Poodle Dog Pass/Glacier Basin Area

[Weekend_Climberz]

I called the Ranger Station in Darrington this morning and they said the snow starts around 3500-4000 feet. I was wondering if any one has been up the road to Monte Cristo or farther recently (past two weeks) and would like to share trail conditions. I'm hoping I don't have a weekend of postholing ahead of me, and just wanted to confirm that. Unfortunately I won't be able to get snowshoes until next season, but I don't mind a good slog as long as it's not chest deep.

[vegetablebelay]

I don't have any info on the road, but I think you should just rent a pair of snowshoes and head out there. They are cheap to rent and it would suck to get out there and need them and not have them.

[plexus]

I'd follow the advice from the post above. Snoeshows are cheap to rent and is also a good way of determining which pair you like. I rented them for three years, trying on about six different models, before I bought a pair.

 

If it's like how it was when I went out 9 days ago, you'll be fine without them until about 4,500 feet. Then you'll wallow. This past week at the 5-6 k range and higher its still been picking up a little bit of snow.

[gapertimmy]

i think you should take whatever money you are going to spend on snowshoes and get yourself some AT skis, you'll enjoy your time much more, and it makes descents way plabber

[Weekend_Climberz]

Thats been my thought as well and don't they make bindings that will fit a crampon compatible boot, too?

[JoshK]

Silverettas will fit a regular lugged mountaineering boot. Makes a great approach ski setup. Don't plan on skiing any 50 degree chutes in 'em of course.

[vegetablebelay]

Lots of AT discussion in the GEAR CRITIC forum. Good comparison of the bindings HERE .