Don’t let snow stop you from enjoying the outdoors
By Hannah Stonehouse Hudson
Have you ever wanted to head deep into the woods on a beautiful winter day? You’ve been stuck inside for what seems like weeks, the sun is shining, there are sheds to be found, pine canopies to explore and it’s finally above zero. But you get to the woods and there is about 4 feet of snow on your favorite trail. That makes it difficult to go exploring…
Or you just want to keep your running routine interesting in the wintertime. Pavement is scary when you are in the northern climates. Ice can cause injuries, and salt ruins your shoes.
Snowshoes are the answer you are seeking. Winter adventures out in the woods – or on packed snow-covered trails – bring new fun in the dead of winter. Our brains will thank us for the outdoor time.
I carry snowshoes with me everywhere I go. They are a permanent staple in the trunk of my car, and if I am in need of a quick jaunt in the silence of the woods to clear my head, I strap them on and go. Sometimes I go for deep trails in the woods – sometimes I go for packed running trails.
This is also a great activity to share with friends, family and to get kids outdoors on nice winter days! The following tips will help you get started:
Snowshoes
Head to a sports store that has snowshoes, and first, look for snowshoes that are designed for your body. While not all snowshoes come in men’s and women’s specific versions, a women’s specific snowshoe should include a narrower frame shape to accommodate a woman’s more narrow stance, as well as a binding more fitted for a women’s boot shape.
You’ll also want to select a snowshoe that is the right size for your weight. Having a snowshoe that is too small will cause you to sink too deep into soft snow. A snowshoe that is too large will be too heavy and clunky for you. Look at the product hangtag, their website or ask a shop employee to learn what is the best size for your weight. And if you’ll be backpacking or carrying gear, don’t forget to plan that weight as well!
Next, determine what kind of activities you will be using them for. Some brands and types are for running, others for mountaineering, there’s very traditional wooden ones and some are for general use. I do a lot of different activities in my snowshoes. I run on trails and hike in 4 feet of snow in them, and I only want to carry one pair, so I chose a general use pair.
Other Gear
Once you have your snowshoes chosen, add a pair of gaiters and poles to your purchase. You’ll want these for deeper snow. Gaiters are an extra piece of material that strap around your ankle and lower leg to keep snow and water out of your boots and shoes so you can stay dry. They vary in size and shape depending on both gender and intended use.
Snowshoe poles help stabilize the upper body, establishing a rhythm to your walk or hike, and improving your balance on difficult terrain. Using poles also reduces stress on your knees, ankles and feet, as well as includes upper-body movement for more of a full-body workout.
The poles usually come with adjustable sections for easy carrying and to make quick changes for different terrain, such as shortening the length for steeper terrain in front of you, lengthening the pole for descending terrain or having different lengths for each pole when walking side-hills with the downhill pole longer. To size your snowshoe poles, hold the pole upside down (hand under the basket) and adjust the length so the handle touches the ground with your elbow at a right angle.
While there are higher-end, pricier options you can choose to spend on if you’d like, you don’t have to spend a lot money to start snowshoeing and these should last you for years. You can find snowshoes for less than $100 and gaiters and poles as low as $15-20 each. There are also some kit options that come with all three together.
After those have been purchased, pick what shoes or boots you’d like to go with them. Waterproof boots of any sort will work with gaiters for big snow, and a simple pair of running shoes without gaiters will work for packed snow trail runs.
Clothing
Keep in mind when you are recreating outdoors, your clothes should allow you to move freely and comfortably. If you get sweaty, your clothing should wick the moisture away from your body to keep you dry. Wool and synthetic materials (such as polypropylene) are the best to use for the outdoors. Cotton absorbs moisture from your body and dries slowly.
Layers are the best way to keep you the most comfortable in the outdoors in the winter. This gives you the ability to add or remove layers as needed in changing conditions. When needed, have a base layer of mid-weight long underwear top and bottoms, as well as warm socks, followed by an insulation layer such as a fleece jacket or wool sweater and fleece pants, and then an outer layer of a waterproof/breathable jacket or parka and pants, plus a hat and gloves. This will keep you warm and dry from the inside, and protected from the outside.
Now find a trail, strap the snowshoes on and GO! It’s seriously that simple. You’ll now be able to go deep into the woods to see the beauty of the woods in winter, and if you are a runner, you’ll be able to avoid ice and salt. Your run will be way more scenic as well, I’m sure.
Aftercare
Taking care of snowshoeing equipment is quick and simple, but important to possibly prevent the development of rust and add to the longevity of your gear. All that’s needed is to wipe your snowshoes off to dry after use and then store in a cool, dry place. You can store by hanging your snowshoes on a wall or in a snowshoe-storing bag.
By the way, if you are a competitive person, there are snowshoe running races! Just Google “snowshoe racing” and you will find a whole list of 5Ks, 10Ks, and even a half marathon. Perfect for keeping fit in winter.
Snowshoeing may seem like an exotic thing that you would not do regularly, but once you discover it, you will be addicted. It’s easy to start doing, the equipment is light and portable, and it is excellent for mental health in winter. Enjoy!
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Hannah Stonehouse Hudson of Wisconsin is a photographer, writer, speaker and outdoor enthusiast. Follow her and her adventures on Facebook
@HannahStonehouseHudson.
