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Using Backcountry Skis vs. Snowshoes

Deep snow hinders movement on foot. By using sonwshoes, a person can regain the movement roughly equal to walking on ground. Skis on the other hand, offer mobility and speed exceeding what is possible on foot. However, both have their individual high points in various backcountry conditions.

Snowshoes....... {insert picture of snowshoes}

• offer greater control when carrying a backpack of large size and weight,
• offer easier opportunity to get up from a fall,
• you can usually take a more direct route climbing up a hill ,
• offer easier means of crossing obstacles like fallen trees, etc.
• make going down slopes more controlled for beginners,
• don't have the high learning curve to become a proficient skier,
• are generally cheaper than backcountry skis and boots and poles.

Backcountry Skis....... {insert picture of BC skis/poles and boots}

• offer ease traversing slopes,
• offer greater speed on flat surfaces or rolling gentle slopes,
• with "climbing skins" attached make climbing slopes easy,
• make going down slopes fast and exciting for proficient skiers,
• make "breaking trail" less of an effort,
• have a high learning curve before a person is really competent.

Breaking Trail {insert picture of Denise breaking trail in front of sled}

Whether you are just out x-c skiing, snowshoeing or dogsledding, breaking trail can be daunting and exhausting. For individuals alone (although you should never be in the backcountry alone), you will probably have to stop about every 15 minutes to rest. If there is more than one of you, then every 15 - 20 minutes, you should trade off who leads. The person following can step (with snowshoes) in the same tracks or guide their skis in the smae track of the person in front who is literally breaking the trail.

If you are dogsledding, you should still trade positions from sled to trail breaker every 15 - 20 minutes, however there are some other considerations. The tobaggan sled can easilty traverse fresh, soft snow because of the bed design being just above the runners. The dogs however, will have trouble because their feet will sink in deeper than a human on skis or snowshoes due to less surface area. Therefore it is best to setup your rigging so the dogs are single file instead of tandem (unless you normally use "Yukon Harnesses"). The dogs will instinctively go the path of least resistance and will step in the compressed snow. The "trail breaker" human in front should be compressing the snow as much and as widely as possible considering the dog's needs. This person also needs to be aware of safety hazards, uneven terrain, ice over creeks, rocks below the snow, fallen trees and debris, etc. The dogs safety is formost and consideration needs to be given to what kind of terrain or obstacles the tobaggan sled can manuver over or through.

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