If any viewers are in the States, there are several organizations that teach these skills hands-on, such as the Colorado Mountain Club and I would imagine the American Alpine Club, etc. I recently took the course with CMC and they did a fantastic job of putting students into every possible fall position (head-first, upside down, stomach back etc.) as well as showing what to do if you don't have an ice axe, or trekking poles at all, or if they get dislodged and lost during your fall. In that case you get on your stomach and dig your elbows in. Highly recommend everyone take one of these courses if you do ANY mountaineering in shoulder seasons at all.
I disagree with one point - "put on waterproofs". I'd say take them off if possible and pack them away fully - the reason being that they are way more slippy when sliding on snow than normal trouser/ fleece/ soft shell materials, and you'll accelerate far more quickly. When training winter skills we often put them on deliberately to allow practice on lower-angle slopes, same when trying to glissade on a shallow slope, because of the extra sliding they enable. I suppose if wearing shorts/ t-shirt then they'd stop abrasion in event of a slip, whether I'd put them on then would depend on the hazard and balance out abrasion versus consequence of an a longer slide before arresting.
I find a knit material provides pretty good friction and protection. Better than bare skin. It's very easy to leave skin behind in a slide, and then you have problems even if you don't break a bone. A flimsy poncho won't provide either friction or protection.
yeah i kinda agree. I put on snow pants because I knew that I was going to be practising a lot. But for those that know the skills and don't want to get ripped up by rocks etc. i still think its a good idea. Case by case basis on that one probably
Definitely a good video, especially this year there have been quite a few accidents. The snowpack was not only more substantial, but also very dense, making for often very firm and slipperly conditions, even when there was no freeze over night. An extra tip: I always put on gloves (and a longsleeve or windbreaker or the like) when crossing snowfields. About 30 years ago I did slip on a 45° snowfield, and while I managed to self-arrest before shooting into the rocks below, I cut up my hands really badly. So, lesson learned. Also, as one person below mentioned, using the valley-side pole to stabilise your foot (by stepping on the basket) can make quite a difference especially when the snow is too hard to kick/cut steps.
Hello Chase , nice video topic quite essential for snow bank crossing as I see a lot of people struggle when crossing snow. I want to add a tip that has served me well: When crossing sideways, meaning not going up or down you can hard stab the trekking pole into the snow that is on your side facing downslope and use it as a support for your leg on that side to rest above it and with the other on the side facing upwards slope dig a stair. Note that this is not to be used in winter on ice, you should always have crampons !
All great advice as per usual mate. May I add; I like to take the baskets off of my trekking poles, I see your poles have them already removed but many others will have them attached and therefore will get less purchase in the snow while walking and self-arresting. Glad to still be the wearer of a classic stiff-soled trekking boot.
Very relevant topic to do a video on with all the snow remaining so late in the season both in the Pyrenees and the alps. The Kaemp brand sounds intresting, I'll definitely check them out.
Almost lost my life after descending Mera Peak. Snow and fog made me miss the path and I slided down on thin snow and ‘blue’ ice underneath. I wished I had seen this video before. Might have helped ;-) Thanks !! Good to have attention for the safety aspect of being outdoors.
This is a great resource for my next adventures. I came across several snow banks during late May in the Himalayas and I was making my way with the foot blade technique you showed. But rest of the points are great too and this video has made me aware of that for the future. Thank you!
Great video. I did the Alta Via 1 about a month ago, and there was a lot more snow on the passes than I anticipated. I found it quite sketchy in areas, though I managed to navigate around it in most places. I was doing similar to what you advised here with the feet, trying to cut into the snow with the edge of my boots, but I didn't have trekking poles. I'm not ordinarily a trekking pole user, and I'm not sure if I want to start, but I'll need to consider it for next time. That said, maybe I should just taking a single ice axe and some C1 crampons next time I plan on going so early in the season, along with skills on how to use them.
Some great info. for people to have. I've had to "self-arrest" using a ski pole after falling while skiing on some steep stuff, losing my skis, and gaining speed on the way down. The few times I've had to do it though, I used the handle end of one pole. It does work, depending on the condition of the snow I guess. But there's really no time to get to the pointed end of the pole(s), or to get both poles together (if you still even have both poles after the fall), in my limited experience. You just dig that handle in and hope you're going to stop.
