If the Shoe Fits...Go Snowshoeing
While most snow sports require lessons and expensive equipment, snowshoeing is literally down to earth. In a way, it is sort of like hiking, but in the snow. Snowshoeing doesn’t offer the extreme thrills of snowboarding or ice climbing, but it does allow participants to enjoy the peaceful solitude of trail hiking in the middle of winter. You can snowshoe just about anywhere once the snow begins to fall on the ground, but some spots are better than others.
Snowshoes can take you where snowmobiles and skis can’t—far into the wilderness and off the trail, if you’re down for the adventure. Although snowshoeing is typically safe, you need to be aware of snow conditions, avalanches and other cold-weather dangers. Like I mentioned before you can go snowshoeing just about anywhere, I just want to let you know some things you should know before venturing out:
Respect the Grooming. Look for areas that allow snowshoeing on the trails you visit. Don’t venture into unknown trails, or tracked ski trails.
Plan a Shorter Route than Your Average Hike. If you are an avid hiker, you may think that this will be a walk in the park, but when it comes to snowshoeing your body is working much harder. A good route for getting started is either an out and back or a loop course.
Dress Correctly. Layers are the answer when it comes to any snow sports. However, you won’t need too many layers for snowshoeing. Layer up so that you’re a bit chilly for the first 5-10 minutes. Dress a bit lighter than you would for a hike or run in comparable temperatures.
Get the Right Gear. Depending on how long of a hike, or how deep of snow you will need different types of snowshoes. Since this might be a new activity for you I recommend renting your shoes so it won’t be as expensive. Visit this website to rent any outdoor activity gear.
Know Your Gear. Try out your snowshoes at home first. Test out the binding, take them on and off on a scrap piece of carpet or heavy cardboard. It’s important to know to tighten your bindings.
It might sound a bit time consuming, but trust me you will have lots of fun. You can enjoy this activity with just about anybody. You can find trails just about anywhere you live all you have to do is google the best locations depending on where you are located, and you will be on your way.
