Why do tele/rando skiers boot up mountains?

If ski crampons are not a choice (and I don't have them) I find that there is a point where I am doing a lot of switchbacks to gain elevation at a slower pace than a straight boot up. It is always a tough choice though, considering the time it takes to pack up the skis and get moving. If it makes an opportunity to take a needed break and rehydrate then that doesn't matter, but it is always a decision.<br><br>I hear the argument that skinning ought not be done by greatly lifting the ski, but then skin drag is also an issue. Pushing the ski is not all that efficient either. Certainly not as easy as swinging a boot on hard snow. The general rule is that 1 pound on the foot is like 5 on the back and even if you skin with the most efficient gait, I think that the added weight of ski and wet skin can really add up, especially if one doubles or triples the distance with switchbacks.<br><br>Having said that I noticed that I actually am getting to a point where I feel more secure on steep slopes (hard summer stuff) with skis on than with boots and no crampons. Skis also will bridge hazards more safely, whether they are seen or unseen. Also, sometimes I just like the more steady pace that seems to come with skinning switchbacks and in that I think I would side with Lowell, considering that I really do ski for the experience and the excersise anyway.<br><br>Last week I made a big mistake and booted a section on the Silver Star Glacier to avoid what I thought was a long extended switchback. I saw an old boot stairway and didn't realize how mushy the snow was. Ugh! Became committed and really spent a lot of energy on that one.<br><br>Alan

I can't recall ever being passed on a long climb by someone on foot when I was on skins.

<br>I too can't recall a time when I've been passed by someone who is booting.  And I'm not that fast, at least compared to Lowell... <br>I also must agree with khyak, until a slope gets too steep or too icy, I find it far more efficient to skin...trying to slide my skis rather than picking up my feet.  If I was wise enough to bring my harscheisen, then my tolerance for steeper skinning is greatly extended.<br>

Josh and Matthaeus outpaced Jason and I on St. Helens when they were booting and we were trying to skin. Course that doesn't take into account that I was a cold newbie on my splitboard and it was a little firm. Come to think of it Sam, what about the Eldorado approach (at least the part for which I was present, and not bleeding)? No come to think of it we never did pass you guys...

I think you and Josh started out a bit before Sky, Jason and I at the boulder field, but that was ice/breakable crust and Sky and I were punching thru like the fatboys that we are Then we switched to skins for a while and were able to bridge the gap...splitting hairs...

Did you use ski crampons on that stuff? Man I got to get me some of those.<br><br>

that was ice/breakable crust

<br><br>Which by the way I'm told makes for perfect skiing conditions (or so my skier friends tell me while trying not to laugh...)

I don't think I had them with me on that trip...<br>here's how it usually works for me:<br>either I bring them and don't need them, or don't and wish I had &gt;