If you go out alone without any information on your first snowshoeing you could end up in the real-life winter version of 127 Hours.
It’s enough to get stranded on a hike and end up alone in a cave without water. Try doing it in the freezing cold, you will not succeed. You will end up with frostbite in the least.
That’s because like any other sport, snowshoeing takes some understanding before you go out on it. You can’t just do it. It’s like any other activity, you need to know how to do it before you do it.
The first thing you need to know, is that this is an activity where you take care of your feet. Wear socks that wick away moisture. The more you hike, the more you sweat. Sweating can lead to blisters. The moisture from sweat and the friction from walking can lead to your feet reacting by creating a barrier on your feet. That leads to a blister. Blisters are painful and should be avoided.
The next thing you will want to get is a pair of lightweight snowshoes. You will also want to purchase a pair of ski poles to help you navigate and for balance. What’s cool about snowshoeing, is that you can walk on top of snow after a blizzard and the snow really piles up and you can walk on top of it. The next most important thing is to wear layers that can be removed if you get too hot.
The absolute best way to go out snowshoeing for the first time is to go out on a guided tour. Your local parks and recreation outfit should host an occasional snowshoe excursion. Our favorites are the ones done under the full moon. The moon illuminates the snow and the snow holds in the light and almost appears to glow as you tread across the blanket of snow that lines your path.
It really is a thrill you should do. Don’t worry if you’re not over athletic, snowshoeing is a very slow activity. You don’t have to be a pro to do well in this sport.
The Snowshoe
Snowshoes
When you purchase your very first pair of snowshoes, you want to go in with a little bit of information to really show the salesperson you know a thing or two already. The key to a good shoe is in the webbing. That’s what keeps you afloat on the blanket of snow in the outside that you will be trekking on.
The other part that will be the most-handy, is the traction device on the bottom of the shoe. You can slip on the ice and slipping can cause injury. Hold tight when you first snowshoe. Come loaded with information so you don’t need to pull out your first-aid kit.
Types Of Shoe
There are five main types of shoes. The Yukon is known as the longest with an oval tip. The others are known as the Ojibwa, the Beavertail, Bearpaw and the Western. You are going to see the Western shoes for sale the most. The main type of shoe you want to purchase if you can’t find the Western is the Beavertail. Remember to look for a shoe with a tip the shape of an eye with a tail the shape of a Beaver. This is the most common and popular shape. Set yourself up for success before you head out in the snow. Our personal favorite is the Western shoe. It latches the easiest and is designed for the sport.
Snowshoeing is very beautiful. You get to see a natural area from a perspective you have never seen before. It should be on everyone’s bucket list.
