The compact stainless-steel frames are easier to use than their long, wooden ancestors, for one thing. And because of innovative clamps and clips, the work involved in putting them on and taking them off has gotten much simpler.

All of that has certainly spawned a renewed interest in snowshoes and snowshoeing in recent years. But Jon Andersen, the owner of Mankato-based sporting goods retailer Flying Penguin, says there’s only one true predictor of the equipment’s popularity.

“Snow,” Andersen says. “Interest always increases when it snows.”

The best snowshoeing scenarios come after a foot or more is on the ground.

“It doesn’t pay to go out snowshoeing in just a couple inches of snow,” says Joel Moline of St. Peter. “You might as well just go for a walk. You need deeper snow, probably a foot or two, so the snowshoes can hold you up and keep you from sinking to your knees.”

When the snowfall in southern Minnesota isn’t heavy enough, Moline takes his snowshoes up north. They’re especially helpful when he and friends collect sap from the maple trees near Moose Lake, where there’s often enough snow to make snowshoes a necessity.

But when he can, he also likes to tromp around locally as well. The Linnaeus Arboretum, on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus, is one of his favorite places to go. “When we get a good snowfall, that’s a great place to go,” he says. “It’s fun to get out and walk through the pine trees there.”

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The trails that cut through Seven Mile Creek and those that meander behind the Traverse des Sioux Treaty Site History Center are also local favorites. Ben Leonard, the executive director of the Nicollet County Historic Society, which operates the center, says snowshoes and ski poles, as well as a few pairs of cross-country skis, are available at the center and can be rented for $2. Equipment is also available to rent at the St. Peter Community Center.

Leonard admits that requests for the equipment go up and down depending on the weather — snow is good, and cold is bad. But he sees it as a great opportunity to get outside and do something that doesn’t require any formal training or advanced skills.

“The nice thing about snowshoes is that they’re pretty user-friendly — and beginner-friendly too,” Leonard says. “You don’t need lessons. You can just come out here for a couple of hours and enjoy it.”

Andersen says their ease of use gives snowshoes a boost with people who want a good winter activity but don’t want to risk breaking bones with a bad spill.

“Some people might be afraid to try skiing,” he says. “But snowshoeing is quite easy to do. You don’t have to be good at it. There’s absolutely no skill required. You just walk.”

But while snowshoeing may be as easy as walking, it’s far more beneficial. Although it is low-impact and relatively safe, it provides an incredible cardiovascular workout that engages almost all of the major muscle groups. It also burns an estimated 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed. (Which is, in fact, possible on snowshoes. Anderson reports that special equipment is available for runners.) The increased calorie burning is due in part to the weight of the shoes and the lifting motion required for each step, as well as the resistance of the snow.

“It’s great exercise,” Andersen adds. “And I think it’s more fun than going jogging. I would much rather go tromp around the woods for an hour any day of the week.”

Every now and then, Andersen does exactly that. “I like to take my dog out, let my dog get some exercise, too,” he says. “He’s a big Lab, so he has big paws that are kind of like snowshoes, themselves. And if he sinks in, he doesn’t care — he just loves the snow.”

SOURCE: http://www.mankatofreepress.com/local/local_story_365221618.html?start:int=0

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

Today, in addition to the traditional snowshoes, there are a variety of modern materials and construction techniques used to produce space age versions of this old technology. Many of the new shoes use lightweight aluminum frames with modern plastics to create a snowshoe that will work well in all types of snow. Most also include cleats on the bottom to prevent sliding if there is any ice under the snow.

To pick the perfect snowshoe for some winter fun, the first place to start is the application for which they will be used. If you are buying snowshoes for the occasional winter walk in the woods, then it is probably not necessary to worry too much about the weight or construction. Serious trail hiking or bushwhacking through the mountains will require a better model.

There are a couple of styles that are popular. Snowshoes are made in all plastic molded models, which are very durable and even come in some spiffy colors. Tubular showshoes have a round metal framework with a plastic or fabric deck. Frame snowshoes have a metal edge with points around the edge and offer great traction.

In general, traditional wooden snowshoes are better suited to fairly level terrain. They are not really built for a hike in the high peaks where there will be plenty of steep slopes. If you are looking to traverse several miles at a rip under a variety of conditions, then spending more money for the high-tech hiking models makes much more sense.

