 Poster: A snowHead
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It's a new way to hike mountains, apparently invented in Finland, using a pair of modified ski poles. The photo in this article from Saas Fee (where the sport is being promoted) tells all.
There are other new ways to hike the Alps, as explained in this piece from swissinfo.org.
Interestingly the article claims that there are more maintained paths and trails in Switzerland than the USA!
Anyone been walking in the Alps this summer?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Good morning David. No, I haven't tried nordic walking and for the money they're asking to have a go, I think I'll modify a pair of bent up Scott poles and do it myself!
I am, by the way, quite an experienced alpine walker and have done the TMB (a beautiful trail) and plenty in Austria. You really do get a different perspective of the mountains which you otherwise wouldn't appreciate whilst moving at 40mph on skis! Also, the distinct lack of ironmongery in the mountains is a welcome relief.
Have you done some summer hiking?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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No, Kevin, I'm currently gravitating more towards northern Europe, but recall the delights of the Alps in summer - swimming in Austrian and Italian lakes, walking along beautiful paths near St Moritz and so on.
We named our younger daughter Heidi (how quaint is that, but luckily she likes it) so we ought to check out Heidiland sometime, if we can face it!
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I started using walking poles in the hills after my knees started giving me gip on an Austrian autumn trip 2 years ago (it's the downhill stuff that wears them out it would seem). They're a great help both up and down I find. Don't see what's so novel about it though 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Quote: |
Gemma Bowes
Sunday August 8, 2004
The Observer
The new fitness craze of Nordic walking has given rise to a host of activity holidays dedicated to the sport.
A cross between high-altitude power walking and cross-country skiing, Nordic skiers stride up mountains using a side-to-side rhythm that burns 20 per cent more calories than normal walking. |
But I don't believe all I read in the papers  None of the photos show nor other articles mention this 'side-to-side' technique. Exercise at altitude will burn extra calories. Carrying a couple of poles won't make a difference.
Here's a package holiday site which claims its 40% more effective than normal walking. Why ??? Do I smell hype ?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Now let me see - burning calories=using energy. So unless this "side to side" technique (the mind boggles) somehow zips you up the mountain in at least 20% less time than "normal walking", it is clearly a much less efficient process. What the heck is 40% more "effective" when it comes to walking? 40% less wear of boot soles, 40% fewer strides per unit distance or 40% more bovine excrement avoided in the fields?
As my local outdoor shop plug plug has been selling walking poles for asses' years I don't see what's new here 
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I believe you can tuck the poles under your arms for extra-fast 'schuss walking' for the downhill stretch.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Now what I'd like to see is this crossed with skier-cross - u would get 4 people with these [special  ] sticks and have them bomb down a steep hill trying to knock each other over as they go.
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Joking apart, I'm inclined to believe the claims about nordic walking for the following reasons:
1 We became bipeds, from quadripeds, presumably not only because it enabled us to see our prey more easily but because it helped us walk and run more efficiently - with less energy.
2 Therefore, by reverting to a less efficient way of walking, involving arms as well as feet, we're bound to use more energy.
3 Use of poles is bound to take pressure off joints - particularly knee joints - because it assists balance and takes the weight off legs when going downhill (when, as Alan points out, the stress on the knees is greatest).
4 If it doesn't make sense then answer me this - why do we ski with poles?
I've not tried nordic walking, but I'm quite intrigued. I guess one can convert ski poles into 'nordic walking poles' simply by adding rubber bungs to the tips - I seem to recall doing this to use some road skis once, and to ride a skateboard with feet facing forwards like a monoski (a tricky ride).
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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David Goldsmith
1- Or because we could climb better trees and hold onto thicker vines with opposable thumbs.
3- They also let you change _stride_length_ and carry greater loads with less ankle support.
One of the key shifts from on-pavement running to trail running is to shift stride length and cadence to suit terrain, mostly to shorten it. Well, I wasn't as good as I thought at that, so, after injuring my Achilles tendon, I investigated the walking pole idea. Yes, I could use a longer stride on rougher terrain with them, but the learning curve was somewhat significant, and I couldn't get them to go very well on moderately-sloped terrain like fire roads where I would normally (esp. downhill) run at full speed without significant knee flexion.
The one considerable benefit, I found a few weeks later, was that you could carry a large rucksack without the need for heavy leather ankle-supporting boots. Now, if you can use running shoes instead of Scarpa Alps, that is an immense energy savings, a great inducement in my book.
Oh, I got rid of the rubber bungs and switched to sharp rollerski tips, in combination with shock-absorber grips.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| Quote: |
I believe you can tuck the poles under your arms for extra-fast 'schuss walking' for the downhill stretch.
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You look pretty silly when turning, though.
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You know it makes sense.
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Here's a place you can do nordic walking in the UK: Blakeney on the north Norfolk coast, under the guidance of Annie Briggs, "the UK’s first internationally recognised Nordic walking instructor."
The Times has the details, and a photo. Reporter Fiona Sims says:
| Quote: |
| The poles swung and thrusted in the right way, as my upper body did what it was supposed to (I opted for the John Wayne swagger). As I “skied” across the north Norfolk countryside, each strangely therapeutic step gave me a new kind of energy. |
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Impressive thread resurrection!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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there may have been some spam removed
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| rungsp wrote: |
| Impressive thread resurrection! |
yes but not one of David's 5 first posts, if you are interested.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I smelt the tinned pork produce. 
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