Alpine Touring Thread

[Campgottagopee]

Why can't it be and instead of or. In VT the snowmobile trails form an access network that bc skiers use and benefit from.

I'm sure a tree has never been cut down to build a snowmobile trail.

Same here in NY, that's what the multi use trails are

Yes, trees are cut down to make any trails

 

[Brownski]

Somebody can correct me or add detail but this is my understanding: It is due to the “forever wild” language in the constitution. The state’s interpretation has changed over the years. Trails that were cut a long time ago when they interpreted it loosely are grandfathered in but new projects are very difficult to get permitted

 

[Duckbutter]

Somebody can correct me or add detail but this is my understanding: It is due to the “forever wild” language in the constitution. The state’s interpretation has changed over the years.

You are probably right. I would like to get confirmation on this as well. There are different Forest Preserve classifications and one would assume that "Wild Forest" and certainly "Intensive Use" (E.g. Gore, Belleayre, Whiteface) could accommodate this type of recreation development, as opposed to designated Wilderness.

 

[Duckbutter]

You are probably right. I would like to get confirmation on this as well. There are different Forest Preserve classifications and one would assume that "Wild Forest" and certainly "Intensive Use" (E.g. Gore, Belleayre, Whiteface) could accommodate this type of recreation development, as opposed to designated Wilderness.

Oops. Should have actually read what I shared:

"A wild forest area is an area of Forest Preserve land whose character as a natural plant and animal community receives the same degree of protection under Article XIV of the Constitution as in areas classified as wilderness"

And that only applies to land within the Catskill and Adirondack Parks, right?

 

[gefiltephish]

At least skiing is allowed in most 'Forever Wild' lands, to my knowledge. As a mountain biker in Catskill park, I can rip awesome trails on private lands at Roundtop and at 'Elm Ridge Wild Forest' but not continue into the 'Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness'. In terms of Dacks snowmobiling, imo the abundant trails make sense, given the snowpack and historic roadbeds. Not sure, but snowmachine folks don't need steeps to get their tingles? Here are some thoughts about backcountry skiing in these areas...

I figure the Dacks would be offer good XC skiing, but seems limited for shorter laps with heavy AT gear. The terrain also doesn't seem as conducive to my lazy dream of a quick hike in to a continuous 500'+ vert of solid 20-40 degree downhill, without major terrain traps. My knowledge-base for backcountry 'round there is nil, I live too far to scout potential areas. I bought a 'Slides Guide' which contains only aerial photos of many Dacks slides, many of which look like they would be insanely fun, challenging, potentially very dangerous. I imagine most/all require extensive approaches, potential mandatory mountaineering/rapel/ice climbing moves. In a normal time perhaps an excuse to hire a guide and gain some skills.

I've been hiking some historic road/trail routes in the Catskills, Taconics, and Gunks that could be good with 1-2 feet of snow. Obviously snowpack is a limiting factor here, but hiking round some relic ski areas recently has got the stoke building! If anyone wants to connect and potentially do some AT skiing this winter, feel free to send a message

 

[Duckbutter]

my lazy dream of a quick hike in to a continuous 500'+ vert of solid 20-40 degree downhill, without major terrain traps.

I share this dream

 

[Ski4]

Considering the size of the Adirondack Park, it is surprisingly difficult to find suitable terrain for Alpine touring. Most New York State ski areas, for insurance reasons unique to the state, do not allow uphill travel. Historically that has meant driving to Vermont ski areas, though this may not be possible this year. Vermont seems to be years ahead of us considering what they have done with areas like Hogback mountain and RASTA.

 

[Harvey]

I propose removing the timeframe to this thread name. @NYSnowflake agree?

It's timeless stuff and Xenforo threads don't crap out at 100 pages the way Nabble did.

 

[Duckbutter]

Considering the size of the Adirondack Park, it is surprisingly difficult to find suitable terrain for Alpine touring.

Please be more specific. Long flat approaches to steeps? Vegetation is too thick (not actually a terrain problem)?

Most New York State ski areas, for insurance reasons unique to the state, do not allow uphill travel.

Whiteface allows it, correct? Why is this not consistent across the ORDA hills?

 

[JTG]

Whiteface has allowed it for dawn patrol, but there is no uphill traffic allowed once the lifts are running.