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Beat Winter Blues With Snowshoes
By Kimberly
Aardal
As temperatures start to cool, thoughts turn to the coming winter and
with that, winter sports. One winter sport that comes to mind is
snowshoeing. Snowshoeing has become a popular pastime in Colorado and
other states that embrace winter sports. The wonderful thing about
snowshoeing is you don't need any specialized skills or training to do
it. Any person that can hike can snowshoe.
While snowshoeing has been around for many years only recently, since
the 1970's, has it become a recreational activity for outdoor
enthusiasts. Snowshoeing was a necessity for many living in rugged,
snowy terrain and the only way to travel through deep snow during the
winter months. Along with the recent popularity of snowshoeing,
technology has stepped up and designed and manufactured more durable and
lightweight snowshoes. Snowshoes have come a long way since the wooden
framed, rawhide-laced versions worn by Inuits and Native Americans.
If you want to try snowshoeing, check with local ski rental shops where
you plan to snowshoe. Most will have snowshoes for rent. This is a good
way to see if this is a sport you want to get into. The experts in the
rental shops should be able to offer advice on size and type of
snowshoes to rent. Along with the snowshoes, they will fit you with
appropriate sized poles that will come in handy during your hike. You
should also have a good pair of insulated winter boots and gaiters
(gaiters fit over your pants and boot tops) to keep your feet warm and
dry. Start off by practicing walking with your snowshoes on near the
trailhead until you feel comfortable and ready to venture out. Take it
slow and conserve energy by keeping your feet close to the snow so
you're almost shuffling along.
Snowshoeing Tips
1. Determine snowshoe size based on your weight which will determine the
length you need
2. Choose snowshoes based on your activity and experience
a. Recreational (hiking snowshoe)-Best for most beginners and gentle
terrain
b. Backcountry-Best for hut trips, winter camping trips and more
advanced snowshoers
c. Racing-Designed for those who want to move fast through the snow and
compete in snowshoe races
d. Womens-Designed with women in mind to accommodate stride and body
shape unique to women
3. Snowshoe poles are invaluable for balance and help to get you up
hills.
4. Purchase good quality insulated waterproof boots.
5. Wear appropriate winter clothing
a. Base layer
b. Wicking layer
c. Insulating layer
d. Warm hat
e. Warm gloves
f. Warm socks
6. Bring along the Ten Essentials-the very same essentials you should
take on a hike.
7. Practice good etiquette while snowshoeing-avoid cross-country ski
tracks if at all possible. Big snowshoes can really mess up
cross-country ski trails.
8. Bring along a nice hot thermos of soup or chocolate to enjoy on the
trail.
9. Be aware of avalanche potential-see avalanche safety tips. Even
though you may be careful and know avalanche safety rules, others may
not be. So be vigilante and aware of others around you that may trigger
avalanches and avoid those areas.
Finding a good trail to snowshoe is as easy as finding a good hiking
trail. In most cases trails that can be hiked in the summer will make
good choices for snowshoeing as long as they are not too steep. The most
important factor is navigating. While many trails are well marked in the
summer, winter brings a blanket of white that covers the obvious path
you may be used to. The other common navigating obstacle is fresh snow.
Some snowshoe trails may be very popular and well marked from previous
snowshoers or cross-country skiers, but after a fresh dump of snow, it
is more challenging to stay on the trail. Other hidden dangers may
include ponds, rivers, hidden drop-offs that are not discernable while
snow covered. Keep in mind that you generally cannot cover as many miles
snowshoeing as you can hiking so pace yourself and give yourself plenty
of time to enjoy the surrounding beauty and solitude that winter brings.
Popular snowshoe trails in Colorado can be found in most areas of the
state. Many Colorado mountain towns have ski areas or Nordic centers
that offer groomed trails for both snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
Snowshoeing is a perfect way to get some outdoor time during the winter
months and keep those blues at bay. It brings a whole new perspective
and beauty to our natural surroundings. There is nothing better than
venturing out after a fresh snowfall and breathing in snow scrubbed
fresh air while savoring the quiet and solitude of the forest or
mountains that a blanket of snow brings.
About the Author: Kimberly Aardal
I live and spend time in Southwest Colorado and have a passion for
hiking and the outdoors. I live in the high country with my husband and
our yellow lab Ginger. My website is focused on hiking information that
includes reviews of hikes, maps and general hiking information, winter
sports, snowshoeing, mountain towns with lodging and restaurant
recommendations are included as well. Take a look
http://www.coloradohikersguide.com
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