zakk

I'm getting tired of the resorts. I want to get out. The only issue is money

My wife and I and a few friends have done Cat trips and the only issue is selecting gear, there seems to be so many options.

Can my Burton Rulers be used with showshoes? I'd rather not invest in a split board this year, it would be pure day hikes. Obviously the probes, PLD's, etc. are a given but actually getting up the ridges, what is the best bet?

Sorry for the total n00b questions here. I'm in NorCal if that helps any.

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-zakk

oneshot

option1: snowshoes are your best bet and less costly. you'll have to take the longer approaches but you'll get there eventually. most snow shoes work with most board boots.

option2: make friends with sled shredders.


resort riding is beat! IMO, save money next yr and splitboard or buy a sled.

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Helping Old Dudes Look Kooky Since 2005

zakk

I found some so-so Back Country 101 posts, but most are mum on the snowshoe thing. Sleds are an idea, I'd like to do more of it myself. Obviously starting small and finding easy spots to work out the details and gain experience.

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-zakk

oneshot

off topic..
I grew up in Sunnyvale travelling to Tahoe to ski and crosscountry at Squaw.. its a trek!
you live in San Jose i see.. we woulda been neighbors..

option3: move closer makes it that much more affordable to go alot more.

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zakk

yeah, this weekend will be me first weekend in San Jose. I've been looking for work around there, but nothing yet.

Looking at a few sites, it looks like you can get special snowshoes that will "take" what they are calling soft boots (aka normal snowboarding boots)

There is a place that will also train you on avy conditions and back country day hikes. sounds like a decent way for me to get some experience to teach my friends. I also have an old Forum raider 163w that I might carve up for a splitboard if I don't sell it

Can you use soft boots on a split board?

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-zakk

SmashPig

Yes you can.

zakk

thanks for all the info! Are the weight ranges on snowshoes like snowboards where its more like suggestions?

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-zakk

walove

snow shoes are light so bigger is better in the pow, small ones are good for trails. Poles (collapsible) are must as they same a ton of energy keeping you balanced. I made mine out of two old ski poles, one child one adult, and a hose clamp. Use forums like this to find a partner to go with, if your lucky they will pass down some of their knowledge, of the avy danger and the terrain in the area.
Then get a splitboard and throw those snowshoes in the shed and forget about them. (having the weight of the board on the snow and your feet instead of your back is a big advantage. gliding the flats is nice too.)

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