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Why Snowshoe?
Snowshoeing is fun, energizing and a great way to stay in shape or just get outdoors
in winter. No matter what your age or your ability, if you can put one foot in front
of the other, you can snowshoe. It’s that easy. After two minutes of practice, you’ll
be cruising around like you were born with snowshoes on your feet. Not only will you
be having fun, you’ll be burning calories. Recent physiological research at several
universities has proven that snowshoeing is an effective way to lose weight, improve
fitness in cycling, running and walking, and gain strength. In fact, these studies
have shown that snowshoeing can burn 500 to 1000 kcal/hour! So get out there and
enjoy the snow! That’s what it’s there for, right?
The Right Snowshoe
It’s a good idea to rent or demo a pair of snowshoes the first time out, to make sure
they suit your intended needs.
- Determine the type of snowshoeing that you plan to do:
- fitness (running or walking)
- recreational hiking
- hiking/backpacking/backcountry
- Determine the snowshoe technology that best fits the above purpose. Snowshoe
shapes, materials, binding and crampons are designed for specific uses. Choose the
right design for the majority of the snowshoe outing, as no style or shape works best
in all conditions.
- Determine the snowshoe model size according to the total body weight with gear
and the anticipated snow conditions: packed or powder. 8”x 25” models work great in
all but the deepest powder snow conditions. Avoid the temptation to use a giant
snowshoe, very few people need the 10”x36” size.
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Suggestions on Where to Go Snowshoeing |
The answer could be as easy as stepping into your backyard or visiting your
favorite wood lot. With snowshoeing, the options of where to go are limitless.
Try snowshoeing:
- your favorite hiking, walking or mountain biking trail
- at the community recreation area
- around the local golf course
- on a nearby lake/river/reservoir trail
- at a State Park or National Forest
- at an Alpine or Nordic ski area
- For more information on places and trails to snowshoe in your area log on
to http://www.tubbs-trailnet.com,
the largest online resource for snowshoe trails across North America.
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The First Steps
Snowshoeing has been billed as “the sport without a learning curve.” If you can walk,
you can snowshoe is the general rule, but there are a few things that will make your
initial snowshoeing forays a pleasant experience.
- Begin on packed snow and level terrain. Snowshoes provide flotation, but that
doesn’t mean you’ll be able to walk on top of deep, dry snow. By starting on packed
snow you’ll get the hang of it a little quicker.
- Start by walking, getting used to the snowshoes on your feet. You may feel a
little awkward at first but after a few steps you go from beginner to advanced
intermediate.
- Walk with a “normal stride width” and don’t exaggerate foot lift. Avoid the
tendency to walk like Big Foot, think efficiency of movement.
- Use a strong arm-swing for propulsion and balance. Your arms will help move you
forward and keep you from losing your balance, especially if you’re in powder snow.
- For walkers, the addition of poles can assist you. Poles can really help if you
feel unbalanced, or you are uncertain of the terrain under the snow.
- If you’re running, use less emphasis on toe push-off.
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Want to Get a Great Workout? |
If you are looking to do workout on snowshoes, the possibilities are endless,
but here is one of my favorites.
Snow Depth Fartlek:
This is variation on the Swedish term meaning speed play. It is done by
snowshoeing along a trail and periodically locating objects off the trail in
the deep snow, such as a tree, log, etc. Veer off the path and snowshoe hard
and fast until reaching the object, return to the trail, recover by walking
easily and repeat again further along the route. Great to do with a partner.
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What to wear snowshoeing?
In a word, layers. It may be cold outside but once you start moving and having fun on
your snowshoes, you’ll be warm before you know it. Snowshoeing is an aerobic activity.
You are going to generate plenty of warmth and you’re going to cool down quickly while
resting. The ability to add and remove layers is vital. Some pieces to consider:
- Lightweight, breathable long underwear
- Wool or fleece insulation layer
- Wind and water resistant outerwear
- Wool socks to keep feet warm
- Lightweight hiking boots or running shoes if you’re going to run
- Light Gloves
- Hat or headband
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
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