How do you deal with snowshoers using skin tracks?

Ah, breaking trail this last weekend was a labor of love. At least we wont have to do it again for the second lap...so I thought! A group of snow shoe wearing trail wreckers had decided to make use of our skin track to the summit. When we passed them I decided not to say anything because the last time I said something the bastards decided to take it out on the car. These guys were not wearing any transceivers, big surprise, and they asked how you can tell if it will avalanche. I guess these are the type of people we read about. The question is: Is it proper etiquette for snow shoes to stay out of the skin tacks? When you do catch them busting up the track how do you handle it?

Last season's take on the subject.
The year before's .

There are friendly folk out there encouraging everyone to get along.

Snow is good.

Snowshoers trampling your track is perhaps a punishment for the laziness implicit in choosing an easy and popular tour. On the brighter side, it is an opportunity to enhance your skillz. After all, if you really wanted skiing without any challenge or adversity, you would have stuck to the groomers.

You know this reminds me of the frustration exhibited by cyclists trying to time trial on the Burke Gilman. I like to think most of them eventually have an "oh... duh" moment and come to peace with reality.

It’s been my experience that most of the snowshoe folks are pretty new to this whole winter gig, and just need some friendly education. I just start out with the casual “how’s it going… great day… Go snow…” thing then sort of stumble into the how our sports differ explanation. Invite them to join a backcountry club or a good web page. Make them part of the solution instead of antagonizing them.

I really like the Burke Gilman statement! Isn’t that the truth – that trail is insane with want-a-bees. The backcountry is all fun, so encourage everyone and let’s get home safely so we can tell vertical lies around the water cooler. Slide On and Let it Snow!
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