Snowshoeing, a Great Workout, and Great Fun

If you have ever hiked any distance, snowshoeing is no different except you have a a pair of tennis rackets strapped to your boots.  This is one sport that virtually every person who tries it will love, first time.

You could say that snowshoeing is hiking on snow-covered trails.  The nice thing is that you have specially designed gear to help distribute your weight across a much larger area than your boots, thus keeping you atop the snow.

Early snowshoes were made of wood.  Decking was a sort of woven tapestry. Bindings were a combination of metal and leather.

Kids do it. Couples do it. Retirees do it too.  Like hiking the Colorado back country all Summer, snowshoes allow you to do it on many of the same trails, in winter.  There is no way to explain how different and beautiful the trail you hiked in July is compared to winter, except to go out and do it.

Modern snowshoes are light, easy to put on and take off with gloves on.

Take it from a person who relishes his solitude, and I do have my favorite spots.  In winter, that same spot you sat on to watch a marmot scamper across a pile of scree can provide an entirely different level of solitude.  No planes overhead, no birds, no chattering squirrels..get the picture.

Start with this list of clothing and gear.

Clothes

• Layering of clothes; thermal top and bottom undies, breathable LS shirt or fleeece jacket, waterproof jacket or shell and snowpants
• Waterproof gloves
• Ski Cap
• Wool or synthetic-blend socks (no cotton)
• Waterproof boots
• Gaiters

Gear

• Snowshoes (borrow or rent first few times)
• Poles (snow baskets can be affixed to most hiking poles)
• Polarized sunglasses or goggles
• Camelbak
• Daypack with extra socks, sunscreen, fa kit, camera and snacks

Guidelines/rules:  Much the same as when hiking.  Go out with a friend or group.  Go on trails you know.  Your body will work harder so don't plan long outings to start.  Start at a nordic center, or park visitor center.  It will serve as a rental service, and ask for a trail map, it's a source for food and a warm place to recover after the experience.

A group on snowshoes enjoys the back country in winter.

State and national parks designate certain trails as snowshoe trails.  They will be marked as such.  If you have your own snowshoes or borrow them, start at a local community park or open space you are familiar with.   Don't over do it the first time.  If your first experience is a good one, you will want to do it again.

More to come on the sport, including favorite trails, where to find gear, how to dress, tips on safety, and much more.  Check this blog for these and other related topics.