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When the snow gets deep, hiking in boots
can get to be a drag. Every step goes down into that deep
snow, a phenomenon known as "post-holing". But never fear,
enter these goofy-looking things called snowshoes. If you
get the proper size and a design that fits your style of
walking, that deep snow becomes a lot of fun. Pretty soon,
you will shy away from a simple hike on a packed trail, choosing
instead to get out into some real winter fun.
Snowshoes come in various sizes, depending
upon your weight and the type of snow you'll encounter.
You want a pair that will "float" atop the snow rather than
sinking with every step. Dry Colorado snow demands that
you pay attention to the size you get. Remember to count
your weight and that of the pack and clothing you'll wear in
picking them. If you're a beginner, try several
pairs out by renting or going to a snowshoe weekend at
Rocky Mountain National Park before you buy.
It's also important to be sure to dress
properly. You should follow the
winter equipment
guidelines on this website. However, it is
especially important that you dress in layers for snowshoeing
which can be quite a workout. If you begin to over-heat,
removing a layer or two can help avoid sweating which will
eventually make you cold.
A good write-up on snowshoeing can be
found at
Outdoor Places.com |