Even though modern snowshoes are more popular, don’t write off traditional wooden snowshoes. They are great to look at and in some applications work just as well, so you can float on the snow in style.

There also is something to be said for visiting an area dealer. It may cost a little more than ordering online, but you will end up with the right gear instead of guessing.

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In addition to the snowshoes, a pair of ski poles or hiking poles are a good investment. Sometimes it is easy to lose balance, depending on what you step on in the woods, and having the hiking poles helps with balance and can prevent a fall. They also make it easier to get up and down a steep hill.

One common rookie error with snowshoes is to overestimate the distance on your first trip in the woods. Snowshoes are not like taking a walk in the woods. It is a little different walking gait, and there is weight on your feet. In addition, there is all of the snow to contend with.

The point is, don’t decide to do a 10-mile hike the first time out.

Finding a place to go is easy. There are loads of state forest lands out there, both in the Adirondack and Catskill parks, and in each county. Everyone has good snowshoe territory within an easy drive of their house. Just be sure to sign in at trail registers, have a travel plan, and be sure to have a map of the area and a compass.

Winter gets kind of boring, and most of us don’t get enough exercise. A couple of hours tromping through the snow in the quiet stillness of a winter forest is a great way to spend some time outdoors.

Rob Streeter is an outdoors columnist for the Times Union. You can reach him at rstreeter@nycap.rr.com, or send items to 961 Stoner Trail Road, Fonda, NY 12068.

SOURCE: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=879073&category=STREETER&BCCode=&newsdate=12/16/2009

“People have a false sense of security that these small little cleats on snowshoes actually rate as some sort of crampon,” Tim Jones, team leader for North Shore Search and Rescue, said last night in an interview. “What we’re advocating, if you’re out in this type of terrain, you should have at minimum a good pair of mountaineering boots, an ice axe and crampons.

“And in some situations, you should have a rope.”

Mr. Jones was speaking just after wrapping up the rescue yesterday afternoon of a snowshoeing couple on Mount Seymour. The woman fell and broke her arm while her partner hurt his leg in the incident.

And on Saturday afternoon, a young man slid to his death while snowshoeing on Goat Mountain, near Grouse Mountain in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.

The man, who was in his 20s and was accompanied by two other men, left the Grouse Mountain area and ventured into a closed area of the park, Mr. Jones said.

At the time of the accident, the man who was killed was trying to toss the end of a fixed rope to his snowshoeing partner, who was struggling on a steep part of the slope, Mr. Jones said.

The rope is in place as part of a summer hiking route.

In throwing the rope, the man lost his balance, and slid on snowshoes that provided no traction on the treacherous decline to the lake below.

He plummeted 400 metres to the lake.

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North Shore Search and Rescue members were training nearby and were able to respond to a 911 call. Two helicopters were involved in the rescue.

“You don’t want to be on steep icy slopes with snowshoes, even with crampons. The snowshoes turned into surfboards and he just went,” Mr. Jones said.

The entire rescue, including the recovery of the young man’s body, took about an hour, Mr. Jones said.

Since 2000, there has been one fatality and one serious injury in the same area involving people snowshoeing, Mr. Jones said.

Grouse Mountain is a popular resort with groomed ski runs and easily accessible snowshoeing trails.

“I think the manufacturers and stores that sell snowshoes should probably be advertising a little bit more some of the risks that people are taking,” Mr. Jones said.

“Snowshoes are not meant as a replacement for crampons and mountaineering skills.

“There seems to be a need for more education out there as to what the limitations of these snowshoes – and their own skill level – is.”

Novice snowshoers often may make their way up a steep slope to the summit but get in trouble on their way down, he added.

Each year, the North Shore Search and Rescue team responds to numerous incidents of lost hikers, snowshoers and skiers, including some who venture into closed, out-of-bounds areas.

SOURCE: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/snowshoes-create-false-confidence-rescue-veteran-says-after-man-slides-to-his-death/article1390943/

In the 1970s, brothers Bill and Gene Prater founded Sherpa Snowshoe Co., with snowshoes featuring aluminum frames and synthetic decking. In the 30-plus years since then, snowshoe design and construction has continued to evolve and change.

