“A group of friends would book the lodge and bring great food,” he recalled. “After a fresh snowfall, the trees were shrouded in snow.The whole world seemed to be a crystalline wonderland, with a slight bluish cast. It was so bright, you could almost read a newspaper by the moonlight.”

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Joyce Lynn Coker, who runs the Hope Valley Outdoor Center south of Lake Tahoe off Highway 88, is also big on moonlight ski and snowshoe tours.
“They are some of my favorite things to do,” said Coker, who will offer tours this winter Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 18 and March 19. “We don’t go out for long skis or snowshoe walks, so it’s more about the experience rather than covering any kind of distance.”
Off and on, Coker has spent almost 20 years in Yosemite National Park and learned to appreciate winter under a full moon there.
“A clear sky is nice,” she said. “But a partly cloudy evening is even better because it’s bright and then gets dark and then the moon will pop out from behind a cloud again.
“It’s pretty exciting to be out there with the glittering, sparkling snow and it gives you a whole different perspective. A while back, when we skied through a stand of burned trees, the stark shadows made it like something out of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ You almost expected one of the Wicked Witches to jump out and cackle at you.”
Coker said one of her favorite tours in the park is to head out the 10-mile trail to Glacier Point and camp out under the full moon. She also recommends staying at the Tioga Pass Resort off Highway 395 and skiing in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite.
“Hope Valley is nice because it’s big (2,400 acres) and open,” she said. “It’s not a deep gorge like Yosemite Valley, but it’s much higher at 7,000 feet so the snow is more consistent and it’s surrounded by high peaks in the distance.”
Coker also recommends a sunset or moonlight cross-country or snowshoe outing along the shore of South Lake Tahoe at Camp Richardson Resort. Or for a higher elevation tour, try the Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area on the east side of Lake Tahoe off Highway 28.
Not far from Hope Valley is Kirkwood, which will offer guided full moon snowshoe treks this winter. The guided tours cost $25 and include the cost of rentals.
On the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Northstar will offer moonlight snowshoe tours with a twist. These outings, for all ages, include live acoustic music, s’mores and hot cocoa. The tours cover roughly 3 miles on Northstar Mountain.
In addition, Northstar will run snowshoe star tours on moonless nights, led by Tony Berendsen, a poet and president of the Nevada Science Coalition. He led summer star gazing tours that included a poem reading, a space quiz, a laser tour of the stars and constellations and a telescopic viewing.

By Brian E. Clark
Contra Costa Times Correspondent

Original Article: http://www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci_16575566?nclick_check=1

Even though snowshoeing has grown in popularity every year for the last 15 or so years, participants still struggle to find quality footwear appropriate for their sport.

That’s evidenced by the repeated e-mails I received following last month’s Snow Sports section that featured a review of new snowshoes. I sympathize with those frustrated readers. Snowshoers need warmth and support in their boots, but all too often they end up choosing one or the other. Here’s a great selection of Snowshoeing Boots.

Fortunately, a few companies do understand the needs of winter hikers, and one of them, Lowa, offers a new boot that may be the best snowshoe boot I’ve ever used. We’ve tested these new Paluk GTX boots while kicking around the Cascades for the last few weeks, snowshoeing up through the Paradise meadows of Mount Rainier, over the knolls that line Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics, and up and down the woodland meadows of the Blewett Pass area.

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I’ve found that the Paluks offer the perfect mix of foot and ankle support, weather (water) protection and warmth. A proprietary lining provides superb insulation, while Gore-Tex bonded to a waterproof synthetic leather upper ensures your feet stay dry. A light rubber rand encircles the lower section of the boot, offering additional water protection, but more importantly, a durable nonslip surface for snowshoe bindings to grip. A multi-density outsole bites into snow yet sheds it easily so you don’t end up with clumps underfoot.

