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.

Cross-Country skiing, aka Nordic Skiing, is a sport that takes coordination and stamina.  Don't let that scare you; you can develop both and find that your winter outdoor experience goes way beyond what you'd encounter on a normal hike.  The trick to it is learning to push off and glide along the snow, making long strides to cover a lot of distance in a relatively short time.  If you really work at it, you will develop a solid technique on your own, but a lesson from someone who is experienced will help at first.  The skis, boots and poles are different from those used in downhill (alpine) skiing.  Skis are long and thin with a texture underneath to help grip the snow.  The boots are flexible and ankle-high or slightly higher.  The poles are long and have a large bail at the bottom.  You don't need to spend a fortune for this equipment, but you might want to rent a few times before buying.