Idiot's Guide to Snowshoeing

Ok, so I am probably the only person in Colorado who cannot ski or snowboard. Every year I rent the gear and take a lesson. I can never seem to make it off the ski lift without taking someone else out. In fact, I never make it off the hill (I’m scared of heights, hate going fast and don’t have the cool ski clothing). I finally gave up this year and tried snowshoeing. I absolutely love it! The saying really is true “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.”

What to Wear

You may start off cold when snowshoeing, but after some time you will get hot. Very hot! Make sure you always wear layers (think strip poker, when you have lots of layers it takes a while to get totally naked).

• Shell Jacket over Fleece and/or Thermal Shirt

• Snow pants and/or Long Underwear/Leggings

• Socks (1 or 2 layers)

• Gloves (1 or 2 layers)

• Hat

• Neck Gaitor/Face Coverup

• Sunglasses

• Gators (if you are not in deep snow or have good snow pants, may not need)

• Waterproof Boots

• Snowshoes

• Ski Pools (optional Depending on snow and elevation)

Snowshoes...

If you have never gone snowshoeing, either rent a pair or borrow some from friends. Good quality snowshoes can be expensive so make sure you like the sport before making the investment.

What Gear to Bring...

• Backpack
• Maps and Information on your hike
• Snacks and/or lunch (trail mix, apple & PBJ are my staples)
• Tissues
• Suntan Lotion
• Water Bottles or Camel Back
• Camera
• Compass or GPS
• Cell Phone (but only if you get a signal)
• Matches and Pocket Knife (I’m really not sure why I would bring these but every guide book tells me to so I am telling you)

A couple of tips...

• Check the weather on where you are going. There are times when you just don’t want to be out.
• Take a buddy. (If you attempt Extreme Snowshoeing and get hurt, you have someone to take your picture.)
• Let someone at home know your destination.
• Depending on where you are going, check if there are risk of avalanches.
• If you are a dog lover, check if dogs are allowed. National parks generally don’t but state and regional parks may.
• Get a guidebook for your area on winter hiking. If you don’t want to buy a book, look at your local library or borrow something from a friend. See below on two book recommendations for Colorado.

Where to go?

Ok, so you are all settled up, so where do you go? If you are in luck and it snows more than 6 inches, you don’t have to leave town. Look at local parks or golf courses. Here in Denver, you can go snowshoeing in any one of the local parks such as City Park, Washington Park or Sloan’s Lake.