Most winters, white-capped mountains beckon Seattle and Portland area residents to explore their slopes. The next time you flee the city for a taste of alpine air, save a few bucks and a sliver of sanity by driving past the ski resorts to the nearest Sno-Park. Join the millions of snowshoers who have come to love the low-impact workout and solitude found in a human-powered day in the wintry woods.
Snowshoeing requires very little technical skill, which possibly explains why it has grown by over 300 percent since 1998, according to the Outdoor Industries Association. Snowshoes are highly maneuverable and can be used in flat, open terrain, such as snow-covered roads or trails, or on wooded hills – places that are inaccessible to snowmobiles or cross-country skiers.
Benefits of Snowshoeing
A snowshoe workout combines aerobic conditioning with muscle strengthening and endurance training. Even at a slow pace, you’ll increase your heart rate, as each step takes about 10 percent more effort than simply hiking. At a moderate walking pace, an adult weighing 155 pounds will burn about 563 calories per hour – the same amount of calories you’d burn when running at 5 mph. Using poles will burn even more calories, and will help condition your arms, shoulders and back muscles. Of course, the routes you choose will lessen or intensify your workout.
Gearing Up
Since you’ll be working up a sweat, dress in layers of quick-drying fabrics, such as wool, Polypropylene and fleece. The only specialized gear you’ll need is a pair of snowshoes. Rentals cost about $15-30 a weekend at most major outdoor retailers. Once you figure out a make and model that suits you best, you can buy your own for
$75-260.
The type of snowshoes you’ll need depends on your size, the snow and trail conditions, and the load you’ll be carrying. How well a shoe stays above the snow is referred to as “floatation.” Larger shoes provide more floatation, and are used when carrying heavy backpacks or when traveling in powdery snow. In heavier, wet snow or when loads are light, a smaller shoe will provide sufficient floatation. Manufacturers now design shoes specifically for women and small children: If you fall into one of these categories, be sure the rental shop caters to your needs.
Safety First
Generally, safe places to snowshoe include most ski areas (if you stay inside boundaries), where you can often follow well-traveled, designated snowshoe trails. Your favorite summer hiking trail might also be suitable, but keep in mind that it may be difficult to follow when it’s buried under a few feet of snow. Guidebooks usually offer well-tested suggestions, and include difficulty levels and avalanche danger warnings (see “Before You Go”).
Avalanches may be your greatest danger while snowshoeing, but they can be easily avoided if you are aware and prepared for them. Steep, treeless terrain is usually susceptible to avalanches. Cornices, or large snowdrifts built up over cliffs or steep hills, may easily break loose and are also threats.
To be safe, check the daily avalanche forecast for the area in which you’re planning to travel. The Northwest Avalanche Center’s hotline provides daily updated in-formation for Washington and Oregon (see “Before You Go”). In addition, long-range radios, transceivers and avalanche beacons are wise investments. Also consider taking an avalanche training course through the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (www.avtraining.org).
This winter, get out and see why 4.7 million Americans are trading their hiking boots for snowshoes during the winter months. Winter Trails Day, set for Jan. 7, is a great way to test out snowshoes and get tips on your technique. See page 13 for more information about this annual event.
Sharpen your skills in time for the annual Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer, being held Feb. 25 at White River West Sno-Park on Mount Hood, to benefit theSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.tubbsromptostomp.com).
Before You Go:
1. Research
The Snowshoe Experience by Claire Walter, Storey Publishing, 2004.
Snowshoe Routes: Oregon by Shea Anderson, Mountaineers Books, 2001.
Snowshoe Routes: Washington by Dan A. Nelson, Mountaineers Books, 1998.
Winter Trails Web Site: Info on snowshoeing and other winter activities, www.wintertrails.org.
Tubbs Snowshoes: Online database of snowshoe trails, www.tubbssnowshoes.com/trailnet.php.
Green Trails Maps: www.greentrails.com.
2. Purchase a Sno-Park Pass
Prices vary, but Oregon honors Washington passes and vice-versa; For more info,
see www.parks.wa.gov/winter/permits.asp and www.tripcheck.com/Pages/SPentry.asp.
3. Check for Avalanche Danger
Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center: (206) 526-6677, www.nwac.noaa.gov.
— Aaryn Peterson, of Seattle, is an avid climber and winter recreationalist.
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