Trip Report - Snowshoe Hike
Conditions: 8 inches of new snow the day before, warm
Today was our first official alpine snowshoe hike. Long-time summer and fall hikers, we thought we’d take up snowshoeing when we decided to build our four-season Trout Landing Cottage. Comfortable in winter sports and familiar with the trails, it just made sense to see if we’d enjoy the Adirondack Mountain peaks laden with snow.
Joining me and J were bro-in-law and sis-in-law, P & L. Also new to snowshoeing, this would be their first winter alpine hike too. L picked the hike* and P took the lead. (*Full disclosure – L forgot this was a mountain trail and thought she’d picked a flat trail for our first foray!)
We hit the Roostercomb Mountain trailhead in the early afternoon. As this was our first winter attempt at any peak, we had no idea how far up the mountain we would make it. We’ve hiked it at least twice in the summer, so knew it to be a reasonable first attempt trail.
Snowshoes were needed from the get-go. There was at least a good foot of snow at the base, and we soon discovered that it would get deeper and deeper as we ascended. We also soon discovered that John was the only one properly attired for the outing. John dressed in good, breathable and wicking cross-country ski wear while the rest of us overdressed in ski jackets and parkas. It wasn’t long before the sweat was pouring off us! This was a big newbie mistake, and we should have known better. Had it been a cold day or had we run into any trouble, this could have badly affected our outing.
So now we were on the trail. Wow, what a wonderful difference a winter hike is! The usually root and rock strewn trail was now covered in a snow and we no longer had to pick our footing over those roots and rocks. The impact on our aging joints was lessened by the cushioning of the snow – we especially noticed this later on the descent. The trees were also still covered in snow from the snowstorm of the day before. And, as we rose higher and higher on the mountain, the snow cover became thicker on the trees. By the time we reached the summit it was a true winter wonderland, with evergreen boughs yielding to the weight of the snow.
But the ascent was not as rosy as that picture might paint. Also soon into the hike we found that L’s snowshoes were not up to the challenges of the hike. At the first spot of ice on the trail, we realized that her crampons were not designed for this type of terrain. While the rest of ours resembled blades, up to the task of cutting through ice, hers more closely resembled the tips of ski poles – round, thick and dull. Now, every uphill icy patch required a team effort to move her forward on the trail.
Later we met a fellow on his way down who explained the snowshoe designs better to us. Unlike L’s, the rest of us were wearing snowshoes that tapered at the end. Hers were shaped like ovals. According to this fine fellow, hers were designed for light touring where ours were designed for backwoods trails. Ah, that explained everything!
After about an hour and a half we were close to the summit. J and P sprinted ahead, as their athletic legs and boundless energy demanded. L and I trailed behind, but determined nonetheless. However, L’s poorly designed snowshoes and overheating from her parka finally took their toll; she asked me to push on without her while she turned back. We would not normally have separated, but given our knowledge of this trail and the exemplary conditions of the day, we felt this was a safe prospect.
Now alone, I wondered if there were any winter obstacles ahead that would impede my making the summit. I followed the freshly broken trail and ascended into the winter wonderland. Two or three times I came upon ice covered rocks that I skirted, but nothing to stop my progression.
Close to the top, P passed me on his way down. Knowing that L had been struggling, he spent a scant few minutes taking in the summit views before heading back down the mountain. Within minutes I joined J on the exposed peak. Wow, what a view! The hazy views of summer were crystallized in the cool, dry winter air. The mountains encircled us in a never-ending march towards the horizons.
J had his camera equipment and mini-tripod out and, in our short time on the peak, took photos that included the Giant Mountain range and a couple with the range towards Marcy behind the two of us.
Pictures snapped, we readied ourselves for the descent. Wait – a problem – my heel risers are frozen open! I raised these small wire pieces on my snowshoes to level out my feet on the ascent to take the pressure off my calves. Great for the ascent, if I can’t lower them for the descent, it will feel like hiking down in high heels! Shoot, we meant to try spraying our snowshoes with WD-40 before heading out to avoid problems like this. After 5 minutes J finally solved the problem by jumping on them. Phew! WD-40 for sure next time!
So now to see if we could catch up with P and L. A work-out on the way up, the way down is a hoot! We quickly find that leaning back on the snowshoes lets us slide down some sections. Other areas we can practically run down, with that gentle cushioning of the snow. Two hours to climb, it only took us 50 minutes to return to the parking lot, yet we didn’t catch P and L. A note awaited us on the truck; rather than freeze while awaiting us they chose to take the short walk into
Summary: 2 hours up with 10-15 minutes on the summit, 50 minutes down. Snowshoes required, poles optional but helpful. Next time, dress in layers with good wicking properties to keep dry.
Rating: Rating = A++ … I’m hooked!
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