When are Ski Crampons needed?

[gitrinec]

When are Ski Crampons needed the most?

[gulfofslides]

When skinning icy slopes

[dnt_upton]

Agreed. In 95% of conditions, you don't need them. Sometimes, you can't advance without them because conditions are icy or very firm (and a fall has serious consequences). I've had to turn back because I didn't have them with me and conditions were too icy to skin or bootpack without crampons. In the spring, when there's a good melt-freeze cycle going on, I carry them more frequently. In winter, I can't recall ever needing them.

[anrothar]

So, the advantage over just switching to boot mounted crampons is convenience? Would you be carrying both if you're carrying ski crampons? Are there conditions where boot mounted crampons would make travel more difficult than ski crampons? An icy crust that can support you on skis but not on foot I suppose.

[gitrinec]

I'm not seeing many options for anything near 68 mm though those b&d ski crampons are 83mm so 86mm I suppose those are too wide?

[Woodserson]

So, the advantage over just switching to boot mounted crampons is convenience? Would you be carrying both if you're carrying ski crampons? Are there conditions where boot mounted crampons would make travel more difficult than ski crampons? An icy crust that can support you on skis but not on foot I suppose.

Seems kind of rare condition that would support you on skis but not on foot... I don't think I'd want to be on skis because there's bound to be a place where the ski won't support your either (better than postholing on foot though). I think your thinking is pretty spot on... if you carry normal crampons or have them, you can strap your skis onto your back and huff through the challenging part on foot. Ski crampons are probably a bit lighter though, if you're watching weight.

Regardless, kinda miserable skiing conditions no matter how you look at it.

[MikeK]

Here in the east doing some winter mountain climbing, I'll tell you this: every time I had to use crampons, there was NO WAY I wanted a ski on my foot.

[mainer]

Ski crampons and boot crampons are two very different animals.

Ski crampons are going to do better when you are on hard snow that your skins aren't getting any grip on, but the pitch is still reasonable for skinning.

Real crampons are for ice and snow, especially that which is steep and hard. If you need crampons, you'll probably [badly] want an ice axe.

[gitrinec]

I'm quite familiar with Regular Crampons , I have a couple pairs and have used them, I just wasn't sure on how often Ski Crampons would have to be used, so I guess if the conditions called for it, steep hills with ice. Ice axes do come in handy.