Today, modern materials have replaced the ash-wood and rawhide of the last century, as well as the stout aluminum and neoprene used in the 1980s and 1990s. When compared to the models of even 10 years ago, today’s snowshoes are lighter, with easier-to-use bindings and more reliable traction. What’s more, today’s lineup includes several models for kids as young as 5 years old, and several high-quality adult models are available for around $250. That means snowshoeing has become a sport to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Starting at the younger end of the family, we found a couple worthwhile models for youngsters:

MSR Denali TykerThough designed for kids, the Denali Tyker snowshoes aren’t toys. With a design based on the original MSR snowshoe (the Denali), the Tyker provides youngsters with a fully functional snowshoe. The injection-molded decks give adequate flotation in all kinds of snow for kids weighing up to 90 pounds. We found kids as young as 5 had no trouble cinching on the simple strap bindings, and those same kids discovered they could ramble alongside their parents — or aunts and uncles — with no trouble when exploring rolling snow terrain. Steel crampons provide sure grip on crusty snow, while the MSR Denali design keeps kids stable on side hills and even steep descents. The bindings fit footwear sizes from Kids 7 ½ to 13 ½. Snowshoes are 17 inches long. $59.95.  See www.msrcorp.com.

Redfeather Youth 2

As much as some parents may dispute it, preteens are people, too. The Youth 2 snowshoe from Redfeather is aimed at kids who aren’t quite ready for a full-size adult snowshoe, but who need a shoe with all the features found on the adult models. The V-tail design of the aluminum frame largely eliminates crossover striding (no stepping on the tails). The 3-strap Cross Country binding is easy to use with a variety of footwear, and the 22-inch frame provides adequate flotation for kids up to 120 pounds in soft, dry snow, or 150 pounds on compacted or heavy snow. Aluminum crampons dig firmly into compact snow and crust, though they are not stout enough for ice. It’s a solid recreational snowshoe for youths in moderate terrain. $74.95. See www.redfeather.com.

For adults, our tests unveiled some true gems:

MSR Lightning Ascent

When something works, change isn’t needed. That’s the position of MSR with its top-end snowshoes. Virtually unchanged since its introduction in 2004, the Lightning Ascent proved to us once more it’s the best snowshoe available for hikers who need outstanding flotation and unbeatable traction on steep terrain and deep snow. As we climbed the steep flanks of Mount St. Helens, the aluminum bar frames and aggressive steel crampons sliced firmly into the crustiest snow, eliminating slips and sliding. The four-strap bindings locked the snowshoes securely to boots without undue compression or pinching. $259.95 Sizes: 22, 25 and 30 inches for men, and 22 and 25 inches for women. See www.msrcorp.com.

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Atlas 10 Series

Testers unanimously agreed that the 10 Series trail snowshoes from Atlas are well-suited for flat walks and modest ascents. They worked exceptionally well on the trails around Mount Baker’s lower slopes, and in the rolling terrain of the William O. Douglas Wilderness north of White Pass. The tempered-steel crampons dig into ice and heavy crust with no trouble. Angled heel cleats provide firm lateral grip, preventing heel slip even on icy slopes. The men’s version provides adequate flotation in all but the softest snow.

The women’s versions, dubbed the Elektras, are slightly undersized, and as a result, the flotation is less than ideal except in compact snow. The webbing straps of the binding comfortably held the shoes in place with no pressure or pinch points. When that webbing got wet, however, the bindings were difficult to release. $199.95. Sizes: 25, 30 and 35 inches for men; 23 and 27 inches for women. See www.atlassnowshoe.com.

Redfeather LaCrosse (with Pilot II bindings)

Utilizing Redfeather’s classic V-tail design, the LaCrosse series virtually eliminates crossover (one shoe stepping on the other). The powder-coated crampons resist snow buildup, even in wet, sticky conditions like those commonly found around Snoqualmie Pass. The long teeth bite firmly in crusty snow and even ice. The Pilot II binding, though, really makes the LaCrosse a mountain workhorse. A simple X-pattern of webbing straps locks in the forefoot, while a sliding heel section gives the binding its stability and versatility. The binding accommodates virtually any boot — we even fit them on a pair of size 12 alpine touring ski boots. All in all this is a solid snowshoe for deep powder and big mountains. $269.95 (25-inch). Sizes: 25, 30 and 35 inches. See www.redfeather.com.

