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If You Can Walk, You Can Snowshoe
By: Heather Berardo Outdoor Educator, Taconic Outdoor Education Center
Long gone are the warm days of summer and mild weather. As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, most of us feel the urge to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and burrow in for the long cold months ahead. In fact, once the temperature hits 32 degrees, most of us only venture outside as a means to move from one warm place to another.
However, there are a multitude of great winter activities that will get you out of the house and enjoying the crisp fresh air in no time. The best way to get out and see the sights is to grab a pair of snowshoes and go for a walk. Now, you may be skeptical about strapping those awkward looking "shoes" to your feet, but alas, once you have them on it's as easy as walking! You'll be so busy exploring that you won't even notice the drop in temperature.
Snowshoes first appeared about 6,000 years ago in Central Asia. After observing animals such as the Snowshoe Hare moving with ease through the snow, Native Americans mimicked them by creating a greater surface area for their feet. The construction of wooden frames with rawhide webbing enabled them to spread out their weight, ensuring they wouldn't sink deep in the snow. This allowed them to expend much less energy and move quickly through the winter landscape.
Eventually the Inuits and Native Americans migrated to North America and brought snowshoes with them. Many years later, new materials have enabled companies to streamline classic models into smaller, lighter and more versatile designs. Snowshoe frames are now made of lightweight aluminum rather than the traditional wood, and most have a shorter oval shape. The decking is attached as one solid piece of vinyl, which allows for a smaller snowshoe and more maneuverability. Another addition to snowshoes in recent years is the sharp metal teeth on the bottom of the shoes called crampons. They provide greater traction on ice and inclined surfaces. Bindings are now constructed of nylon straps, which allow for a more secure fit.
Snowshoeing serves as a great way to extend your outdoor fitness routine into the winter months rather than heading for the nearest gym. Many people use hiking poles, turning their walk into a full body workout and adding extra stability. Snowshoeing is a great way to burn calories while having tons of fun. In addition, varied terrain and beautiful scenery keep things interesting.
Anywhere you can walk with a pair of hiking boots, you can also go with snowshoes. Being on snowshoes affords you the opportunity to explore places you may not be able to go during the warmer months of the year. For example, certain habitats are protected against human impact. In the winter, snow provides a protective barrier over much of this sensitive vegetation, thus allowing us to walk in some protected areas without causing harm to the plants that grow there. Other great areas to explore are frozen surfaces such as lakes and ponds. When you venture outside in winter there are vast opportunities for viewing signs of wildlife and experiencing the serenity of the nature.
There are countless places to explore, so what are you waiting for? Get out your snow boots and strap on a pair of snowshoes. Whether you are in your own back yard or a local park, there is a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered. Remember to dress for the winter weather, be safe and enjoy!
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