conditions. Snowshoes have a large claw that bites into the snow, exactly what they were designed for. Microspikes are only about 1/4" long.

Then there are times when crampons are the best choice, but they are rare.

If the rule was reformulated to say "Don't Posthole", it would be a better rule.

So, a little judgement should be applied. If you're leaving the trail in worse shape then you found it, then you are a loser. If you are helping to pack it down, you are a winner. Don't be a loser.

 

[surf88]

Being a backcountry skiers/snowboarder I always hate to see a ski route getting wrecked by postholers, Lately Ive seen a trend of snowshoers using classic backcountry ski lines as their route of ascent instead of using available hiking trails. This is just as disrespectful and does pretty much just as much ski terrain damage as postholeing.
But that said I'm just happy to see other people outside enjoying themselves even if they are outfitted like Ötzi the iceman and dont have "proper" gear. These "rules" and their proponents mirror religious dogma and fundamentalists.