Tubbs Couloir

Our testers raved about the ease of use and functionality of the Couloir from Tubbs. Whether we were climbing in the Hurricane Ridge area or hiking off-trail around Stevens Pass, the Couloirs performed admirably. The shoes go on quickly thanks to the single-pull bindings. Steel crampons dig into firm snow and ice, and the shoes float heavy loads atop all forms of snow, including deep powder. Said our tester, “For big-mountain climbs or trips with a heavy pack, these are perfect. They did it all — floated atop fresh snow, resisted clumping on wet snow, hinged smoothly on each step, and bit into steep, wind-hardened slopes.” $249.95. Sizes: 25, 30 and 36 inches. See www.tubbssnowshoes.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 six to eight 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/2010302033_nwwsnowshoe19.html

1. Olympic Oval Ice Rink, Salt Lake City Strap on your skates, practice your Axels, pretend you’re Bobby Orr or just have fun. The Olympic Oval built for the 2002 Winter Games has the fastest ice on Earth and is open to the public year round, offering lessons for beginners and advanced skaters alike. 5662 South 4800 West (Cougar Lane), Kearns, Utah; (801) 968-6825; www.olyparks.com.

2. Tube Town & Planet Kids at Soda Springs

Grab the kids for a snow-tubing adventure made even easier by a people-mover-style lift that carries rider and tube up the hill with minimal effort for a devil-may-care, bounce-filled plunge to the bottom. Soda Springs Winter Resort caters to kids, but offers lessons for adults as well. Near Truckee; (530) 426-3901; www.skisodasprings.com.

3. Snowshoeing the West

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Combine exercise, exhilaration and jaw-dropping mountain views. If you’ve got your own “shoes,” pick from the best trails at www.trails.com (click “Snowshoeing” under “Outdoor activity”). If you need gear or a little tutoring, Solitude Mountain Resort’s Nordic Center in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah has both, as well as 6 miles of trails. 12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, Utah; (801) 534-1400; www.skisolitude. com.

4. Cross-Country Skiing at Royal Gorge

The health benefits of cross country are well known, as is the reputation of Royal Gorge resort as one of the best cros-country ski resorts in the country. Try your hand (and legs) at it, and bring a journal to record your thoughts at the end of a day of traversing the stark, beautiful landscapes of the Sierra in winter. Soda Springs (Interstate 80, Exit 174); (800) 666-3871; www.royalgorge.com.

5. Dog Sledding at Lake Tahoe

The Iditarod it’s not. Straining huskies respond to a musher (she barks orders and they bark back) as the crisp cold grabs your breath. A brooding firebrick sunset blankets the green-black pines, but you’re warm and happy at the snow passes below. Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours at Lake Tahoe; (530) 550-8133; www.tahoedogsledtours.com.

This article appeared on page M – 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Snowshoe running avoids icy roads and slush-splattering traffic, and lets you tromp along your favorite trails. “You begin the running season not only physically stronger and more fit, but also mentally stronger knowing you kept up, or even improved your fitness level,” says Danelle Ballengee, 11-time North American Snowshoe Champion and hardcore trail runner.

Get the Right Gear

Your only big expense will be a good pair of snowshoes, which range from $200 to $400 (we’ll review several top models in the January 2009 issue of Trail Runner). While all snowshoes spread your bodyweight over a larger surface area, allowing you to “float” over the snow, running-specific snowshoes are narrower and smaller, have tapered tails that don’t knock your ankles, and are composed of lightweight but durable aluminum and/or titanium.

A front crampon under your toe and parallel teeth under the decking below the heel provide traction, but most important is an adjustable binding that cinches snugly around your running shoe. (Women with small feet may have trouble finding bindings that fit tightly enough.)

In wet snow, wear wool socks and gaiters to keep your feet dry and warm, and opt for trail-running shoes with a GORE-TEX, eVent or similar waterproof-breathable membrane. Nylon pants prevent kicked-up snow from sticking to your backside. Layer on sweat-wicking clothing, but don’t overdress, as you’ll quickly warm up.

No Lessons Required

If you can run, you can run in snowshoes-with a few adjustments. The primary difference is taking higher steps. “People try too hard when they should use a natural stride,” says Ballengee. “Use the hip flexors to lift the foot rather than pushing off with the lower leg.”

Your pace on snow will be slower than it is on trails because of the snowshoes’ added weight (typically 15 ounces per shoe), combined with the snow’s resistance. Realize too, that, the deeper the snow, the tougher the workout (see sidebar).

