MTN Approach vs Splitboard
True mate. Snowshoes just aren’t in fashion at the moment. That’s why i thought it was interesting that a Japanese backcountry guide was using them. Perhaps it’s because it’s easier to kit out his clients that way?
In fashion or not, there is pros and cons to each. In my opinion showshoes are crap if there is a crust on top and almost pointless sometimes when its just a bit slushy over a harder pack underneath, in those cases walking in boots is faster. Snowshoes are almost always slower then skis/splitboards when ascending (Having said that there are occasional times when showshoes win out for speed,like really step sections where skiers have to travese back and forth). Shoeshoes however can be better for quick hikes where putting together a splitboard and carrying skins etc just ends up being a hassle.
snowshoes not in fashion right now? weird thing to say. They are still the leading piece of equipment for transportation in the backcountry. They are perfect for groups as anybody can use them. Trying to set up beginners on splits is a nightmare for a day tour.
snowshoes not in fashion right now? weird thing to say.
In context, it’s not at all a “weird thing to say”. The overwhelming backcountry snowboarding buzz/hype is over splits these days - just look at the number of board companies now selling splitboards compared to five years ago. Splits are cool - snowshoes, not so much. I reckon there’s currently a lot of snowboarders buying or considering splits, when all they really need (for the type of slack/side/backcountry trips they intend to undertake) is a decent set of snowshoes.