Camel's Hump Challenge Forum

The general idea here...

dummy@example.com (jaredpoor) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:26:44 +0000

...Is to provide a place for skiers to share ideas about where to ski. I know most of us are very secretive about our favorite stashes, but if you have a spot you don't mind sharing, post it here. Or, if you are looking for a new place to ski, or have heard about something but are trying to find some more info, post that here too. I think it would be great to have an online community for backcountry skiers to share ideas and this is my stab at it.

Note: The CHC trail route is only a temporary winter backcountry ski trail that goes through a variety of state and private landholdings. Parts of the trail go through some environmentally sensitive areas on Camel's Hump State Forest land and the State Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation discourages use of the CHC trail for other purposes. Therefore, forum discussions about the CHC trail should be limited to notification of current conditions and general slope and aspect that may
affect skiing conditions on the day of the event. Discussion of other trails is not a problem.

Tele Skis or Cross Country Skis

dummy@example.com (bbeeken) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:05:42 +0000

I plan to do the challenge for the first time this year. I have tele skis and boots (and skins) and also medium weight cross country skis with fish scales and medium weight boots. Is it worth using tele skis or should I just use cross country gear?

What can I post here?

dummy@example.com (jaredpoor) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:17:46 +0000

My idea for this space is for you all to post topics on whatever you want. I'm hoping this becomes a place to turn to for information on all things relating (or not relating) to backcountry skiing in Vermont, and specifically in our neck of the woods... Trail tips, questions about routes, gear discussions, or just to brag about the sweet day you had out in the woods... just post it here. Email me (the administrator) if you want me to set up a new category or have any questions.

To skin or not to skin

dummy@example.com (r stoner) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:25:47 +0000

One of the questions that I get asked a lot is "Should I use climbing skins for the Challenge?" This is hard for me to answer without bias, since I have had the opportunity to do the Challenge with skins (I do not yet have a pair for the skis I use). However, I know there are many of you who would never do it without. So, I wanted to begin a discussion about the issue. Let me know what you think... I have had little trouble with just the fish scales on the bottom of my skis, but I also imagine it would be nice to have more traction on the climbs!