There ain't no better way to begin snowshoeing than just going and doing it. Take a risk, rent or buy a pair of snowshoes, dress for the elements and enjoy. However, that's just a start - there is more to it than just taking a refreshing plunge in some snow.
Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years. And, obviously, the art of snowshoeing has become more sophisticated over time - now it's considered a winter sport. From the early wood-frame to the aluminum-frame models, snowshoeing has garnered quite a following throughout the world. Modern day snowshoeing is made up of casual snowshoers who hike trails for pleasure, the snowshoeing enthusiasts who trek through the backcountry, and the competitors who race.
Considering this is the fastest growing winter sport in the world (snowboarding is growing fast too, but not fast enough), snowshoeing is poised to become a monster of a market. Many involved in skiing and snowboarding utilize snowshoes to participate in some great backcountry hikes to find the holy grail of mother nature: Deep, unscathed powder. Snowshoeing is a great alternative for many sports - especially those who like running.
What's So Great About Snowshoeing?
The sport is easy to learn, virtually inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months. According to research provided by Snowsports Industries America (SIA), 40.8 percent of snowshoers are women (a number that is increasing rapidly), 9.4 percent of snowshoers are children (ages 7-11), and 44.2 percent of snowshoers are ages 25-44.
One of the more appealing facts about snowshoeing is how it can help enrich a person's health. Known to help maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, the sport helps burn more than 600 calories per hour. Snowshoers can burn more than 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed, according to SIA. Snowshoeing is a great way to pursue losing weight; however, a healthy diet should be maintained to seek the appropriate effectiveness in a healthy lifestyle as well.
What to Look For in a Pair of Snowshoes?
When buying or renting a pair snowshoes, keep in mind the following details:
- There are three types of snowshoes available: Recreational Hiking,
Aerobic/Fitness and Hiking/Backpacking.
- Recreational hiking snowshoes are a basic selection and are
perfect for first-timers. Usually, these snowshoes work best on
simple terrain that doesn't require a lot of steep climbing or
descents.
- Snowshoes for aerobic/fitness are best suited for those who
are active snowshoers - like runners and cross-trainers. This
type of snowshoe has a very sleek design and is generally tougher
than most available.
- If you like the powder and are more experienced with snowshoeing,
purchasing a pair of hiking/backpacking snowshoes is your ticket.
These are as tough as they come: Strong aluminum frame, durable
material for flotation, and bindings that support all types of
boots.
- The cost for a pair of snowshoes is generally inexpensive. Look
to spend on the low-end around $100 and on the high-end around $300
(sometimes higher depending on the manufacturer).
- Many retailers will offer a package deal that will provide poles
and a snowshoe bag. These are generally good deals, but pay particular
attention to the type of snowshoe you will be receiving. If you want
to do some backcountry snowshoeing, a starter kit won't be the best
option. Ask your retailer for more details.
- It is highly advised not to purchase a used pair of snowshoes.
If you decide to go through with buying a used pair, inspect them
thoroughly: Check the frames for damage (including chips), check the
bindings for overstress and check the flotation material for holes
and rips. Know who you are buying your snowshoes from. Don't get caught
in the backcountry with a faulty pair of shoes.
- Finally, as one of the most important factors in snowshoeing, choose
according to the size available. Usually measured in inches, the length
will depend upon how much you weigh. The most common sizes (excluding
kids lengths) are 25 inches, 30 inches and 36 inches. Your retailer
should be able to help you when deciding snowshoe length.
Where to Buy or Rent a Pair of Snowshoes?
There are plenty of snowshoe retailers to choose from. However, there
are more obvious choices than others. For example, REI and Eastern Mountain
Sports (EMS) sell snowshoes around the nation - they are the obvious
retailers. The less obvious retailers are independent stores that may
include equipment for running and local mountain outfitters.
Although price may be similar between retailers (unless they are having
a sale, which they often do), snowshoe brands will differ. If you really
want a nice selection of shoes to purchase from a retailer, visit Backcountry.com:
Click
here. Backcountry.com is the place to buy not only snowshoes but
accessories as well. They also have great prices on certain brands,
models and snowshoe starter kits.
eBay is another great place to purchase snowshoes for a reasonable price.
If you decide to purchase from eBay, be on the lookout for used snowshoes
(you won't be able to inspect them before you buy). For more information
on eBay (and Craigslist.org) snowshoe deals, visit SnowshoeGear.com.
If you would like to rent snowshoes, the best place to start is with
a ski and snowboard rental store. They will most likely have a decent
selection for you to choose from. However, many retailers (like REI)
will let their customers rent snowshoes. Ask your retailer for more
details.
The other alternative to widen your snowshoe selection search is to
purchase directly from the manufacturer.
