Steep and Scary Ski Mountaineering, Traverses and Expeditions Thread

[bodywhomper]

I used to use bread bags (taking multiple) and now use Camaro brand thin neoprene socks to keep my liners dry. I wear them with a very thin wool sock against skin. Used a similar brand on multi-day outings and have used the Camaro socks daily at the ski hill with maybe 100 days of use. The system works well for me. I switch to a non vapor barrier system, usually a very thick wool sock when bumming around camp.

https://www.camaro-watersports.com/e...ongsocks?c=117

[turnfarmer]

good video definitely fits the criteria. bummer you had such crappy conditions.
the dry feet thing has been discussed here before. I go with everything in the sleeping bag. Hot water bottles, chemical heaters, socks go next to your chest for the night. Big Steve was a fan of the vapor barrier idea. I never used them. for cold temps I plan on toe warmers for each day. They go in at the start of the day if I will be belaying right off. Hot drinks are important. We always planned for one before dinner and one after. As for skiing with a big pack I have definitely sent my pack down first.

Sorry if it was unclear, not my skiing, just a random web video I thought was good.

[riff]

Got an overnight in, thin but reasonable for November! Temps in the low teens overnight, remembered a few things about camp life…got some nice moon pics too.
Edit: I guess this is what we’re talking about- I new it would be cold but brought a bike bottle and drom bag, my summer program. Both were freezing quickly and need dipping in hot water to open. Also, neither were ideal for hot bottles in the sleeping bag. Back to nalgenes in OR coozies next time! Anyone ever try putting chapstick or something on the threads to reduce freezing shut? I know putting them upside down, in a sleeping bag, in a cooz, or buried in the snow all helps, just an idea i had afterwards.



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[riff]

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[John_B]

Long nights this time of year riff! Nice motivation.

[Meadow Skipper]

Really nice, riff!

[Westcoaster]

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Nice mid. Just picked up some down pants and booties from goosefeet black Friday for some Sierra wanderings this winter.

Re the freezing bottle issue, I've used 40below nalgene cozies and have never had issues overnight.

[Tjaardbreeuwer]

I put chapstick on bottle threads. Had too many of them freeze up. It seems to help a bit

[ezgzy]

I’m looking for a harness recommendation for some glacier skiing and i figure this is the right thread to ask. Shouldn’t ever be going on belay, maybe rappelling but mostly wearing it as insurance for crevasse rescue. What are you all wearing?


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[old mexico]

love me some long traverses


anyone in the wasatch wanna join me on one I've had my eyes on for years? actually i have a few I'd like to knock out

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I’m down, unfortunately if it has to wait till the spring though I will not be in town


:^)

[Tjaardbreeuwer]

I’m looking for a harness recommendation for some glacier skiing and i figure this is the right thread to ask. Shouldn’t ever be going on belay, maybe rappelling but mostly wearing it as insurance for crevasse rescue. What are you all wearing?

I have stuck with the Petzl Altitude. There are lighter harnesses out there but this is my reasoning:

I want gear loops for versatility, in case I use it without a pack (which I have). Not applicable for pure glacier travel.

I want to be able to take it on and off with skis. This rules out some of the skimo racing harnesses.

I want it to stay tight even when not tied or clipped in to a rope.

I want a single, “normal” belay loop.

This last was the sticking point ruling out many of the lighter weight options. I figure, if I’m tired, or freezing, perhaps it’s dark, I might have lots of clothes in the way, I want there to be no way to screw up clipping into the rope or rappel device.


It is surprisingly comfortable and useable as a normal harness, but of course, that is not what you are after.

[riff]

Tjaard has many good points; I have and enjoy the petzl fly. It’s dual loops, but goes on with skis on, and is undetectable when walking. Not terrible for brief episodes of hanging vertical.
For all the reasons he said, I also have a heavier but more featured one for the steepest outings.


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[Tjaardbreeuwer]

If a more minimalist one is what you are after, Skialper gave the Blue Ice Choucas light a good review. It’s the lightest model in their review with leg loops that open up.
It seems nicer to me than the BD equivalent, which seems to have an overly complicated system of closing it up.

I am tempted by it. Last spring I did 5 days hut to hut in Italy, and my pack was overstuffed. Having a harness 2/3 the size of my Altitude would have been nice, especially since it never came out of the pack.

[davjr96]

I have the Blue Ice Choucas Pro and really like it. Comfortable for walking and skiing. I tried the Choucas Light but the lack of comfort wasn't worth the weight savings to me.

[tang]

^^^ 2nd... wafer thin

[ktoor]

i have the choucas light. its dope and i would recommend. packs into nothing. gear loops are sufficient. people say its wafer thin but its been fine for rappeling. i personally like the biner for the belay loop. i had the previous bd couloir and it was super annoying to get on and off with a traditional closure system and belay loop.

i also have multiple harnesses and only use this for skiing and glacier travel. fwiw skialper gave the gear of the year award to the petzl fly; its 130g vs 90g for choucas light.


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[Anachronist]

I have a choucas pro, I like it. Wore it for 5 days in AK touring on the glacier and rock climbing in it, some rappelling, no hanging belays though. With softshell pants and LJs on I didn't regret leaving my climbing harness at home at all. It has a traditional belay loop, gear loops, and can be put on with skis on. Non-adjustable leg loops which are fine for me but something to think about.

[Tjaardbreeuwer]

Well, when I put it like that, I realized I needed another harness in my gear room. And Skimo.co had a sale…


That’s a Choucas Light compared to an Altitude. Both will compress tighter than that, but it truly is close to half the size.

Besides the weight savings, the bigger benefit will be the volume in my pack. My airbag pack (Scott E1 ‘40l’) is easily over filled if mountaineering- or extra warm gear is required.
I do have an Otterbody pack on order that will be bigger, but for overnights that one will be bulging at the seams too, I am sure.

[Core Shot]

Steep and Scary-
https://vimeo.com/72024058?utm_campa...f4b1da0a82b824

No.
Fuck no
7:50 in just seems beyond mental.
Slight exposure on the left. Ice underneath you. Nope

[Hopeless Sinner]

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/01/u...smid=url-share


TLDR, but thought it might fit this thread.

[tang]

Incredible. Funny the number of questions they got asking if training for Everest

[cat in january]

Thanks for sharing, that was a good read

[Core Shot]

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/01/u...smid=url-share


TLDR, but thought it might fit this thread.

Agreed. Not skiing. But crazy mixed climbing at high altitude. Insane.

[bennymac]

Steep and Scary-
https://vimeo.com/72024058?utm_campa...f4b1da0a82b824

Wow those guys were really playing a wicked game up there.

[tang]

The Cutting Edge podcast interview with them is great, including on the fox and follow technique and gear