How tough is snow-shoeing?

Question

I asked for and got a pair of inexpensive (trial) ones for Christmas and am going with some friends to Vail in a couple weeks. I'd like to give some kind of winter activity (besides the usual hibernation) a try. Do I pack the snow shoes or the fake cast and bottle of rum drink?

Answer 1

Hey - if you can stand up on flat ground, you can snowshoe.

Two pieces of best advice: take poles with you.Find a pair that will fit you- perhaps borrowing from a friend or if you think that this could be the sport for you- buy a cheap pair from outdoor stores, from a ski area.(there are usually dozens of left over lost & found pairs left throughout the season...) This will help you with your balance - especially if there is any grade or slight hill you may be walking up.

Second - going out with a 'proper' pair of winter boots is essential. I've seen organized trips with corporate groups or arranged bookings with people who have come up for a few hours wearing running shoes. Not cool.

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars in boots - the lighter hikers that Soloman, Scarpa, even Columbia footware sells would be suitable. If it covers up your ankle and is reasonably water resistant, they should do fine. If you have a great time and want to consider more trips out - consider buying a pair of 'gaitors' as these will cover up the laces and upper part of your boots and legs. This will keep you much warmer when you're out. Not essential when you first try this out however....

When you are out.. you may want to try going out with friends. Having a LIGHT or small daypack with the "Ten Essentials" is important.. make sure to have water. Vail is high in altitude and make sure you have a quart/litre of water. Its surprizing how dryed out you can get being outside in the winter. A whistle, chocolate bars, 'space' or emergency blanket, small headlamp, matches/lighter and other parts are easy to bring along. Winter travel in the mountains is VERY different then being out in the summer.

I'm surprized that snowshoeing is not promoted as much as it could be- its very good exercise as you move many of your muscles and can be as easy or strenuous as you want it to be.

Having a good friend or a local take you around is important. With the popularity and ease of snowshoeing, it is amazing some of the terrain and places you can get too. If you're not familiar with avalanche risks, trails in the mountains, or winter traveling in general- a friend, minor trip plan, and telling someone where you're going, an arrival time are all (minor) but important things to consider.

You'll have a great time!

Answer 2

Just like walking but harder on the legs