The Paluk GTX boots are billed as mid-height, though the cuffs are high enough to ensure snow doesn’t creep in over the top. Add a pair of gaiters and there’s absolutely no way snow will get into the boot. The Paluks are available in men’s half sizes, 8-12, as well as size 13 and 14. They sell for $190. Women who find those sizes not fitting may consider the Lowa Women’s Trident GTX — a boot with most of the same features as the Paluk, though with a natural nubuck leather upper and a more aggressive tread on the outsoles. They sell for $180. More information: www.lowaboots.com.

Freelancer Dan A. Nelson, of Puyallup, is a regular contributor to Backpacker magazine, and an author of outdoor guides with The Mountaineers Books. For the purpose of review, gear manufacturers lend products, which are returned after a typical use of four to six weeks. There is no payment from manufacturers and they have no control over the content of reviews. Contact Dan with gear-related questions at gearguy@adventuresnw.net.

SOURCE: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2010523515_nwwgettingingear17.html

This article caught our attention in the Winter 2009 Issue of Wilderness Medicine Magazine.

Winter doesn’t have to be a stay-at-home season. There are plenty of opportunities to get your kids into the outdoors. With some basic equipment, reading, lessons and tapping into your own experiences, you can equip your kids and give them skills to participate in outdoor winter adventures and sports.

Get Ready, Set…Go

Back in the sixties I remember being so bundled for a winter outing I walked like a grade B movie monster. Gone are the days of cotton long underwear, thick cotton sweaters and bulky water logged snowsuits. The Fall 2008 edition of WM magazine discussed clothing and gear, but winter requires some added advice.

Outfit your kids in non-cotton synthetic fiber clothing using the layer method. Give attention to waterproof mittens or gloves with liners. Wool or fleece hats contain warmth and should cover their ears. Neck gaiters make up the distance between jackets and hats. They can also be pulled up for face protection. Neoprene face masks in extreme cold not only protect from cold exposure but also from sun and wind burns. Thicker synthetic socks and waterproof boots protect feet. Pay special attention to tight fitting boots which restrict toe movement and predispose to cold injury. Light reflection from snow cover can cause UV eye burns – bring sunglasses or goggles for all. Sunscreen is a must for exposed skin.

Helmets should be non-negotiable for activities such as sledding, skiing, and snowboarding.

Remember to bundle infants and small carry-along kids who may not be heating up from exercise as much as you. Carry instant heat packs, which shouldn’t be depended on for prolonged exposure situations, but can help take the chill from hands and feet. Besides, they are as good as a magic trick for little ones who marvel at the scrunch and heat trick.

Fun Things to Do

You can’t beat a great snowball battle or building Frosty for a quick outdoor activity, but there are a whole lot of winter adventures waiting to help build your kids’ confidence, skills, and general good health.

Sledding:

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Three important pieces of advice: Wear a helmet. Wear a helmet. Wear a helmet.

Too often this is considered a benign sport, but consider your kids are on a device that gains speed and eventually collides with something or someone. Examine and repair damaged equipment and check steering function. Sleds with runners and steering devises are safer than disks or toboggans. Pick gentle slopes, away from hazards, with a spacious level area to stop. Teach them proper riding position with feet always pointing downhill. Make a game of pulling the sled and racing back up the hill. Feed and water them every hour to maintain energy and warmth.

Skiing or Snowboarding:

Helmets. Helmets. Helmets.

These activities require training from a skilled individual. If you don’t ski or snowboard, consider lessons for the whole family. All resorts offer a variety of lesson packages that can include ski rentals and lift tickets. During lessons they learn not only to ski but how to fall and avoid injury. Rent equipment for a season if they are new to the sport before making a big investment in gear. The ski rental shop will help choose and fit the equipment. But if your child complains about a tight fit or bindings that don’t release when they fall, take time out for an adjustment back at the shop. Check your own equipment at the beginning of the season for needed repairs and routine maintenance. If you teach them yourselves try using a harness to control their speed, or ski next to them holding your pole parallel to the ground so they can hold onto it, or like we did for our youngest, just ski ten feet ahead of them to act as a stop if needed. No matter what method you use inject fun into the activity by taking lots of breaks for snacks and hot chocolate, play games like searching for winter birds, and let them snap pictures to preserve memories of the fun.

