LET’S GO SNOWSHOE!
– For many of the staff at Ski Haus the question of whether to snowshoe as a way to have some fun in the winter is not a question. Of course, let’s go snowshoe!
Snowshoeing is a very easy way to get out and enjoy a winter day. It doesn’t take a lot of extra equipment, skill, money (lift tickets for instance) and it doesn’t take a lot of extra time either. Snowshoeing is an easy way to enjoy the quiet of winter without the hum of ski lifts or crowds. The health benefits of snowshoeing are well documented. It’s an easy way to increase your heart rate even on pretty mild terrain (burns lots of calories) and snowshoeing with poles makes it a more complete fitness activity (add muscle and strength).
Snowshoeing i
s a fun family activity, too. Everyone is pretty much at the same ability level right from the start. And have we mentioned dogs love to go snowshoeing with their people. You don’t even have to ask them – let’s go is their answer! All of these points are pretty big bonuses when it comes to the question of whether or not you should go snowshoeing this winter.
The skill aspect is pretty important. If you are comfortable walking outside in the winter you’ll be comfortable snowshoeing. The only real skill you need to snowshoe is to stay out of questionable terrain that might put you at risk.
The equipment list to go snowshoeing is minimal. All you need to snowshoe is a pair of snowshoes. Look in your closet… Some long underwear, a winter jacket, warm socks, hat and gloves, and footwear you’re comfortable wearing in the snow and cold are all that you need. I’d wager most people have this stuff in their closet or attic ready to go.
Snowshoes are pretty inexpensive. Ski Haus has snowshoes for adults priced from $139.95 and kid’s snowshoes ready to go at $59.95. These are from Atlas and they wont’ fall apart on you in a few days. Buyer beware… you may find even lower priced snowhoes online but if you want them to last… buy a good pair from a reputable manufacturer.
Snowshoeing is a great way to get out and enjoy a winter day without it taking up your entire day. A quick little loop hike on a nearby trail will have you feeling like you did something without the frustration of collecting all your gear, driving to the ski hill, standing in line to get on a lift, etc… Snowshoeing is just too simple and easy not to enjoy it.
The health benefits of snowshoeing are numerous. It burns more calories than walking, it’s an easy way to increase your heart rate, and if you use poles while snowshoeing it activates a lot more core muscles.
Just ask your dog about snowshoeing and how exciting it can be. You get to romp in the snow. Breath some cold winter air. Catch snowballs. Maybe even dive head first into the snow to sniff around to see who might burrowing around under there. Are you kidding? You don’t call that fun? Serioulsy, snowshoeing is a way to go at your dogs pace and not overwork your dog on skis… especially when you ski downhill and your best friend has to work double hard to keep up with you. Snowshoeing let your dog run at its own pace, up and down, over hill and dale, without worrying of you leaving them behind.
Can you guess I like to snowshoe? I do and usually I’m on my snowshoes 5 to 7 days a week. I’m still skiing a ton, too. Snowshoeing is not an either-or activity. It’s something you can add to your winter repertoire (even if you don’t tell your friends).