{"id":6,"date":"2016-01-27T01:44:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-27T05:44:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2020-01-15T21:11:32","modified_gmt":"2020-01-16T01:11:32","slug":"snowshoeing-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/snowshoeing-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner’s Guide To Snowshoeing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0If you’ve never tried snowshoeing before, you’re missing out. \u00a0If you like hiking, but do a lot less of it in winter, snowshoeing is the answer to get you back outdoors. \u00a0It’s fantastic exercise, and a simple way to get out and explore what makes winter enjoyable.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The great thing about snowshoeing is that there isn’t a steep learning curve, so anyone can jump right into it. \u00a0That being said, there are a few things to consider before heading out for the first time:<\/p>\n

1)<\/b>\u00a0 Snowshoeing Gear<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on top of the line snowshoes<\/a><\/i><\/b>. \u00a0The basic components you’re going to want to look for include \"0125164345\"<\/a>bindings that fit well, don’t slip off and won’t break easily. \u00a0There is nothing worse than stopping to fiddle with your bindings<\/b><\/i>\u00a0every few minutes. \u00a0Something that adjusts easily and is going to stay on no matter what you encounter should be your #1 priority.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Next, you’ll want poles<\/b><\/i><\/a>. \u00a0Poles help you balance when you encounter uneven terrain, and help you stride more efficiently on flat areas. \u00a0Adjustable poles are key. \u00a0Being able to quickly adjust the length of the poles is an important feature. You’ll want to adapt the length of the pole to the kind of terrain you’re encountering. \u00a0Longer poles are good for flat ground and shorter ones are good for digging in and pushing off of uneven and hilly terrain.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0When sizing snowshoes, you’ll want something that supports the proper amount of weight<\/i>. \u00a0Snowshoes are rated by weight. \u00a0You should factor in your typical backpack weight along with your body weight when you are buying. \u00a0See\u00a0this article<\/a> on how to choose the right ones. \u00a0You’ll likely want to buy something with a higher weight rating than you think you need.<\/p>\n

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2)<\/b>\u00a0 Snowshoeing\u00a0 Locations\"DSC_1778PS\"<\/a><\/u><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0As a rule of thumb, most places you would normally hike, are usually good places to snowshoe. \u00a0It’s important to consider how well used the trails are (the more people on the trails, the more the snow is packed down, making snowshoes rather useless). Fresh snow is ideal, but fresh snow also makes it harder to find the trails you would otherwise easily identify.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Paying attention to navigation becomes more important. \u00a0Hiking through brush, deadfall and rocky areas can be a pain in the butt, and doing it with snowshoes only makes it harder. \u00a0If lakes are frozen (15cm thick or more) they can be ideal areas to snowshoe. \u00a0Be sure to check your local ice thickness reports<\/a> before attempting any lake crossings. \u00a0 A trail with a lake that you would normally navigate around now becomes a snowshoeing highway, allowing you to explore all kinds of different areas. \u00a0Exploring across lakes and using them as a shortcut is perhaps my favourite part of snowshoeing. \u00a0For info on snowshoeing in Nova Scotia see my Winter Activities Page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3)<\/b> \u00a0Kinetics<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Snowshoeing is not simply hiking with snowshoes on. \u00a0There are a few things that you have to do to become proficient. \u00a0Using your poles\"0125164354\"<\/a> is key for efficient striding and balance.\u00a0 Ascending and descending hills can be counter-intuitive to what you would normally do when hiking.\u00a0 It’s important to learn to use the ice picks on the balls of your feet the same way an ice climber would to dig in and avoid turning your snowshoes into skis.\u00a0 Beware that digging in the ice picks can also result in a face-plant if you’re not using your poles to keep you properly centred over your snowshoes.\u00a0 Going down flat-footed can turn into an unanticipated black diamond ski run as your snowshoes lose grip and function (poorly) like skis.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Snowshoeing is a great workout for every muscle in your lower body especially your calves as you dig your toes into icy hills and thighs work to steady yourself especially going downhill. \u00a0Stretching<\/a> and warming up will greatly help your chances of staying injury-free, and minimize post-snowshoe muscle soreness.\u00a0 For more detailed information on the techniques of snowshoeing, check out this article on Snowshoeing Basics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4)<\/b>\u00a0Clothing<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0You may be heading out in bone-chilling cold, but it won’t take long before your body is overheated and sweating (your nemesis in cold weather). \u00a0You’ll want to layer up and have a backpack<\/a> to put your unused layers in. \u00a0It’s usually best to start off wearing fewer clothes than you think you need.\u00a0 It’s better to tolerate a couple of minutes of cold, knowing that your body temperature is going to skyrocket as soon as you start moving.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Start off with minimal layers<\/a>, and add them if needed as you go. \u00a0You’ll want to avoid sweating and having wet clothes at all costs. \u00a0Wetness against your skin can make your body temperature plummet to dangerous levels as soon as you slow down or stop. \u00a0Layering\"G0020929\"<\/a> your socks is a good idea too. \u00a0Start with a base layer<\/a> to keep blisters and moisture in check, and add an insulating layer<\/a> on top. \u00a0You’re bound to end up with your butt in the snow at some point, so you’ll want a pair of waterproof\/breathable shell pants. <\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Your extra layers<\/a> should be in your backpack and put on right away during any breaks. \u00a0Sealing in the warmth your body has built up will keep you comfortable as your body temperature drops rapidly in winter conditions. \u00a0If managed properly you’ll hardly ever be too cold or too hot. \u00a0You’ll be surprised at how you don’t even notice cold temperatures that you otherwise wouldn’t tolerate.<\/p>\n

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\"DSC_1833\"<\/a>5)<\/b>\u00a0Water And\u00a0 Food<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Even though it’s cold, you’ll still need plenty of water. \u00a0Modern hydration packs<\/a> can work seamlessly with your backpack to make carrying and drinking water much easier. \u00a0You’ll also be burning a lot more calories than hiking<\/a>. \u00a0Having food\/snacks <\/a>(think; fuel) is more important when you’re snowshoeing.\u00a0 You need to provide the extra calories your body needs to keep you warm and energetic. \u00a0Along with your extra layers, packing water and food is important. You can get extravagant by packing a small backpacking stove<\/a> and enjoy a nice hot chocolate, coffee<\/a> or fuel up with some warm\u00a0oatmeal<\/a>. \u00a0These breaks will be far more enjoyable than anything Starbucks or Tim Hortons can offer!<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Snowshoeing is a great activity to get you outside and actually enjoying <\/i>Winter, while whipping you into shape. \u00a0Get out there and start exploring!<\/p>\n