North East Backcountry

[riverc0il]

i would be willing to do such a tour "hike to" only though, i don't do tours with large groups of people with lift serviced slack country. again, that goes back to what i said previously about a lot of skiers thinking lift accessed BC is somehow safer than regular BC. it is also a matter of protocol.

TRT to hermit lake and back down the sherbie would be an excellent first tour (it was my first official BC tour), especially since it can be done without skins for those without the equipment. there are some other options as well, slow shoes would be the minimum requirement though for the other options.

 

[awf170]

i would be willing to do such a tour "hike to" only though, i don't do tours with large groups of people with lift serviced slack country. again, that goes back to what i said previously about a lot of skiers thinking lift accessed BC is somehow safer than regular BC. it is also a matter of protocol.

TRT to hermit lake and back down the sherbie would be an excellent first tour (it was my first official BC tour), especially since it can be done without skins for those without the equipment. there are some other options as well, slow shoes would be the minimum requirement though for the other options.

I'm in for something. If my dad doesn't go I will have a pair of snowshoes available for someone, also I might be able scavenge up another pair. Also, I have an extra backpack(or two if my dad doesn't go) that can carry skis. I think Cardigan or doubletop would be good, also.

 

[rogue rider]

In decent snow years - My crew and I love to skin(splitboard) and ride the hills of the Catskills... It offers wide open ravines and sweet rockdrops...

DMC,

I would love to finally meet up with you this year for some turns. I am planning on putting together a splitboard setup later this season and would love to pick your brain a bit. Please shoot me a PM with your contact info.

rogue rider (formerly KnuckleDragger of K-zone)

 

[JD]

There is so much on mansfield to ski before you really need local knowledge. Bruce. Tons of history. Hike the hill before the lift opens on a pow day. Leave a car at the Matterhorn. Plenty of people hike the hill in ski boots before it opens. Easy walk up the Toll Road/North slope. Tear Drop. Do some research. And buy the skins and trekkers if your gonna do it..otherwise it's a gong show. IMO.

 

[koreshot]

i would be willing to do such a tour "hike to" only though, i don't do tours with large groups of people with lift serviced slack country. again, that goes back to what i said previously about a lot of skiers thinking lift accessed BC is somehow safer than regular BC. it is also a matter of protocol.

TRT to hermit lake and back down the sherbie would be an excellent first tour (it was my first official BC tour), especially since it can be done without skins for those without the equipment. there are some other options as well, slow shoes would be the minimum requirement though for the other options.

Sounds great. I say as soon as the BC conditions are safe and worth the hike, lets start a thread to gather a group of people that are interested in venturing out. I am not opposed to buyin snow shoes to start off with.

 

[koreshot]

There is so much on mansfield to ski before you really need local knowledge. Bruce. Tons of history. Hike the hill before the lift opens on a pow day. Leave a car at the Matterhorn. Plenty of people hike the hill in ski boots before it opens. Easy walk up the Toll Road/North slope. Tear Drop. Do some research. And buy the skins and trekkers if your gonna do it..otherwise it's a gong show. IMO.

JD,

I did a hike up to Mansfield and skied one of the named runs, though I can't remember which one it was. It was a good time, and would like to do it again. But I am afraid that i will get myself lost out there. Are there any good resources, like maps, pictures, etc, that one can access to learn the topology of the mountain better and understand which runs are skiable and which ones are not?

 

[roark]

Sounds great. I say as soon as the BC conditions are safe and worth the hike, lets start a thread to gather a group of people that are interested in venturing out. I am not opposed to buyin snow shoes to start off with.

I'd be interested as well.

I don't own any snow shoes (yet). Did pick up the skins off SAC so I might grab some trekkers if I can find em cheap. But ultimately I'd rather have another pair of skis with AT bindings.

 

[AHM]

Here's a couple ideas.................

1. The AMC runs free trips to various BC destinations in VT/NH. You could always sign up for one of those. I have not gone on any, but a friend guides so I am familiar with the set-up. Some are free, other's are 2 day courses. Check the AMC website or better yet.......join the AMC.

2. Maps etc. Someone suggested Stowe. For all Northeastern backcountry skiers, owning a GMC LT (Long Trail) guide and AMC NH's Presidentials, as well as the Adk HP guide is the first place to start. Then get Dave Goodman's books and the recently published ADK slide guide (listed on another post). For NH Pres maps, you should be able to get those via the AMC or at Pinkham Notch Vis Ctr.

3. Check into the Adirondack backcountry fest which is typically in March. Good place for advice, tours, etc.

4. Depending on timing and location, I would participate in some sort of small group tour and could most likely provide at least one set of skis/skins w/adj poles.

 

[JD]

www.Topozone.com
Very basic, and there are way better ways to do it, but I actually use this site alot. Hiking it in the summer is a great way to get your barings. It will still be difficult to put it together mid winter in questionable visability even when you know the route fairly well, so there is no substitute for just getting familiar with an area as much as possible.

 

[eatskisleep]

www.Topozone.com
Very basic, and there are way better ways to do it, but I actually use this site alot. Hiking it in the summer is a great way to get your barings. It will still be difficult to put it together mid winter in questionable visability even when you know the route fairly well, so there is no substitute for just getting familiar with an area as much as possible.

Great website by the way!

 

[kbroderick]

A good source for printed maps if you're interested in the Bolton/Smuggs/Stowe area is MapleRidge Solutions. Although I haven't seen their hiking and walking trail map, I have seen their nordic map and just ordered myself a copy of each--the detail for trails is much better than a USGS quadrangle, and I expect it to be quite helpful in planning excursions this winter.