Snowshoeing

There’s a common phrase when it comes to snowshoeing: If you can walk and hike, you can snowshoe.
Sure, there’s technique involved (see below for tips on climbing hills, descending hills, breaking trail, etc.) but the learning curve is much tighter than when you try  to snowboard or ski for the first time. And the equipment is less expensive.

What You Need

1. Snowshoes. Rent or buy them. ($60 and up to purchase; $15 and up to rent per day)
2. Poles. Use ski poles or hiking poles fitted with ski baskets. ($15 and up)
3. Layered clothing. Snowshoes with spring bindings will flick snow at your backside. If you have those, you’ll want water-repellent or waterproof pants. On top, you’ll want layers that you can shed during this highly aerobic activity.
4. Gaiters. Well-fitted gaiters can make all the difference in your experience. They can keep you dry and comfortable and stop the snow from soaking your socks.
5. Insulated and waterproof or water-repellent boots. We’ve seen people snowshoeing in snowboarding boots and hunting boots, but you’ll be most comfortable in boots that you could hike in.
6. The 10 essentials: Map, compass, water, extra food and clothing, fire starter, matches, knife, first-aid kit, flashlight.
7. Sunglasses and sunscreen. Even a cloudy day during a Colorado winter can be brutal on the eyes and skin.

A hat and gloves. You’ll be working harder than if you’re skiing, but you still want to protect your head and hands.

What You Need to Know

1. Information about the terrain. Snowshoes offer an easy way to access even the most avalanche-prone terrain. Check conditions before you go at http://avalanche.state. co.us and click on “Forecasts,” or use a reputable snowshoe guide, such as “Snowshoeing Colorado” by Claire Walter, that notes avalanche risk on each trail.
2. Trail etiquette. When you snowshoe in a place that’s also frequented by cross-country skiers, stay out of the ski track. Snowshoers can easily walk down a skier’s trail; it’s not so easy for skiers to glide on a snowshoer’s trail.
3. Walking technique. It’s easy to walk straight up and down, rather than at a diagonal. Snowshoes will slide if the cleats aren’t properly placed. If you hear your shoes hitting each other, you’re walking with your feet too close together.
4. How to climb a steep section of trail. Kick the front of your shoe into the snow and press down before you put your weight on it. Make the steps fairly far apart for a more stable climb.
5. How to go downhill. Don’t lean forward. Keep your weight on the cleats. Use your poles for stability.
6. How to get up from a fall. Cross your poles in front of you and put your weight on them while you push off the ground to get up.
7. How to break trail. When you’re with others, take turns.
8. How to read the terrain. Animal tracks can direct you to stable snow bridges over creeks. Use your poles to determine the snow depth.
9. How to have even more fun. If you reach a hillside that looks perfect for sledding, try it out on your butt. (You wore waterproof pants, right?) If you go with your kids, take along a bottle of pancake syrup and cups and make your own backcountry snow cones.