“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.”

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

A back injury and arthritis have curtailed her ability to bask in her favorite pastime the past five years.

“I really miss it,” she says.

Barnard is learning to appreciate a new activity that can be as gentle as a stroll in the park or as vigorous as a sweaty hike up Mount Shasta.

Caught shopping recently at REI, she said she plans to be at the Winter Trails Day event that REI plans Jan. 9 near the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center.

She said she could hardly wait. Snowshoers will be able to try out a variety of equipment on the trails and get expert advice on technique.

Cathy Anderson-Meyers, a snowshoeing instructor and ardent snowshoer, says the sport has grown in popularity as people realize that snow doesn’t have to keep them from hiking through wilderness. The icicles and white stuff provide breathtaking accents to the terrain.

“Snowshoeing isn’t to replace a sport you already love, but something to do in addition,” says Anderson-Meyers. “My whole family could do it.”

Anderson-Meyers, who got rolling in snowshoeing in 1992, frequents the surrounding snow destinations, and her eyes widen in excitement with thoughts of lunging through Yosemite.

And no lift ticket is required.

Snowshoes are lighter today, and they come in different sizes for men and women. Men’s shoes provide more surface space to accommodate heavier frames. Women’s are narrower for easier walking.

People of all skill and fitness levels are finding a place in snowshoeing. Barnard believes that the tranquility of snow-shoeing will untie her arms so she can fully enjoy the snow and escape her winter doldrums.

Barnard never quite found her solution until her brother encouraged her to give snowshoeing a chance.

While at the Roseville REI, she paced the aisles, hoping an investment in snowshoes and boots would rekindle her winter spirit.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she says. “It could be so gorgeous, and the snow,” she paused, “it just twinkles.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series® has opened up registration for the 2010 season and lots of people have already logged on to join in on the fun times and fantastic cause.

Register now for a Romp near you and save up to $15 with the Early Bird Registration Discount!

The Romp is a fun, inexpensive way to get active this winter AND support a fantastic cause.

Find your event and register today!

USA (benefiting local affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®)

• New Jersey: Sat, Jan 23, 2010
• Vermont: Sat, Jan 30,2010
• Utah: Sat, Feb 6, 2010 NEW!!
• Washington: Sat, Feb 20, 2010
• Oregon: Sat, Feb 27, 2010
• Colorado: Sat, March 6, 2010

CANADA (benefiting the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

• Ontario: Sat, Feb 20, 2010

Related posts:

1. Romp to Stomp our Breast Cancer 2010 Dates Announced

The annual event is designed to offer kids and adults who are new to snow sports a chance to check them out with free equipment and trail access.

Winter trails day has been confirmed thus far at the following locations:

• Kirkwood, CA
• Echo Lake, CO
• Estes Park, CO
• Weston Ski Tracks, MA
• Fort Snelling State Park, MN
• White River Snow Park, OR
• Liberty Mountain, PA
• Soldier Hollow, UT
• The Mountaineers, WA

You can register online for your preferred location at http://WinterTrails.org. Most locations offer snowshoeing and cross-country but some only offer snowshoeing. Venues include alpine resorts, Nordic centers, state parks, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service land. Details can be found on the Web site. You can also register onsite at each location.

Winter Trails is part of “Learn a Snow Sport Month,” set for the entire month of January to raise awareness of skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Information about other snow sports learning programs can be found at http://WinterFeelsGood.com and individual programs are described at http://LearnaSnowSport.org.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20091102/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_brief_winter_trails