Snowshoeing 101: What to Know to Try it
What Kind of Equipment do I need? If you are not sure if snowshoeing is for you, I would not recommend purchasing a full blown pair of snowshoes at full price. I might suggest going to a park and renting snowshoes to try it out first. The only thing you should remember is that rental snowshoes are much lower quality than those sold at sporting goods stores. Most often rentals are made of PVC pipe and other low quality materials. They are liable to snap or break and are not as comfortable as higher quality models. It is wise to keep this in mind when you go out for the first time. If you go the first time and decide you like it, I would suggest buying a nicer pair of snowshoes. Unless you plan to race competitively, you’ll simply need a middle of the road pair. If you shop during the right time of year, you can find a good quality pair for around $60 to $75. They are usually made of lightweight aluminum and have a hard plastic binding. I would also recommend a snowshoe with steel claws on the toes, for going up and down hills. Most snowshoes kits come with poles, but if you need to buy them separately I would refrain from doing so. The only reason you might need poles is if you should have trouble with balance and coordination. If that is you then I would definitely recommend buying poles.
What to wear? Wear boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and definitely double up on socks. I would not recommend wearing snow pants or a large ski parka, unless it is below 10 degrees. You will most likely get very warm during snowshoeing, so the best approach is to wear light layers and remove them if you feel hot. Suggested apparel to wear is a hat, gloves, long pants (with long underwear on cold days) and a long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt. This will give you free range of motion as well as a comfy balance in temperature.
How do I do it? Snowshoeing is actually very simple to do but does take a little bit of balance. It is easiest to put snowshoes on in a sitting position. Loosen the straps and put your foot inside. Your toes should extend a few inches out at the top of the shoe and your heel should be supported by snowshoe. Tighten the straps so that you foot does not move from side to side. Then you are ready to begin. Being careful to stand up (use poles if this is difficult), take your first step in front of you by swinging it out a little to the side. Do this with both legs until you figure out how close your feet can be without tripping on the snowshoes. It is that simple. Make sure to lift your knees up high to get the maximum workout. You may feel a bit bow legged at first, but that feeling will go away quickly once you get going.
The best time to snowshoe is when there is a six inch base on the ground, with a fresh blanket of fallen snow. Going snowshoeing with anything less than that will damage your snowshoes and will also is very hard on your joints. Powdery snow is some of the most fun snow to trudge around in; you will feel like you are walking on top!
Many cities have parks, nature preserves or vacant golf courses that have trails for snowshoeing for free. Just be sure to stay off the cross country ski tracks! Snowshoes tracks will ruin nicely groomed ski trails.
If you decide to take up this sport, you will likely find that snowshoeing can be a very relaxing activity that will help you get in touch with nature.
