We get this
question a lot from Denali climbers and others just wanting to get somewhere.
Succinctly, snowshoes are more stable, safer and can climb steeper slopes.
Skis are faster and arguably more fun.
When guiding
on Denali we use snowshoes. Roped up for safety it is very difficult to ski
with several people having to move in sync. It is also dangerous as it is
difficult to stop quickly when the person in front falls into a crevasse.
We have seen some huge falls into crevasses when traveling this way. Remember,
in this environment you are usually skiing with a pack and a sled. Snowshoes
are much easier to control.
It is also harder
to pull sleds and heavy packs up hills with skis. Skins are necessary but
also slip occasionally with a lot of weight. Snowshoes rarely slip unless
it is very icy and when it is icy the cleats on a snowshoe are much much better
than skins on skis (if it is very icy you will probably be in crampons).
Snowshoes are
much more maneuverable in trees or other tight spots.
Snowshoes are
much easier to use in any condition. Period, end of story. If you want to
get out in the winter this is the easiest way to go. One day out with ski
poles and you are an expert. A great workout and everyone can do it.
Most of us (at
AMH) would usually prefer to be on skis. Good skiers roped up with good skiers
do fine on Denali. We also see lots of inventive invectives when climbers
are not skilled enough to ski with a pack and sled. If you are a good skier
we would suggest using snowshoes only in very tight places. If you are going
to do the West Rib or Cassin on Denali consider snowshoes. We usually break
trail up the East Fork of the Kahiltna with snowshoes, go back to camp and
then boot back up the East Fork, leaving our snowshoes behind to get picked
up on our way down the West Buttress. Snowshoe tracks are easier to walk in.