Snowshoeing has become quite a popular pastime for many in the Canadian Rockies. First of all the equipment is minimal, you need a pair of snowshoes. It is also a lot easier to learn than cross country skiing and for sure costs a lot less than downhill skiing. Snowshoeing gets you away from the crowds and offer you the opportunity of walking though deep unbroken snow, climbing a snow peak for unspool winter views or the sheer enjoyment of just playing around in the snow. Here are some tips keeping you warm, dry and Hydrated.
- Keeping your feet dry is extremely important. A great piece of equipment to make sure that your feet stay warm and dry is a pair of gaiters. Gaiters provide a barrier between your pants and your shoe. They prevent moisture, in the form of snow, from getting into your boots at the bottom at your pant cuff.
- Warm and dry hands are paramount to great snowshoe tour. Wear skin tight and thin liner gloves, and on the top of it is gloves. Because if you need dexterity for your hands you can easily remove your mittens, and your hands will stay warm for a few minutes.
- One last piece of equipments that will make your snowshoeing much more enjoyable is a pair of goggles. When it is snowing or really windy nothing beats the eye protection goggles will give you. Keep a pair in your pack just in case.
- Lastly is to stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. If you stop to add a layer or remove a layer it is good practice to take a sip of water. To make sure the water doesn’t freeze. Always have a wide mouthed jar. You can keep it in an insulated water bottle holder.
Know your personal limits and remember to be always safe. Don't just drive to the nearest national park and start trekking off into the wilderness by yourself. Snowshoe with other people. Make sure somebody knows where you are going and when you should be coming back. Bring lots of water with you along with some high energy snacks. A brisk hike can take a lot of energy out of a person. Snowshoeing is not difficult and doesn't need the technical skills of a skier. If you can walk you can snowshoe. Be sensible enough.