Snowshoeing in the Rockies
by Stormy of Monod Sports Ltd

Snowshoeing is attractive to many people because of its simplicity. No special equipment, other than snowshoes [and adjustable poles], is required to enjoy yourself in the wintry outdoors. Snowshoeing is popular because it does not require wax or other preparation besides dressing correctly for the conditions.

Because of the increase in popularity among snowshoes, many different styles of snowshoes exist from which to choose. First, put aside your old notions about your grandfather’s (or even your dad's) snowshoes. Although historically snowshoes resembled two hollowed out cellos which had seen better days, today snowshoeing comes in different widths, lengths and styles.

How can you tell which snowshoe is right for you? Think about what you would like to do and consider the following questions:

• Are you a person who tends to wear equipment out quickly because of high use?
• How often do you envision going snowshoeing this winter?
• Where do you go snowshoeing? Do you like to snowshoe in the hills and through the forest, or do you like to snowshoe on flatter, open terrain?
• Snowshoes are sized by your weight. Remember you will weigh anywhere from 5-20 pounds more than your normal weight when you take clothing, backpacks and hiking boots into consideration.
• If your weight range (fully decked out) falls on the upper edge of the snowshoe, consider moving up in size.
• Get adjustable poles with your snowshoes. They will help stabilize your body on uneven terrain (and, as a bonus, you burn more calories using poles).

Once you answer the above questions, you will naturally narrow down your options quickly.

Dressing for Snowshoeing
Dressing for snowshoeing is similar to dressing for backcountry skiing although if you are snowshoeing close to home, you can dress lighter and carry less with you (unless it is extremely cold, that is!). The following items constitute basics needed for dressing for snowshoeing:

Wherever you may go, leave the blue jeans and cotton shirts at home. Blue jeans are made of cotton, which are comfortable to wear but can make you miserable or hypothermic if they get wet in the winter.

• Invest in fine Merino wool, Capilene or similar long underwear and remember to layer, layer, layer!
• Wear a lightweight pant shell (most times a lightweight rain pant will do) over the long underwear bottoms; obviously, if it is colder, you will need to add a layer.
• Use gaiters which come up past your calves to keep snow from getting in your boots (dry feet are happy feet!).
• Hat and gloves (or mitts) are necessities. Hint: mitts are warmer than gloves, but are also more cumbersome.
• Your summer hiking boots are fine for snowshoeing. Make sure to waterproof the boots before use.
• On longer day trips, take along a 16 liter or larger backpack with water, food, a headlamp, waterproof matches, an emergency blanket and extra clothing. Also, a thermos of hot cocoa or hot tea makes for a wonderful treat while contemplating the clean whiteness of a snowy landscape!
• If you seek to snowshoe in avalanche terrain, make sure each person in your party has an avalanche beacon (and knows how to use it), as well as shovels and probes.

Snowshoeing can be a new way to experience the winter landscape available to us here in the Canadian Rockies. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!

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