While learning, stick to packed trails (many Nordic centers have groomed trails specifically for snowshoeing). Focus on balance by engaging your core muscles to stabilize your weight, especially when you move onto deep, ungroomed snow, where you must pull your foot straight up out of each sinkhole to avoid tripping.

To ascend hills, shift your weight forward onto your toes to engage the front crampon. On steep slopes, kick your toe into the snow to create steps. When descending packed snow, keep your weight centered over the shoe, but in deep snow, relax and lean back, letting the snowshoe slide over the snow like a ski.

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Poles can add stability and lessen the strain on your knees on downhills and off-camber traverses. But on most terrain, you’re better off leaving them behind. “Not using poles improves balance and coordination,” says Ballengee. “The snow moves under you, so you constantly adapt by using different muscle groups.”

Stay Safe

When venturing off well-marked trails, be aware of your surroundings because it’s easy to become disoriented when familiar trail markings are snow-buried. And always let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Danelle Ballengee’s Winter Workouts

Beginner: This interval workout tunes your technique, builds endurance and familiarizes you with the equipment.

For a total of 30 minutes on a groomed trail, alternate 30 seconds of running (run the downhills and flats but powerhike the uphills) with 1 minute of walking. As your fitness improves, extend the workout’s overall time, and switch the intervals around, running 1 minute and walking 30 seconds.

Intermediate: Warm up with walking 10 minutes, following by a 40-minute run on packed trails (including a few moderate hills). Keep a steady pace when going uphill and quicken your pace on the downhills. Finish with a 10-minute jog or walk. Once this workout feels comfortable, boost your strength by running through untracked powder for five minutes at a time, building to 20 minutes.

Advanced: Do this workout out-and-back in untracked powder: warm up at an easy pace for 10 minutes, then do 10 x 10- to 15-second sprints followed by 1 minute of recovery, either walking or running slowly.

Add some anaerobic-threshold (AT) training (also called lactate-threshold training, at which point lactic acid accumulates in the muscles), keeping your heart rate at AT (15 beats per minute below your maximum) for 20 minutes. At the halfway point, turn around and run in your tracks, picking up the pace to keep your heart rate high. Top it off with four 30-second hill intervals in powder, then walk for 10 minutes to cool down.

By Rebecca Kane

Trail Runner Magazine

Source: http://www.trailrunnermag.com/article.php?id=154&cat=5

Many people might think shoe shoeing is just a goofy way to spend some time in the snow. While it is a fun activity, what you may not realize is that snow shoeing is a great workout and a very enticing option for anyone who’s sick of the gym.

There are certainly levels of proficiency, but to be very frank, anyone can snow shoe without any training or practice. All you need is the gear and some snowfall to get you going. If you can get your hands on a pair of snow shoes and want a good workout, all you need to do is drive to a hill (the steeper the better) and you’ll not only have a great time, but you’ll get the added benefit of a phenomenal cardio workout while feeling as though you’re not really working out. The gym can get pretty mundane when you get into the long months of winter, but you don’t absolutely have to stay inside if you want to get a good sweat.

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Snow shoeing combines the great workout of an incline hike with the strengthening of stabilizer and major leg muscle groups. Going up will get you a great sweat, and coming down will get you a nice cool off. Just step outside and let the snow help you work.

Of course if you have specific goals with your workout routine, the cardio is nice but you’ll want to incorporate some good nutrition as well. A multivitamin and some whey protein are great places to start if you’re looking to supplement your diet. Essential fatty acids and any variety of fat burners can also promote greater health and well-being. If you’re into a more natural approach, green tea is n awesome addition to any diet as an antioxidant. The right combo is important as you work to shape your body, but you might start with a multivitamin pill, creatine shake, or whey protein bar to help you out.

Snow shoeing is a great way to break up the long winter months of looking at the inside of your gym. Cardiovascular training is an important element of any balanced workout routine, but the stationary bike and elliptical machine can only keep your interest for so long. If you want a good cardio alternative, just strap on some show shoes and head for an incline, nature will take care of the rest. Going up will be hard but beneficial, and coming down is the reward everyone likes after a long day of sweat. So when the treadmill just isn’t doing it for you anymore, take a multivitamin, calcium, whey protein, or chug a green tea then head to the hills and work out all your frustrations.

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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.