As I was listing out my snowshoe trips from last year for my Snowshoes page, I had a revelation. I did A LOT of snowshoe trips last year. I went from zero time on snowshoes in the winter of 2014-15 to 23 trips in 2015-16. Wow!
So, I guess I must have learned a lot and have some great knowledge to share, right? I don’t claim to be an expert but let’s see what I found out after all that time out enjoying the snow in the Pacific Northwest.
1.
You don’t need fancy snowshoes to start (I picked mine up at Play It Again Sports). You can also rent them. You may also have a friend or two with an extra pair they can loan you.
2.
You don’t need boots (trail runners work, too). Not that boots aren’t worth having, but don’t let not having them stop you from getting out on snowshoes. As long as the shoes will strap on your shoes and you have gaiters or something to keep snow from getting in your shoes, you will be fine!
3.
You don’t need 4-wheel drive (just drive until you hit snow and get out and go). Most forest roads have room to pullover and park.
4.
You don’t need a “trail” (snow covered roads work, besides you often aren’t on a trail anyway). Some of my favorite snowshoes have been up windy roads!
5.
You do need layers (if you aren’t sure what that means: How Do I Layer For Winter). You may start out cold but snowshoeing works up a sweat! Make sure you have room in your backpack to carry your layers as you take them off and on.
6.
You do need poles (unless you want to spend more time lying in snow than walking on it). Walking on snow is a balancing act, poles help keep you stable and upright!
7.
You do need waterproof/resistant gear (getting wet means being cold). Cold and wet is not fun and can be downright dangerous. In addition to waterproof gear, extra layers in your pack mean you can change if you get wet.
8.
You do need to know weather conditions (and prepared for those conditions). Winter means snow can happen at any time, even when the skies look blue when you leave the trailhead. Always prepare for the eventuality of snow showers.
9.
You do need to know some navigation (you often won’t have a trail to follow). There are some great classes out there beyond just being able to use whatever GPS app on your phone. It is easy to get turned around and disoriented when everything is covered in white.
10.
You do need to be observant (signs of avalanche, sounds of water under snow, etc.) Check out this tutorial from the NWAC.
11.
You do need to know when to turn around, whether it’s unsafe conditions or physical exhaustion. Safety first. Trust your gut and don’t go with the crowd if you don’t feel safe. Don’t be afraid to speak up!
I hope some of these lessons that I have picked up this last year help you to have confidence to get out there and enjoy some snowshoeing this winter season. Can you think of anything I may have missed?
Head over to 7 More Things I Need To Tell You About Snowshoeing for more tips for 2017! Then, check out my Snowshoes page for trip reports on possible snowshoes for YOUR next outdoor adventure in the snow!
Thank you so much for stopping by Must Hike Must Eat!
If you need some healthy eating inspiration start here:..
Need some eating out suggestions when friends want to stop after a hike? I have a Pacific Northwest Eating Guide here.
Find out what’s been happening outside the blog:
If you have a question you don’t want to post in the comments, you can ask them here:
Discover more from Must Hike Must Eat
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.