Picture this: Walking under a canopy of trees, the ground sparkling with snow in the sunlight. The only noise you hear are the crunch of your snowshoes as you travel on a hiking trail winding its way thru the forest. Every so often, you catch a glimpse of the frozen lake through the pines and the brave souls setting up to try their luck at ice fishing. Sounds pretty peaceful, doesn’t it? This, my friends, is one of the many benefits of snowshoeing.
Beat the Winter Blues
If you’re like me, wintertime can be equal parts magic and misery. Magic because of the beauty of freshly fallen snow and the holidays spent with family and friends. Misery because after that, winter seemed endlessly gray and dull. It was easy to become lethargic and sad, laying on the couch munching on snacks and mindlessly watching yet another corny romcom.
I’d always wanted to snowshoe. I lived close to many areas that would allow me to do just that…I just never did it. Instead, winter meant hibernation….less movement, more winter blues. Until Alex came along and took me on my first snowshoeing adventure. After that, I was hooked.
What You’ll Need
If you enjoy hiking, you will probably enjoy snowshoeing. Your favorite mountain hiking trails are transformed by the snow. Sound seems to carry further. Things are quieter. You often are above those pesky inversion clouds and bathed in sunlight. Sure it’s cold, but once you start trekking, you warm right up.
Of course you need the right gear – sturdy, warm, waterproof boots, base layers that wick moisture away from your body, mid layers that help keep you warm, and outer layers that keep you protected from the wind and moisture. Don’t forget a hat and gloves! Check out this great article from Alpine Sisters for more on dressing appropriately for your adventures: https://alpinesisters.com/blogs/outdoor-eduction/how-to-dress-in-layers-for-cold-weather-and-hot-weather-enjoy-the-outdoors-year-round
You’ll also need a good pair of snowshoes and poles. Not sure if you’ll enjoy snowshoeing? You can rent your equipment at a relatively low cost. Once you decide it might be a regular part of your winter routine, you can invest in your own. There are many types to choose from and you don’t have to get fancy or spend a lot of money. I bought a pair of inexpensive snowshoes for about $100 when I first started. They worked just fine. Alex and I recently upgraded to MSR brand snowshoes and we love them. It was well worth the investment since we go so frequently.
Benefits of Snowshoeing
So why should you give snowshoeing a try? Here are a few of the benefits in no certain order.
- Mood Booster: Not only can getting outdoors in the winter improve your mood (hello vitamin D!), but it also helps form a stronger connection to nature.
- Improved physical health: Snowshoeing provides you with the ability to:
- get a great cardio workout,
- build your muscles,
- improve your balance, and
- increase your endurance,.
- Building connections: You also get the benefit of building closer connections when you share the experience with others. We’ve had many moments of laughter and shared awe with great friends. We’ve also grown closer as a couple and have enjoyed watching our pups frolic and jump through the snow covered paths.
- Maintaining your fitness level: Staying active all year long means you’re less likely to lose all the progress you made on all your hikes earlier in the year. You also get the benefit of continuing to burn calories at a similar or greater rate than other times of the year.
There’s still time to make snowshoeing one of your favorite winter activities. Get out there and try it! We’re willing to bet you won’t regret it and may get hooked on it like we did.
Wherever your adventures take you, remember to leave no trace – stay on designated trails and pack out what you pack in. https://idahovantasticvoyages.com/leave-no-trace/
See you out there!