Here's a list of the snowshoe manufacturers (a majority are based in
the United States, some are worldwide):
Atlas Snow-Shoe Co. - www.atlassnowshoe.com
Baldas Snowshoes - www.baldas.com
Crescent Moon Snowshoes - www.crescentmoonshowshoes.com
Dion Snowshoes - www.dionsnowshoes.com
Faber Snowshoes - www.fabersnowshoes.com
GV Snowshoes - www.gvsnowshoes.com
Havlick Snowshoes - www.havlicksnowshoe.com
Iverson Snowshoe Co. - www.iversonsnowshoe.com
Mountain Safety Research - www.msrcorp.com
Northern Lites Snowshoes - www.northernlites.com
Redfeather Snowshoes - www.redfeather.com
Schnee Schuh Profi - www.schneeschuhprofi.com
Shoeboard - www.shoeboard.com
TSL Snowshoes - www.tslsportequipment.com
Tubbs Snowshoes - www.tubbssnowshoes.com
Ursus Snowshoes - www.ursussnowshoes.com
Vert Snowshoes - www.verts.com
Whitewoods USA - www.eriksports.com
Wilcox and Williams Snowshoes - www.snowshoe.com
Yowie Snowshoes - www.yowies.com.au
Yukon Charlie's Snowshoes - www.yukoncharlies.com
Yupi Skishoes - www.yupiskishoes.com
(If this list is missing a manufacturer, please e-mail [email protected])
Where Should You Go Snowshoeing?
If it's covered in snow...go for it!
But, be careful. Don't take risks and most importantly, have fun.
The prime areas for snowshoeing are at nordic centers, which are usually
placed in or around a ski resort. Other types of snowshoeing destinations
include bed and breakfast inns, mountain lodges, state parks, national
parks, snow-covered golf courses, open space (provided by your state
government), ski slopes, and much more.
Backcountry snowshoeing is particularly dangerous considering avalanche
problems can occur. It would be wise to seek educational courses on
avalanche safety (purchasing an avalanche beacon is suggested). For
more information, seek out your local mountain and/or outdoors club.
Although many people like the individuality and peacefulness of snowshoeing,
it's a good idea to snowshoe with a friend or partner. And, bring a
global positioning system (GPS) device and a compass to help better
navigate remote and wooded areas.
There are also snowshoe events around the nation that are organized
by such associations and companies like Winter Trails (www.wintertrails.org),
REI, EMS, The United States Snowshoe Association (www.snowshoeracing.com),
a variety of snowshoe manufacturers and more. Every snow-laden state
should have snowshoe events every year, check your local community and
recreational listings for more details. Or, visit www.snowshoemag.com
for an up-to-date event calendar and snowshoe club information.
Please note: Remember to bring plenty of water or a water filter on
your snowshoe travels.
What Should I Wear When Snowshoeing?
Footwear:
It is wise to choose your footwear according to your snowshoeing style.
Leather hiking boots that have been waterproofed are great for hiking
and backcountry trekking. Trail-running shoes (like those provided by
Nike ACG) are perfect for running and aerobic snowshoeing (look for
GORE-TEX material). Snowboarding boots are also ideal for snowshoeing.
Waterproofing is the key!
Wool socks for hiking and/or a wool/silk combination for running are
important to snowshoeing. Never wear cotton socks when in the snowy
elements.
And, if you plan to snowshoe in deep snow and don't plan to stay on
snow-packed trails, wear Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and
shoes. GORE-TEX Gaiters are great selection for backcountry hikers.
Clothing:
Don't be afraid to dress in layers. And, use layers that can be taken
off with ease, considering in some cases it can get hot during the spring
season. Consider wearing synthetics and wool to induce heat retention
when wet. Long underwear is essential when snowshoeing and a zippered
top lets you regulate body heat.
Polyester fleece provides a great insulation, as it too retains heat
when wet. And, a waterproof jacket (preferably something with GORE-TEX)
will keep you dry and protect you from cold winds.
The more obvious choices in winter wear are gloves, a hat, sunglasses
(or goggles) and other personal selections.
Competing as a Snowshoer: Where to Begin and Where to Go to
Race
Snowshoe racing and competition is growing quickly within the sport
- nationwide. The popularity of events on a state-by-state basis and
national championships series is blossoming as more snowshoers gain
a considerable amount of expertise.
The best place to search for racers and to get involved is to start
with The United States Snowshoe Association. For more information, visit
http://www.snowshoeracing.com.
Also, the snowshoe manufacturers hold racing events throughout the winter
months. Redfeather, Atlas and Tubbs are the companies that stage a majority
of the events in the United States.
Other Important Internet Resources
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowshoeing
|