I prefer wearing approach shoes with much stiffer sole as opposed to my usual runners when there are snow deposits still left around. Like millet friction or garmont dragontail. Ice also doesnt' cut them as much as your usual runners. I pack spikes depending on actual conditions. The issue with spikes is that they do nothing if you are too late and snow turns from crust to slush in the sun, so if there is a steep snow i cross it before or with the first light.
Stiff shoes do not agree with my feel for more than a day or so. So for a 5 day trip like this where I spend less than 1% of the time on snow its altras all the way.
Was in a similarly sketchy situation to your friend a few weeks ago, it also ended well despite being very precarious. This year has really been different from the last few snow-wise.
It's been a weird year so far here in Switzerland. A friend and I had a similar experience a couple of weeks ago. We managed to walk around most of it but thankfully copied your technique approximately. Stupid that we didn't bring small spikes as they're so easy to pack.
There is no safe way to cross a high alpine snow slope without crampons. Everyone who is going on high alpine route should have crampons in the backpack and put these crampons on when required. Yes, I did it many times and started dreaming that I become an expert in crossing snow fields without crampons, but one time I was too high, the snow was icy, the slope too steep and I fell. When I was flying on the snow from 2,800 meters, I have tried to stop myself with the hiking poles, but I was sliding too fast to do anything and after 200-300 meters I have crashed to a wall of rocks. Luckily, I was alive and no bones were broken, just no skin on the left side and no skin on the half of the right side.
This is a Great instructional video and I feel that every high country treker should view it several times. Your personal experience made this presentation vivid and caught my attention. Thank you for calling KAEMP 8838 to my attention
Sorry, as a norwegian I have to chuckle at how afraid people are of snow. Glaciers are a different matter, but snow is just as much a part of the environment as rocks, grass and mud. Every hyperlight backpacker are carrying crampons and its not even necessary if you know how to watch your step like you do with every other slippery surface. If you start sliding, just dig your heels in.
Fair point and I agree because I've spend a lot of time on snow, but also I go to Norway every winter and I see Norwegians slipping and falling all over the place breaking arms, shoulders and hips (in Oslo). I don't know any hyperlite backpackers who are carrying crampons, but hyperlite mountaineers definitely.
With all due respect, but this kind of attitude is a bit foolhardy. You can't always dig your heels in always. Perhaps you will slide down to a spot where the sun has been obscured by a ridge and the snow has hardened, good luck stopping that with your heels. I don't think you should be afraid of show, but it is good to know how it works. There are plenty of people who get injured/hurt themselves even when experienced in the Scandinavian mountains - Swede.
I don’t understand why most hikers avoid snow. It’s much easier walking up snow than bolder hopping or sliding on scree. It all depends on the snow composition. If icy- avoid. If you can kick step an edge and it holds, go for it. Always a good skill to practice just in case…
No micros spikes at the minimum in summer in a place called the Swiss alps???.. people shouldn't be up there. Turn around, go home. You got lucky it wasn't worse. Micros spikes are a thing you should have in your back pack if you have any risk of running into snow/ice, and at altitude and in a place called the Swiss alps of course that is a possibility at anytime of year, even had snow in mid summer in the UK low down, plan for worst, hope for best. Then again with the UL mentality around today, why pack any safety equipment, someone else can rescue me and carry that weight.... just my opinion.
Most of the time you can spend an extra 5 minutes going around it. Micro spikes aren't necessary. Also, equipment fails, skills that are practised well don't fail. Although I value your opinion and I get it, thanks for your comment
@@ChaseMountains Would choose the diversion but you are right, equipment fails, nothing wrong with being prepared if left with no other alternative. Appreciate the video.
![How to Survive INSANELY WET weather [Mistakes Were Made]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZOHFOurL6po/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Survive INSANELY WET weather [Mistakes Were Made]](/img/tr.png)
![Buy Gear Based on Principles [Don't WASTE Your Money]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VGdjjRdsEvg/mqdefault.jpg)
![[TH] 2024 PMGC League | Survival Stage วันที่ 1 | PUBG MOBILE Global Championship](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FVFT-PFwU80/mqdefault.jpg)
If any viewers are in the States, there are several organizations that teach these skills hands-on, such as the Colorado Mountain Club and I would imagine the American Alpine Club, etc. I recently took the course with CMC and they did a fantastic job of putting students into every possible fall position (head-first, upside down, stomach back etc.) as well as showing what to do if you don't have an ice axe, or trekking poles at all, or if they get dislodged and lost during your fall. In that case you get on your stomach and dig your elbows in. Highly recommend everyone take one of these courses if you do ANY mountaineering in shoulder seasons at all.