Snowshoeing:

Winter hiking just got a whole lot more fun with snowshoes. No learning curve here; if they can walk, they can snowshoe. Wearing snowshoes allows you to ride above the snow instead of sinking into it. You exert less energy, stay drier, and can cover more distance. As with any hike bring a map, emergency rescue gear, extra food, extra clothing, and leave your itinerary with someone. Most XC ski centers also rent snowshoes and poles for use on their trails. This is an opportunity to teach your kids respect for multi-use trails. Stay out of the XC ski tracks and yield to skiers coming downhill. It’s also a great time to observe the scenery and wildlife when walking down a quiet snow-laden trail.

Winter Camping:

Some campgrounds operate year round, or you can backpack into a designated trail campsite. If this is a first-time winter camping trip, consider car or tent camping in a designated campsite. Having your vehicle nearby is an “out” for sudden weather changes. Bring a four-season tent, sleeping bags, and thick sleeping mats or air cushions for ground insulation. Plan to sleep wearing your hat and mittens. This is a terrific opportunity to teach kids winter survival skills such as fire building in wet conditions, snow fort construction, trail finding, and weather monitoring.

Slick Advice for Tricky Conditions

Start outdoor adventures, like snowshoeing, early in the day so you are back before the daylight fades. Allow extra travel time for bad weather, traffic delays, poor road conditions, or detours. Stay home if the weather is bad. Frequently check kids clothing and gear for wetness and proper coverage. Catching problems early can avert a worse disaster later down the trail. Bring along extra hats, gloves, mittens, socks, and scarves to replace wet items. Bring a dry pair of shoes and extra food. Most kids less than twelve years need supervision for these outdoor activities which also gives you a chance to teach and spend valued time together. Equally important is bringing your sense of fun and flexibility. Quitting before they and you are exhausted reduces the risk of injury and enhances their prospect of continuing these winter outdoor traditions with their own kids.

When I walk someone through the snowshoe selection process, the first question I always ask is, “what will you be using your snowshoes for?” The answer to this question usually eliminates ¾ of the snowshoe selection.

You say:

“I plan on snowshoeing for fun with my family, and don’t intend to use them regularly or on difficult terrain.”

If your answer sounds something like this, you are probably in the market for a recreation snowshoe. This snowshoe is designed for the casual/beginner/all around snowshoer. The shoe has comfortable, easy-to-adjust bindings and conservative traction systems for gentler terrain, for example the park, golf course, or field in your neighborhood. This snowshoe category is also a good value for you if you are not sure you will use them often or year after year.

You say:

“I plan on snowshoeing frequently and may go off trail from time to time or on steep slopes. I probably won’t be climbing peaks, or backpacking, but I want a high quality, durable shoe.”

If your answer sounds something like this, you are probably in the market for a hiking snowshoe. This snowshoe is designed for the casual to frequent snowshoer and is the largest category of snowshoes on the market. This snowshoe will be the best value, as you will see a step up in decking material, crampon quality and frame design. This snowshoe is a great all around shoe for the person who may be snowshoeing in the park one day and on the local mountain trails the next.

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You say:

“I plan on snowshoeing on challenging terrain. I might be carrying a heavy pack or ski/snowboard equipment, and I often wear bulky boots when I snowshoe. I could be in deep snow or on an icy slope on the same day.”

If your answer sounds something like this, you are probably in the market for a backcountry/mountaineering snowshoe. This snowshoe is designed for the backcountry enthusiast/aggressive snowshoer. The shoe has a heavy-duty binding, (often ratcheted) to accommodate a bulkier boot. The traction system is more aggressive with larger crampons for icy and steep terrain. The decking material is highly durable for varying weather and terrain conditions.

