Getting Started - Snowshoeing
Once the snow starts to fly, many turn their attention to skiing or snowboarding. I turn mine to snowshoeing. Not only is snowshoeing a tremendous winter workout (you can burn upwards of 500 calories per hour!), it is also one of the best ways to truly enjoy the quiet and serenity of a snowy landscape…and it all comes without crowds, lift lines, pricey lift tickets, a 4-hour traffic jam on I-70 or a before-dawn wake-up call. Whoo-hoo!

What do you need to know before going? Not much. Can you walk? Have you put one foot in front of the other in an extended series? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you can definitely snowshoe. And, other than snowshoes and poles, you probably already have everything else you need to get started in your winter wardrobe…I cannot stress enough how important it is to dress appropriately when snowshoeing. DRESS IN LAYERS! You will heat up significantly during your hike, and you will want the option to shed some layers as you work up a sweat, and you will want the option to throw some layers back on if the wind picks up or you are in the shade for an extended period of time. A good rule of thumb is that if you feel about 10 degrees too cold when you get out of the car, you will be perfect once you start moving. It bears repeating: DRESS IN LAYERS!

You will need to protect your feet, hands, face, neck and head. Almost 50 percent of your heat loss will be through your head. I typically bring ski cap and a ball cap so I can switch depending on conditions. I also bring two different kinds of gloves – my snowboarding mittens for when it’s really cold or I’m just starting out, and a thin wicking pair for once I get started and the mittens become too hot. A neck gaiter or scarf is helpful for when it’s super cold out and you’ve got snot-scicles forming.

It is important to pay close attention to the layers next to your skin. Your first layer should be silk, Capilene, DryClime or wool/wool blend. You do not want wet cotton against your skin once you start sweating. Brrrrrrr!

Also vital is the outerlayer…Gore-Tex is best because it breathes, and is also wind-proof and water-proof. But, it’s expensive. Nylon that has been treated will also work. You want to be sure it’s fairly water-proof, so re-treat every couple of washings. For your bottom half, breathable rain pants would work, as would ski pants. Because I tend to get hot pretty quickly, I layer running tights with rain pants, and stay comfortable and dry. On really cold days, I will wear long underwear and ski pants. Try a few different options to determine which is best for you. But, remember, layers, layers, layers!

The next thing you need are some snowshoes and poles. Unless you are absolutely certain snowshoeing is something you want to do a lot of and you know what kind of snowshoes you need, it makes sense to rent snowshoes to start. Many outdoor shops will rent snowshoes for a weekend for around $15 - $20. And, keep your eyes peeled for Snowshoe Expos…at an expo event, you can try a variety of snowshoes for free and see which ones you like before investing. I first tested my current snowshoes at an expo. You can plan on spending $150 and up to purchase a new pair of snowshoes and poles. Here’s some advice from Outside magazine about selecting snowshoes.

And from Cabelas.

So, now you’ve got your shoes and poles, you’ve packed plenty of water and snacks, and you’re layered up and ready to go. To get the most of your experience, you should probably wait until there’s at least 6 to 8 inches on the ground. You can snowshoe in less (provided you’re ready to take your snowshoes off several times when you hit bare ground or exposed rocks), but it’s way more fun to have a little snow to work with. You can pick a hiking trail, tromp through a local park, or just go exploring. Many of the popular hiking trails also make good snowshoeing trails. I would encourage you to walk on the packed-down trail while you’re getting the hang of it, but you really should break trail and head through the trees and up and down steep hills (provided you are not walking up an avalanche chute)…that’s where the real fun begins! There is nothing quite like trying to run downhill in snowshoes and floating through the powder! So fun! Because there is a nice layer of snow between you and the ground, you do not need to stick to the trail. You won’t cause any erosion or damage to the tender plants underneath by going off-trail, provided there is enough snow. I like a mix of going off trail and the relative ease of packed-down trail. Breaking trail is a blast, but it is hard work!

As always, the most important thing is to just get out and try it!

GG


All the Grubby Details:
How Far - Depends on how far you'd like to go and how many other people you’d like on the trail with you...there a TONS of options within a one- to two-hour drive of Denver.
Time Commitment – Depends on how far you want to go and what the snow is like…But, definitely plan on being gone for at least 3-5 hours, including the drive.
Misery Index – Low to Moderate – Snowshoeing is super fun, but it is also an intense aerobic workout. You can get pretty tired. And, then there’s the cold. If you get moving, the cold shouldn’t bother you (I’ve snowshoed in temperatures well below zero with no problem), but it’s tough getting started when it’s that cold.
Intimidation Index – Moderate – fears include equipment overload, avalanches and thinking it’s a lot more technical than it is. Don’t let any of that stop you. It really is as easy as walking. As far as avalanches go, as long as you stay in places where there are a lot of trees and don’t hike up or down super steep slopes (think 30 – 40 degree slope), you should be fine. But, let your intuition be your guide…if it feels sketchy, turn around. There are plenty of non-avalanche prone areas to explore.
Dog Friendliness - High - but, make sure your dog has plenty of water and can handle a hike in the snow and cold.
Important Notes – If you are snowshoeing on a mixed-use trail, stay out of the tracks left by cross-country skiers. It messes up their lines and makes them VERY grumpy! And, try to stay away from areas that are popular with snowmobilers…not only are the machines loud and stinky, they can also be dangerous to snowshoers and dogs.
Equipment needed to start – Snowshoes, poles, clothing to layer…and you’re good!
Equipment to upgrade if you find you like it – Snowshoeing is one of those rare sports where, once you have your equipment, there really isn’t much to upgrade. You can buy fancier poles or more intense snowshoes, but your standard-issue snowshoes and poles should do you good for years and years and years and many different types of terrain.