@@Valaran1 solid recommendation thankyou!
The quality of videos available on TH-cam is nothing short of astonishing. Thank you!
I disagree with one point - "put on waterproofs". I'd say take them off if possible and pack them away fully - the reason being that they are way more slippy when sliding on snow than normal trouser/ fleece/ soft shell materials, and you'll accelerate far more quickly. When training winter skills we often put them on deliberately to allow practice on lower-angle slopes, same when trying to glissade on a shallow slope, because of the extra sliding they enable. I suppose if wearing shorts/ t-shirt then they'd stop abrasion in event of a slip, whether I'd put them on then would depend on the hazard and balance out abrasion versus consequence of an a longer slide before arresting.
I find a knit material provides pretty good friction and protection. Better than bare skin. It's very easy to leave skin behind in a slide, and then you have problems even if you don't break a bone.
A flimsy poncho won't provide either friction or protection.
yeah i kinda agree. I put on snow pants because I knew that I was going to be practising a lot. But for those that know the skills and don't want to get ripped up by rocks etc. i still think its a good idea. Case by case basis on that one probably
Definitely a good video, especially this year there have been quite a few accidents. The snowpack was not only more substantial, but also very dense, making for often very firm and slipperly conditions, even when there was no freeze over night.
An extra tip: I always put on gloves (and a longsleeve or windbreaker or the like) when crossing snowfields. About 30 years ago I did slip on a 45° snowfield, and while I managed to self-arrest before shooting into the rocks below, I cut up my hands really badly. So, lesson learned.
Also, as one person below mentioned, using the valley-side pole to stabilise your foot (by stepping on the basket) can make quite a difference especially when the snow is too hard to kick/cut steps.
nice thanks for chiming in. Valuable tips from your experiences. Cheers!
Hello Chase , nice video topic quite essential for snow bank crossing as I see a lot of people struggle when crossing snow. I want to add a tip that has served me well: When crossing sideways, meaning not going up or down you can hard stab the trekking pole into the snow that is on your side facing downslope and use it as a support for your leg on that side to rest above it and with the other on the side facing upwards slope dig a stair. Note that this is not to be used in winter on ice, you should always have crampons !
All great advice as per usual mate. May I add; I like to take the baskets off of my trekking poles, I see your poles have them already removed but many others will have them attached and therefore will get less purchase in the snow while walking and self-arresting.
Glad to still be the wearer of a classic stiff-soled trekking boot.
Very relevant topic to do a video on with all the snow remaining so late in the season both in the Pyrenees and the alps. The Kaemp brand sounds intresting, I'll definitely check them out.
Same situation here within the Canadian Rockies, to varying degrees.
Almost lost my life after descending Mera Peak. Snow and fog made me miss the path and I slided down on thin snow and ‘blue’ ice underneath. I wished I had seen this video before. Might have helped ;-) Thanks !! Good to have attention for the safety aspect of being outdoors.
Timely video Chase, I fly out next week and I’m hearing all the passes are still holding snow.
yeah its been a late winter all over europe. Good season for those who like the snow :) Have a great summer mate
This is a great resource for my next adventures. I came across several snow banks during late May in the Himalayas and I was making my way with the foot blade technique you showed. But rest of the points are great too and this video has made me aware of that for the future. Thank you!
glad it helped! thanks for watching :)
Check out my friends at Kaemp kaemp8848.de/
Sadly no XXL for the bigger hikers 😢
Its nice to have my stiffer boots for these things.i like the altras for my feet but i feel way safer in my hiking boots crossing snow fields
nice.... when sliding down a snow slope........ digging the trekking poles in.... to stop
Great video, thanks. Rarely happens to have to cross snow banks when im out trail runnning
Great video. I did the Alta Via 1 about a month ago, and there was a lot more snow on the passes than I anticipated. I found it quite sketchy in areas, though I managed to navigate around it in most places. I was doing similar to what you advised here with the feet, trying to cut into the snow with the edge of my boots, but I didn't have trekking poles.
I'm not ordinarily a trekking pole user, and I'm not sure if I want to start, but I'll need to consider it for next time. That said, maybe I should just taking a single ice axe and some C1 crampons next time I plan on going so early in the season, along with skills on how to use them.
