I want to walk in the woods and I don't care if there's rain, snow or dog poop in the way. I want a room with no walls, instead of four. I want to feel the winter chill on my cheeks and the dry air wrestle tears from my eyes. Will somebody PALEEZE bring me my snowshoes?!
With a simple tug on a strap, your everyday winter boots transform into gentle planes of metal capable of floating above waist deep snow or chipping into a regular shoes ice rink. I can traverse grand, untracked backcountry trails or scale my steep, concrete, icy driveway to deposit for pickup my outhouse sized trash bin.
If you can hike, you can snowshoe. Granted, you have to walk with a wider stance because your shoes are the size of Bozo the Clown's but there's simply no reason you should stay indoors on a snowy winter day. The device works because it effectively distributes the hikers mass over a larger area of snow, thus allowing him/her to "float" on the snow's surface.
Snowshoeing is one of the most exhilarating, simple, inexpensive activities for the whole family to enjoy. Manufacturers construct shoes now for kids three years old up to seventy, with support for every weight ratio. There are also women's snowshoes, running snowshoes, trekking snowshoes in addition to the plain old rentals you can check out from most outdoor sporting goods stores. The low-impact sport also burns between 420 - 1000 calories per hour, depending on whether you're walking or running, on packed snow or powder.
Probably the only mode of transportation 6,000 years ago, snowshoes can still carry you into remote areas you might never otherwise see. The streamlined frames of today and smaller shape afford more maneuverability and durability so you don't wind up tripping over your own feet and landing on your face. With these simple tips, you'll be ready to conquer the hill of your choice.
SHOE SELECTION:
Shoes of yesteryear consisted of a wood frame and rawhide lacing. You'll often see them hanging from walls of the next ski lodge you visit. Today's stompers come in all shapes and sizes of a lightweight, aluminum or titanium frame with durable synthetic decking materials for floatation and easy-to-adjust binding system to keep your feet centered over the shoe. Built-in crampons underneath the shoe sport "teeth" that dig into the snow to maximize traction. Snowshoes can also come in plastic or composite materials.
First off, choose a sturdy pair of shoes for our height, weight and activity ( racing, walking, mountaineering. ). The general rule is the deeper the snow - the longer the snowshoe. If you are trudging up a ski area or a groomed trail, choose something on the shorter side. Smaller shoes will accommodate your traction needs without added weight.
The " bearpaw " or Western-style symmetrical frame works best on the groomed trail. The oval frame evenly distributes your weight for greater stability and balance. Running/aerobic snowshoes are usually lighter and smaller with an asymmetrical shape, allowing for more clearance and natural, more efficient stride.
Backcountry snowshoes generally come in three sizes: 8 x 25 inches, 9 x 30 inches, 10 x 36 inches. They are wider and longer than other recreational shoes to keep you dancing above the snow. Longer snowshoes are also recommended for people weighing over 200 pounds.
Still not sure which shoe to buy? Thanks to the proliferation of the sport, most outfitters rent snowshoes. Usually you'll have the option of renting the equipment by the day or week. ( Telescoping snow poles are a good idea for balance and power. An ice axe can help with balance control, or getting over a hump when you're on a steep incline. ) Also consider what type of footwear you'll slap on your snowshoes. For plain hiking and walking, wear insulated and rubber boots; for running and aerobic conditioning on packed snow, some athletes use trail running shoes; in powder, use waterproof hiking boots and gaiters. Rub them down with Sno*Seal for added wetness protection.
Finally once you determine your commitment level to the sport, decide how much coin you plan to drop. Snowshoes can be cheap ( $40 ) or steep ( $ 400 ). If you snowshoe once a year while on vacation, consider borrowing a pair from a neighbor or renting some from a reputable shop to get the most recent technology, with the least amount of cost.
TECHNIQUE
CLIMBING: To ascend a slope, kick the front of your snowshoe into the snow and press down to compact it into a step. You can also, "herringbone". Step uphill with your toes at a 45 degree angle and walk like a duck.
DESCENDING: Keep your knees slightly bent, lean back and keep your weight on the heel cleats to maintain control.
EDGING: The best way to traverse a slope. Kick the side of the snowshoe into the hillside to engage the cleats. Swing your heel hard towards the uphill slope, step the snowshoe edge into the slope. Poles are helpful.
GETTING DRESSED
Layering is the key. You'll feel hot, cold, wet and dry. The wind may stir and the sun shine bright. Be prepared to keep all parts of the body warm at all times. With layering, you can take off and put on garments, as required, to regulate body temperature. FYI - never wear cotton! Wet cotton will not insulate and you will freeze.
Snowshoeing is strenuous and aerobic. It burns off calories and uses up body fluids quicker than you can say dehydration. Carry lots of water and make sure you are equipped for emergencies. Leave your planned itinerary with someone. Practice safety and beware of wild things that don't look like your kids. Just because there's a trail in the woods doesn't mean danger's at bay. Now, off you go! Winter is not the time to stay inside wishing for summer.
For more info on snowshoeing, see the Essential Snowshoer: A Step-By-Step Guide; by Marianne Zwosta; The Snowshoe Experience by Clair Walter. $ 9.95
Article submitted by Jill Adler. to learn more about Jill, please visit her Website
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