After giving up skiing several years ago, tried an alternative way to experience the Sierra Nevada winter. More satisfying as a hiking pastime with time to enjoy the scenery and not worry about being ferried up chair lifts and the like.
Google Maps View of the Donner Summit Loop
View Donner Summit Snowshoe Loop in a larger map
Was just reading about snowshoes. Aren't they heavy on the legs even if the walking method suggested is different ?
ReplyDeleteI was worried that would be the case (owing to the skiing experience, now THAT is a heavy piece of equipment that can turn the smooth gliding experience on its head into the exact opposite once you are off the slopes) but was pleasantly surprised to find that not to be the case.
ReplyDeleteHaving walked with just hiking boots in snow in the past, the superior experience just bowls you over and you don't mind the extra weight. But you have to be mindful of doing habitual things like 360 degree turns. If you do it like you are used to, you'll step over your snowshoe and trip. Again, this is no disaster as it is quite easy to recover from the fall and gracefully stand up. Compared to the humiliation of a ski fall. Try putting on your skis on a steep slope after you've just executed a America's Funniest Home Videos maneuver and you'll know.
:) ok
ReplyDelete