You Say:

“I plan on running to stay in shape during the winter and want to hit some of the local trails in the area. I might even enter a snowshoe race this season.”

If your answer sounds something like this, you are probably in the market for a racing/running snowshoe. This snowshoe is designed for the fitness enthusiast. It typically has lighter-weight construction and bindings than your average snowshoe. The bindings are designed with running shoes vs. boots in mind. They lace up and cup athletic footwear well. There is typically an extra cleat under the toe for additional traction while running on packed trails.

Our Next Article will cover How to Pick the right Snowshoe Size.

This is part of a larger article covering all aspects of purchasing snowshoes. This is one section of that series on how to pick the perfect pair of snowshoes. To read the entire article, please click here.

There is also a slightly smaller shoe built with women in mind: 8″ x 21″, and even smaller shoes intended for children: 6″ x 15″ and 7″ x 18″.

These measurements are often stated, in some form or another in the snowshoe name, and are the width of the snowshoes in inches by the length of the snowshoe in inches. This will help you visualize the snowshoe when it is not sitting in front of you.

There are general sizing charts associated with all snowshoe brands, but don’t use these as a strict guide to your final sizing decision. IN GENERAL, an 8″ x 25″ snowshoe fits snowshoers weighing 120lbs – 180lbs. A 9″ x 30″ snowshoe fits snowshoers weighing 160lbs – 220lbs., and a 10″ x 36″ shoe fits snowshoers weighing over 200lbs.

Again, these are not hard and fast rules, so let’s consider some different scenarios.

You say:

I weigh 170 pounds, but I typically use my snowshoes in the backcountry with a 20-pound pack.

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If your answer sounds something like this, you need to consider your total weight with gear. It is important to first determine how much you will typically weigh when you are ready to hit the trail. This includes excessive weight linked to footwear, hydration, a loaded pack, extra clothing, etc. If you will typically weigh an extra 20 pounds when you hit the trail, you will be more likely to sink if you are wearing a snowshoe that only holds your weight.

You say:

I weigh 170 pounds, but I never venture off packed trails.

If your answer sounds something like this, you need to consider your snow conditions and terrain. These are very important considerations, because of the link between snowshoe size and flotation. The purpose of a snowshoe is to keep you afloat and provide traction when you are walking on snow. If you typically stay on packed trails, you will be a lot less likely to sink with each step than you would if you were walking off the trail into deep snow.

Once you get off the trail, what type of snow are you stepping into? If you live in an area with thick, heavy, wet snow, you will be a lot less likely to sink deep into the snow, than if you are stepping into dry, light, powder. The general rule to take from this scenario is the harder the snow pack, (a packed trail being one of the hardest), the less likely you are to sink, and therefore the less flotation you need.

So, you have decided on your activity and snowshoe size, what’s left? FEATURES. And we will cover that in our next article.

This is part of a larger article covering all aspects of purchasing snowshoes. This is one section of that series on how to pick the perfect pair of snowshoes. To read the entire article, please click here.

You say:

How do I know which type of decking material is the best?

The decking material is what wraps around the frame of the snowshoe and gives you your flotation. Speaking objectively, there is no “best” decking material – they all have their own strengths. Hypalon decking is a rubber material found in river rafts and tends to be flexible, forgiving, cold resistant and lightweight. Composite plastic decking is rigid, stable, cold resistant and strong. Both decking materials can share all of these traits, but both are best known for their unique features. There are also certain compact snowshoes made without frames that have a plastic deck that supports weight on its own.

You say:

Are fixed or pivot bindings best for me?

