If you love snow but hate skiing then why not try snowshoeing, a great winter sport and one that is growing in popularity? Snowshoeing gets you away from the crowds and offers you the opportunity of walking through deep unbroken snow, climbing a snowy peak for unspoilt winter views or the sheer enjoyment of just playing around in the snow.
From a fitness point of view, you get to burn lots of calories and there is little or no risk of injury.
Getting Started
To get started, you'll need a pair of snowshoes. Modern snowshoes are lightweight and it only takes a few minutes to get comfortable with them. Snowshoes are around 2 feet long with lightweight aluminium oblong frames. To stop you from sinking into the snow, a high-tech fabric is stretched across the frames. You can strap the snowshoes on to any comfortable footwear such as running or walking shoes. Snowshoes cost between 0 and 0 and come in different sizes and designs which are suited to different types of snowshoeing such as running on packed snow to back-country hiking.
If you've never tried snowshoeing before, rent a pair of snowshoes from a ski shop along with a set of trekking poles, to help you get uphill and maintain your balance when going downhill. You can then decide whether you enjoy the sport sufficiently to invest in these essential items.
In addition to snowshoes and trekking poles, you'll need to wear the correct clothing. A three-layer system consisting of a lightweight, breathable base layer that wicks away sweat, a fleece pullover or vest and a lightweight, waterproof for very cold, snowy days will be perfect.
How To Snowshoe
Snowshoeing is not difficult and doesn't need the technical skills of a skier. If you can walk you can snowshoe!
However, here a few tips to help you along:
Get started on packed snow. Walking through powdery snow is like walking through deep, dry sand and can leave you puffing and panting. The deeper the snow and the steeper the terrain the worse it gets.
Snowshoe in single-file in powdery snow. If you're snowshoeing in a group, share the load of "breaking trail," i.e. being the first person to make a trail through fresh snow. Also, take frequent rest breaks to make the experience more enjoyable.
Drink plenty of water. Snowshoeing is hard work and the air, particularly at high altitude, can be very dry. Wear a water-bottle holster or winter sports hydration pack to make it easier to take on water.
Snowshoe effectively. On hilly terrain, kick the front of your snowshoe into the snow and stomp down to compact the snow. To make sure you don't slip, make certain each step is clear and distinct from the previous step. On downhill stretches, bend you knees slightly and lean back to keep your weight on your heal cleats.
By starting out with the correct gear and following the simple tips outlined in this article, you'll soon be enjoying the thrill and benefits of snowshoeing. So, why not give it a go?
