BRAND NEW (A HIKER that just needs how to get down SMALL steep areas in emergencies)

Nicholas Scaramuzzo wrote:I have a similar situation... There's a few spots on Mount Washington's Lion's Head trail (winter route) that are somewhat steep. I would not classify the descent in these "tricky" areas as a "rappelling situation" but the use of a rope would beneficial. 1. Is there a technique that can be used for a safe descent in these "tricky" areas by only utilizing a rope? 2. How do you then retrieve the rope when you are past the obstacle? Without leaving anything behind? Like if you used a tree as an anchor. 3. Should you use static or dynamic rope for this situation? Thanks in advance for any advice.

1.
2. If it's winter you can make a snow bollard and then just pull the rope down after you. very good piece by glenmore lodge
3. Static though it wouldn't really matter, sterling make a rope that's 100% polyester which is perfect because polyester doesn't absorb water, is more abrasion resistant and is super static.(not sure how it feels in the hand though might be really slippery)
4. Don't forget your ice axe.

Thank you to all who answered. I saw that type of roping(featured in the "cartoon" before this post)somewhere before. I guess that may do it. I will also watch the video to see if THAT helps too.

I DO have microspikes, 10 point and 12 point crampons plus an ice ax (I even took them ALL wit me on all hikes this winter, (I'm THAT afraid of not being prepared.) I also have "Freedom of the Hills". What I needed advice on is HOW to keep my feet (crampons) FLAT on hard ice that is sloping 40 degrees, or so. That's where I figured the ROPE would come into play. By holding on to the rope I would be able to PLANT my feet down so that ALL points on the crampons meet with the ice with each step.

Thanks,
George

Nicholas Scaramuzzo wrote:I have a similar situation... There's a few spots on Mount Washington's Lion's Head trail (winter route) that are somewhat steep. I would not classify the descent in these "tricky" areas as a "rappelling situation" but the use of a rope would beneficial. 1. Is there a technique that can be used for a safe descent in these "tricky" areas by only utilizing a rope? 2. How do you then retrieve the rope when you are past the obstacle? Without leaving anything behind? Like if you used a tree as an anchor. 3. Should you use static or dynamic rope for this situation? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Seb,
great answer, ( the "hand" of ) Static ropes in freezing conditions can be problematic , Good for you to point that out.
there is no reason that you should know this, but the "trail" that is Lions Head on Mnt Washington , In Winter? that is a low grade Ice climb, it often holds, significant icy sections till May.
In Fact I think it was a bit of a troll, it can be used as a decent route after Ice climbing.

Actually, if that's really icy and even an easy ice route, V-thread might work for the rappelling anchor.

youtube.com/watch?v=hz0v-yE…

you'll need a 6mm cord, Edelrid Micro Jul, an Ice Screw, an Ice Screw Tool

try to find a guide that's not very expensive, like Denver Mountain Guiding [NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT] that 2 hour session could probably work, but it's important to contact your guide before paying anything. tell your guide that you just what to learn how to build a V-Thread anchor and learn how to rappel. Good Luck!

George J. Dagis wrote:I DO have microspikes, 10 point and 12 point crampons plus an ice ax (I even took them ALL wit me on all hikes this winter, (I'm THAT afraid of not being prepared.) I also have "Freedom of the Hills". What I needed advice on is HOW to keep my feet (crampons) FLAT on hard ice that is sloping 40 degrees, or so. That's where I figured the ROPE would come into play. By holding on to the rope I would be able to PLANT my feet down so that ALL points on the crampons meet with the ice with each step.

Why don't you just turn around and climb down backwards? Kick your front points into the snow/ice, use your ice ax to help with balance and give a point for your hands, and just climb down in reverse. You could even get a second tool or set of technical tools if you feel you need that much security.

This might be helpful as an alternative (I think this is covered in Freedom of the Hills also): climbing.com/skills/french-…

George J. Dagis wrote:I DO have microspikes, 10 point and 12 point crampons plus an ice ax (I even took them ALL wit me on all hikes this winter, (I'm THAT afraid of not being prepared.) I also have "Freedom of the Hills". What I needed advice on is HOW to keep my feet (crampons) FLAT on hard ice that is sloping 40 degrees, or so.

If you have FotH you have the advice already; read chapter 18, particularly the French technique for crampons part. (Some ankle flexibility required.)

George J. Dagis wrote:That's where I figured the ROPE would come into play. By holding on to the rope I would be able to PLANT my feet down so that ALL points on the crampons meet with the ice with each step. Thanks, George

George, you really, really want to hire a guide for a day. If you're on 40° ice and aren't solid on your crampon technique you can get into a bit of hurt.

George,

Where are you hiking that you're encountering these conditions? You might want to look into local outing / hiking clubs - chances are they might have low- or no-cost programs or workshops to get you squared away on basic cramponing and ice axe work to stay safe on the trails.