Fixed Bindings are popular because they offer a natural, comfortable stride. The binding is connected to the snowshoe with a strong, neoprene rubber band, which gives the snowshoe a bit of spring while you are walking. Instead of dragging on the ground, the snowshoe follows your foot with each step. This makes it easier if you are traveling off a trail and have to climb over objects, maneuver through dense areas, or back up. Some people don’t like this type of binding, because when the snowshoe “springs” up, it can kick snow on the back of your legs.

Pivot Bindings are popular because they allow the tail of the snowshoe to fall away from your foot with each step you take. The binding is attached to the snowshoe with a metal rod, which allows the shoe to pivot 90 degrees. Since the shoes don’t follow your foot when you step, you shed snow from the tail with each step, reducing leg fatigue. Another feature that makes the pivot binding popular is that it allows you to kick your crampon into steep slopes when you are climbing. Your stride may not be as natural, and it is more difficult to back up with pivot bindings.

You say:

What kind of crampon do I need to have on my shoe?

There is not as much choice in this area. Snowshoe manufacturers have put the appropriate crampon on the shoe according to the intended use of the snowshoe, which you have already narrowed down. But, so you know what you are getting, here is a little information. Recreation snowshoes will have more moderate traction than climbing snowshoes. Climbing snowshoes typically have more aggressive talons that dig deep into the slope. Toe Crampons made of a variety of materials, but typically of stainless steel, are found underneath the binding and pivot with your foot to dig into the snow and provide traction.

Heel Crampons typically come on backcountry shoes. They are usually in a V formation under your heel and in addition to providing extra traction, slow you down on a descent as they fill with snow. Titanium Crampons found in few shoes are lightweight and extremely strong. This is the ideal crampon for a serious racer, or someone who wants to reduce weight when running on snow. Traction Bars are ideal for lateral stability. These are most often found on shoes without an aluminum frame. Traction bars are incomparable when crossing steep slopes, as they give traction along the entire edge of the shoe.

You say:

How do I know which shape snowshoe is best for me?

In the end, this decision is just one of personal preference – here are your choices:

Rounded Tail snowshoes are typically oval in shape and are symmetrical. The rounded tail is ideal for stability and flotation, as they don’t lose any surface area in their design. They do lose a bit in their maneuverability. Because you have to make your stride longer and your stance wider, you are more likely to struggle initially with your balance, since it is not your natural gait.

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Pointed Tail snowshoes allow for a more natural stride since the tail tapers at the back. You don’t have to make your stride as long to clear the surface area of the other shoe. A bit of flotation is lost, because the back of the shoe does not cover as much surface area. They also tend to be a little less stable, since the front is significantly wider than the back.

You say:

Which snowshoe frame should I select?

Again, the frame selection is not much of a decision because manufacturers put the best frame on the snowshoe for its intended use.

Wooden Snowshoe Frames are hard to come by these days, but manufacturers are bringing them back for those who are looking for a traditional snowshoe.

Aluminum Snowshoe Frames are the most popular frame on the market. They are lightweight, strong and durable. Some shoes come with aluminum frames that are powder coated. Powder coated frames are nice because they come in a variety of colors and shed snow efficiently.

Powder coated frames can lose some of their visual appeal as the paint chips away with heavy use.

Frameless snowshoes are good for someone looking for a lightweight, compactable shoe. These shoes typically have traction bars along the length of the shoe to provide stability and traction.

It is important to remember that you don’t have to wade through a lot of these features when you are selecting your shoes because the manufacturer fits the best materials to the shoe’s intended use. It is nice to know what you are looking at, though, because it is easy to get bogged down with the technical jargon.

Snowshoeing is a great sport! Once you have selected the perfect snowshoe, you are in for fun, fitness and fresh air!

This is part of a larger article covering all aspects of purchasing snowshoes. This is one section of that series on how to pick the perfect pair of snowshoes. To read the entire article, please click here.

Clothing Basics :

Dress in layers and be prepared to shed or add layers if you heat up or cool down or if the weather changes abruptly, as it often does in Colorado’s high country.

