Snowshoeing offers affordable outdoor fun and exercise

Snowshoeing is an affordable, often overlooked outdoor activity that individuals and families can enjoy while avoiding the crowds and limitations of downhill skiing.  Equipment is simple, affordable, and easy to master with no fees, lift tickets, or fancy gear required beyond a pair of snow shoes, comfortable winter boots, and optional walking poles that are similar to cross country ski poles.

• Most people are familiar with the old-fashioned snow shoes that look like large, inverted tennis rackets with the front ends rising up to help prevent the shoes from digging into the snow, but they have evolved since the old days.
• Snow shoes now are made of lightweight, composite materials for three main uses: trekking, back-country exploration and racing.
• Trekking is what most people do and involves leisurely hikes through parks and local woods.
• Back-country snowshoeing can involve multiple days exploring an area seldom visited by man, particularly during the winter.
• And racing snow shoes are strictly for competition.
• People can buy a good pair of snow shoes for less than $50 and up to $100 or more for high-end varieties.
• Many provincial and national parks also offer snow shoe rentals for a few dollars per day.

• Many people rent trekking snow shoes while at a provincial or national park and use them on guided tours or for local exploration.
• Photographers and anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors during winter typically enjoy the benefits of snowshoeing, which can get them up close to nature and provide unique views and perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
• Ice fishermen also can benefit from the weight distribution and traction snow shoes provide while trekking across frozen lakes to their favourite fishing spots.
• Because they are affordable to rent or buy and require virtually no training, snow shoes also work well for family outings and help to provide exercise while enjoying the great outdoors during winter.

• Those who are more serious about snow shoeing can enter organized competitions that are run much like cross country running events.
• The International Snowshoeing Federation (ISSF) establishes international competition rules, including allowable equipment, race lengths and scoring for team competitions.
• Although not an Olympic event, the ISSF hopes to make snowshoeing an official competition for the Winter Olympics.
• Whether participating for fun or competition, snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.