I don't winter camp very often but I recently hiked up to LeConte Lodge in a snow storm. As the hike went forward, the trail became progressively more icy. At about 5500' the web strap on my gaiters had grown an ice ball that was about the size of a golf ball and which made walking very uncomfortable. I was able to crush the ball of ice somewhat by stomping on a rock and my partner was able to break enough ice off the buckle to loosen the strap enough to pull it back over my heal, so we could continue. The gaiters in question have an about 1" nylon web strap that goes under the boot.
We discussed this with other hikers at the lodge. Some said that gaiters with leather straps tend to avoid collecting ice balls. My partner's gaiters had just a string and didn't develop the problem.
Is there a way to avoid collecting an ice ball on gaiter straps? Something you can coat them with or spray on them?