For these reasons, Suzanne was thrilled to discover snowshoeing — now her
favorite winter sport and one that’s booming in popularity nationwide.
Snowshoeing takes you into the woods and away from the crowds, burns lots
of calories, and generates enough body heat to keep you toasty. Plus, it
involves minimal spending, no risk of injury, and, best of all, no skill.
Snowshoeing has become so popular that 5K and 10K competitions have
sprung up nationwide.
Essential snowshoeing gear .............................................................
The term snowshoeingmay conjure up images of bearded Scandinavian trap-
pers slogging across the tundra, their boots strapped to giant wooden tennis
racquets. Indeed, that’s what snowshoeing was all about — a thousand years
ago. Unlike the old 7-foot-long wood-and-cowhide shoes, today’s snowshoes
are just 2 feet long, and the oblong frames are made of lightweight aluminum.
High-tech fabric stretches across the frame, providing a surface area that keeps
you from sinking into the snow. (By the way, snowshoes don’t directly fit on
your bare feet; you strap the snowshoes onto any footwear that’s comfortable
for you — walking shoes, running shoes, or even lightweight hiking boots.)
Snowshoes run between $120 and $300, and they come in different sizes
(heavier people need larger frames) and designs (for casual walking, back-
country hiking, and running on packed snow). Before you make an investment,
rent them at a ski shop for $10 to $20. Rent poles, too. They help propel you
uphill and help you maintain balance going downhill, and you can decide
whether you like them enough to invest in a pair for yourself. (Poles cost
from $60 to $140 per pair.)
Be sure to dress in layers. Even in freezing temperatures, you can work up a
good sweat and then get chilly fast. Wear a lightweight, breathable top that
wicks away sweat. On top of that, wear a fleece pullover or vest. On super-
cold days, bring a lightweight, water-resistant jacket. (You’ll suffocate in a
ski parka.)
Snowshoeing the right way ..............................................................
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Suzanne did manage to fall on her face
her first day on snowshoes, but that’s because she forgot she was wearing
them; her stride was too short, and she stepped onto her own snowshoe and
tripped. But after you grasp the fact that snowshoes are longer than hiking
boots, you’re set.
Chapter 10: Exercising Outdoors 159