Cross ountry ski's VS. Snowshoes?

Question

Scenario: you are climbing a mountain and get into some deep snow. what is of more help/benefit?

A) Snowshoes

B) wide cross country skis

Answer 1

Snowshoes....hands down.

Even on the widest XC skis (using climbing skins too) if it really steep, you'll have to boot it up. (been there...done that. It sucks.)

It's not uncommon for me to get 3/4 up a mountain and realize my skins aren't working anymore...so out come the snowshoes I've been toting around on my backpack. Swap out the ski...strap on the snowshoes...and up to the top I go.

If I am not planning to ski back down the mountain I don't take the skis. So for big hikes or stuff I know I'm not going to get down on planks...I skip the lumber all together.

I have yet to find someplace I can't get up with snowshoes.