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Thermal underwear, windproof pants, an insulating layer of synthetic fleece or wool and a windproof and water-repellent shell jacket are the basic components of a layering system. Some snowshoers like to add a vest, or use a vest instead of a long sleeved pullover, sweater or shirt as the insulating jacket. A hat and a pair of warm gloves complete the basic outfit.

If you are going for a short snowshoe at an established resort center, you can be casual with the number of layers and options you take along. However, if you are going out for several hours and particularly into the Backcountry, never assume that the weather will be as good when you are out there as when you get out of your car.

Being prepared for worse – often far worse – weather than at the beginning of your excursion isn’t just a good good idea. It can save your life.

by Ryan Alford – Snowshoe Magazine

One thing is for sure…snowshoeing IS for everybody.

Well…almost everybody, but the sport has been around long enough to earn itself a cliché statement: “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.”

So, I challenge you to try snowshoeing. If you are a first-timer to the sport, understand that snowshoeing is probably the most versatile winter sport in existence. Where there is snow, there is the potential landscape for a snowshoer. Also understand that snowshoeing equipment is a fraction of the cost compared to many popular winter sports today – there are no pricey lift tickets either.

However, snowshoeing takes a commitment and an effort that will test your strength and willpower. The health and fitness aspects of the sport are significantly greater than any other winter sport in the world. An avid snowshoer will become aware of their heightened physical condition over time. By itself, snowshoeing is almost a wonder diet.

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That’s my public service announcement on snowshoeing. I’m proud to be a snowshoer myself, but I am uniquely involved in the sport and the industry. I represent the quickly growing and rising publication Snowshoe Magazine – a Web-based effort with plans to provide a print version soon. Not only is this forum your portal to more information on the sport, I will lead you through a season that will direct you to Snowshoemag.com for information updates, exceptional content and more.

I hold the sport of snowshoeing close to my heart. I first became interested in the sport after a growing frustration for the increasing prices of ski equipment and resort tickets. After discovering how cost-effective snowshoeing is, I jumped at the chance to purchase a pair of shoes. Later, I found myself tromping through the backcountry and enjoying the tranquility.

More and more snowshoers are born every day. I invite you to become part of the worldwide community of snowshoers and make a promise to try it out. Not only do you have the option to purchase equipment, you can also rent snowshoes. The sport is well-suited for families (including children ages 3 and up), the sport appeals to seniors who find it easy on aching joints and muscles…it appeals to virtually any person interested in the outdoors. Snowshoeing’s ideally universal in every aspect.

Snowshoeing can also be…”cool,” I guess. As the sport evolves, more and more backcountry snowboarders are finding snowshoes to be helpful. Plus, snowshoe races and competitions are very exciting to watch and participate in – something that a youthful audience can appreciate. Snowshoeing ain’t just a family sport!

Much is in store for snowshoeing, including its potential as an Olympic game. Plans are underway to begin working with the International Olympic Committee to hold snowshoeing demonstration races at the winter games, Vancouver 2010. Although we are far from that time frame, the participation needs to increase now. That’s where you come in. We need your help to increase awareness. We need your help in making snowshoeing a mainstream sport. We need your help by becoming a snowshoer.

As you maintain your visits to this area on eSnowshoes.com, if it starts here, I welcome you to the sport. If you already snowshoe, help me increase interest among those who have yet to take the snowy plunge. There’s plenty of information to be shared and discussed.

I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit Snowshoemag.com and sign-up for our free e-mail newsletter. When registering, remember to enter promo code “ESNOWSHOES” for your chance to win a free pair of snowshoes.

Basically, a GPS (global positioning system) device is a battery-operated handheld gadget that connects with a constellation of 27 Earth-orbiting satellites. The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but later opened it up to anybody and everybody.

