Adirondack Peeks Winter 2024

ing. DP: What do I have to know about food and hydration? TT: I eat and drink far less on trail than most, but more during winter hikes. Calories = energy = body heat! For food, I like peanut butter bites, cheese and crack ers, dark chocolate, and yogurt tubes. For hydration, I always have hot water, and I bring an in sulated thermos with a hot Jello drink. AS: I normally have an insulated thermos with a hot beverage, cheese, Perfect Bars, and pea nut butter crackers, all cut into

Phil Corell on the Face of the Slide

group. Additionally, Jonathan mentioned NOAA Mountain Point forecast, Joe mentioned Weather.gov, and Siobhan mentioned Weather Underground. DP: What is the most challenging aspect of winter hiking? TT: Trail breaking and wayfinding after new snowfall, or when the tracks have been filled in from blowing snow. I like the challenge of trail breaking, but trying to find your way through a snow-covered wooded section where the trail has been covered over can be a real challenge. AS: Employing accumulated skills, gear, and navigation abilities in harsh conditions, and knowing when to aban don a goal. JZ: For me, getting out of bed when it’s still pitch-black out side. For others, I would say knowing how to manage body temperature, and some people struggle because they don’t have the right gear. JB: Learning to choose the right weather and trail condi tions for your level of skill. PBW: I pick bluebird days and broken trails to hike on (God bless trailbreakers), so the most challenging aspect for me is keeping my fingers warm because I am constantly taking my mittens off to take pictures! I’d love to find a pair of mit tens/gloves I can keep on while taking a picture. SC: Learning how to pack the right winter gear, along with getting used to carrying and using all that gear can be chal lenging for winter hiking beginners. For me, I always need to be focused on regulating body temperature and adjust ing layering and clothing. JE: Although I love the physical challenge, breaking trail in super deep fresh snow when hiking solo can be exhaust

small pieces so they can be eaten even if they freeze. I don’t eat breakfast but try to drink a liter of water and have a banana at the trailhead. JZ: It varies for me, but sandwiches and CHEEZ-ITs are al ways good. Eating a good breakfast before going out is very important. Be sure to store your fluids in a way that keeps them from freezing, by using insulated containers or Nalgene containers stored upside down in your pack. PBW: I find it difficult to eat during winter hiking. I think my nervous system suppresses my appetite and nothing is ap pealing—but I need fuel, so I force myself to eat. I try to bring various food options hoping one of them will appeal to me that day; cheese and crackers, banana bread, and brownies usually have the most appeal. SC: Nutella Uncrustables and Milano Double Dark Choco late Cookies! Also, if conditions are favorable, there is noth ing better than some hot chicken noodle soup on the sum mit. JE: I like to keep moving if possible. I like POWERADE for hydration and Clif Bars for fuel. Be sure to keep bars and similar foods close to your body so they don’t become as hard as rock. DP: Tell us about one of your most memorable winter hik ing days . TT: My hike of Marcy, Skylight, and Gray with a couple friends comes to mind. It was cold enough that the snow crunched under our snowshoes, which is cool. We had great views from all three peaks—even Gray, as the snow was piled up enough that we were looking over the trees. Also, I have a fascination with Lake Tear and really enjoyed seeing it in winter.

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