22 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS TT: My girlfriend, Kara, and I had planned a traverse of the Dix Range from Round Pond, coming out at Boquet Forks. We were making good time until we reached the base of the Dix slide (the Wrist), at which point we needed to break trail in snow that kept getting deeper. I was having trouble finding the trail. We had to cut through the trees to get back on it and we went into a couple deep spruce traps. We finally made it to a very windy Dix summit and then over to Hough but instead of continuing to the other mountains or retracing our steps back to the car, we called a friend who agreed to pick us up on Elk Lake Road saving us a bunch of miles and elevation gains. While it was nice to get off the summits, the Lillian Brook trail was full of snow and hard to follow. That was a long day. AS: Summiting Marcy from the Lake Tear side, I had to sit down quickly on the peak because of unexpected high wind velocity. I suddenly began sliding downward toward a very steep drop and used a whippet pole to self-arrest. Fortunately, I was prepared with the right gear and knew how to use it. JZ: During my single-season winter in 2020, I did all three Sewards plus Seymour. On that day, there was fresh snowfall, and the temperatures went into the 40s. The trails were loaded with heavy snow and sopping wet trees. I started long before sunrise and finished long after sunset. Also, I thought it was a good idea to ski all the way to Seymour, but I hadn’t really thought about the burden it would be to carry the skis up and over the Seward range. With the skis on my back, they consistently knocked snow off the branches and onto me. I packed fewer calories than I should have had considering the hike took a total of 16.5 hours. It was one of the most exhausting hikes I’ve ever done. JB: The Saddleback Cliffs, when icy, can really get your heart rate going, but it was always a good feeling to have that behind me and whiz down the Orebed slide. PBW: For nerves, it would be the time descending off Basin, on the very steep and icy section as you approach the ladder, my snowshoe came unseated from my foot and I had to fix it while preventing myself from sliding into another life! That was tricky! For exhaustion, I would have loved to have had the ability to say “beam me up Scotty” when finishing the Dix Range on the Boquet Forks trail—I thought it was never going to end! It’s my least favorite trail in the ADKs! SC: On one of our first winter high peaks hikes, my gloves were completely wet from sweat and I had trouble getting my hands warm on Esther. We skipped Whiteface that day. I no longer carry gloves, and I now have two pairs of OR Alti mitts! We have learned to start our hand warmers at the car in the morning and a second pack on the summit midday, so we always have a warm pair ready to go. JE: The situations that come to mind are days when I got rained on, or I did a lot of trail breaking. I like the physical and mental challenge of pushing through after you’ve climbed the final peak of the day, but still have hours to go to get back to the car. There were days when teleporting would have been enticing to me. DP: What advice do you have for a new 46er who wants to give winter hiking a try? TT: Start small and go for it! Be prepared with extra gear. Make sure friends/family know your plans. AS: You can be safe and comfortable with proper planning, preparation, and gear. Joining a group hike is a great way to pick up tips on gear, clothing, handling terrain challenges; and you may find a compatible hiking partner/mentor for future hikes. JZ: Acquiring winter gear can be expensive, but you get what you pay for with winter gear. Don’t leave important gear and safety supplies at home to save weight or space in your pack. Know the tips to keep your water from freezing and make sure you are drinking regularly. JB: Start with easier peaks to learn what clothing works for you and how to regulate your body temperature. Learn your fitness level and how much time you can safely hike in winter conditions. Learn about the prop-
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTk3MQ==