“Three points of contact at all times” *lifts up both poles at once*
Some great info. for people to have. I've had to "self-arrest" using a ski pole after falling while skiing on some steep stuff, losing my skis, and gaining speed on the way down. The few times I've had to do it though, I used the handle end of one pole. It does work, depending on the condition of the snow I guess. But there's really no time to get to the pointed end of the pole(s), or to get both poles together (if you still even have both poles after the fall), in my limited experience. You just dig that handle in and hope you're going to stop.
I prefer wearing approach shoes with much stiffer sole as opposed to my usual runners when there are snow deposits still left around. Like millet friction or garmont dragontail. Ice also doesnt' cut them as much as your usual runners. I pack spikes depending on actual conditions. The issue with spikes is that they do nothing if you are too late and snow turns from crust to slush in the sun, so if there is a steep snow i cross it before or with the first light.
Stiff shoes do not agree with my feel for more than a day or so. So for a 5 day trip like this where I spend less than 1% of the time on snow its altras all the way.
Was in a similarly sketchy situation to your friend a few weeks ago, it also ended well despite being very precarious. This year has really been different from the last few snow-wise.
yeah it's not uncommon, hence the video. Should have made this years ago! Glad youre ok! stay safe
It's been a weird year so far here in Switzerland. A friend and I had a similar experience a couple of weeks ago. We managed to walk around most of it but thankfully copied your technique approximately. Stupid that we didn't bring small spikes as they're so easy to pack.
Thanks for an awesome video!
Just wondering what model altra you are wearing there, I wear the superior 6 atm but am looking to try a different model.
Superior 5!
There is no safe way to cross a high alpine snow slope without crampons. Everyone who is going on high alpine route should have crampons in the backpack and put these crampons on when required. Yes, I did it many times and started dreaming that I become an expert in crossing snow fields without crampons, but one time I was too high, the snow was icy, the slope too steep and I fell. When I was flying on the snow from 2,800 meters, I have tried to stop myself with the hiking poles, but I was sliding too fast to do anything and after 200-300 meters I have crashed to a wall of rocks. Luckily, I was alive and no bones were broken, just no skin on the left side and no skin on the half of the right side.
This is a Great instructional video and I feel that every high country treker should view it several times. Your personal experience made this presentation vivid and caught my attention. Thank you for calling KAEMP 8838 to my attention
Sorry, as a norwegian I have to chuckle at how afraid people are of snow. Glaciers are a different matter, but snow is just as much a part of the environment as rocks, grass and mud. Every hyperlight backpacker are carrying crampons and its not even necessary if you know how to watch your step like you do with every other slippery surface. If you start sliding, just dig your heels in.
Fair point and I agree because I've spend a lot of time on snow, but also I go to Norway every winter and I see Norwegians slipping and falling all over the place breaking arms, shoulders and hips (in Oslo). I don't know any hyperlite backpackers who are carrying crampons, but hyperlite mountaineers definitely.
@@ChaseMountains Allright, we all have our own comfort zones which are super individual I guess.
With all due respect, but this kind of attitude is a bit foolhardy. You can't always dig your heels in always. Perhaps you will slide down to a spot where the sun has been obscured by a ridge and the snow has hardened, good luck stopping that with your heels. I don't think you should be afraid of show, but it is good to know how it works. There are plenty of people who get injured/hurt themselves even when experienced in the Scandinavian mountains - Swede.
I don’t understand why most hikers avoid snow. It’s much easier walking up snow than bolder hopping or sliding on scree. It all depends on the snow composition. If icy- avoid. If you can kick step an edge and it holds, go for it. Always a good skill to practice just in case…
@@SummitSeeker546 also very efficient way of moving downhill by skiing on your shoes.
No micros spikes at the minimum in summer in a place called the Swiss alps???.. people shouldn't be up there. Turn around, go home. You got lucky it wasn't worse.
Micros spikes are a thing you should have in your back pack if you have any risk of running into snow/ice, and at altitude and in a place called the Swiss alps of course that is a possibility at anytime of year, even had snow in mid summer in the UK low down, plan for worst, hope for best.
Then again with the UL mentality around today, why pack any safety equipment, someone else can rescue me and carry that weight.... just my opinion.
Most of the time you can spend an extra 5 minutes going around it. Micro spikes aren't necessary. Also, equipment fails, skills that are practised well don't fail. Although I value your opinion and I get it, thanks for your comment
@@ChaseMountains Would choose the diversion but you are right, equipment fails, nothing wrong with being prepared if left with no other alternative. Appreciate the video.