So, if a snowshoer was out and about in the wilderness, they could use a device to pinpoint their location on a map (the unit has its own set of maps included). The device connects with four or more satellites to provide the user’s location to within three meters. It’s very accurate. The GPS device also provides coordinates, which are excellent for locating a point on a map. It’s all very simple once you have the chance to test out a GPS device’s capabilities.

I believe snowshoeing with a GPS device is essential. Not only can a GPS device save your life, it’s useful in almost any situation. Of course depending on consumer electronics is not the best suggestion for anybody snowshoeing in the elements, I recommend bringing a paper map and a compass as back up. You never know when those store-bought batteries will run out of life and leave you in a situation of possible danger.

Oh yes, bring extra batteries too.

Snowshoeing with a GPS device can be fun as well. A “sport” called geocaching is an excellent way to get involved this winter with the outdoors and a snowshoeing group as well. Although geocaching is geared for summer fun, it can work in the winter as well (depending on the cache and where it’s placed).

For those of you new to geocaching…it’s more or less a treasure hunt with a GPS device. Snowshoers can visit http://www.geocaching.com and plug in a location to find the caches in your area. At that point, pick a cache and go. Remember to plug-in the coordinates into your GPS device and allow your device to help identify the easiest route to the cache.

Some caches are better than others. But, when visiting Geocaching.com, research the where, what, when, who and how. There’s nothing worse than looking for geocache only to be disappointed near the end of your hike and hunt. That would suck!

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Geocaching can be fun if done with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. Try it out. Go for it. But, you must have a GPS device to participate in a geocache adventure (a compass and a map would be very difficult, but if that’s what you prefer…by all means).

If you are in the market for a GPS device there are many to choose from. In my opinion, you have three brands to choose from: Magellan, Garmin and Cobra. Each brand has its pros and cons, but I will let you do the research and discover the wonderful world of GPS devices.

Here some Brands to check out:

Magellan

Garmin

Cobra

You will probably spend anywhere from $100 to $500 for a GPS device. There are many to choose from and many offer a myriad of features, but I would suggest purchasing a device that has a built-in compass, mapping included (most do anyway), are durable for the outdoors (waterproof and shockproof), and WAAS-enabled. (This is just a few items to think about when shopping for a device.)

by Ryan Alford – Snowshoe Magazine

The beauty of snowshoeing is how it can really help a person lose weight and become healthy; the sport is somewhat like a miracle diet. Many snowshoers experience an extreme amount of weight loss in the first weeks of regular snowshoeing. And, once a snowshoer couples their activities with a stringent diet the results are insurmountable.

Here are some facts about snowshoeing as an exercise:

*Snowshoeing burns up to twice the number of calories as walking at the same speed.

*You can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour snowshoeing, more than running or cross-country skiing.

*Snowshoeing is fun and effective for all types of athletes, including runners, walkers and cyclists; the added resistance provided by the shoes and the snow enhances your current fitness level.

You can usually find a great snowshoeing fitness group by searching for one at your local gym, town recreation center or regional snowshoe club. If you can’t find a group to join, start your own. Obviously your group will start with friends, but invite others to participate by utilizing health-based resources.

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Here are some tips on snowshoeing for fitness:

*Go Anywhere – All you need is six inches of snow on the ground to go snowshoeing. You can go anywhere there is snow…from golf courses to your favorite hiking trail in the backcountry.

*Create a Routine – Whether it’s a specific route or a snowshoeing date with a friend, developing a routine will help you stay committed.

*Dress in Layers – You can be comfortable at any temperature, shed layers as your body heats up and put them back on as your cool down.

*Add Poles – You’ll increase upper-body strength and endurance for a total body workout.

As you may already know the energy expenditures for snowshoeing are greater than most winter and summer sports. On packed snow and hilly terrain, a snowshoer going 3.5 miles per hour can lose up to 800 calories per hour. If done correctly, a snowshoer can lose up 1,000 calories per hour while shoeing at a pace that remains steady and effective.

by Ryan Alford – Snowshoe Magazine