Snowshoeing in the Prairies

Since returning home to Canada, I’ve become addicted to snowshoeing. How did this happen? I was looking for a new activity to help my readjustment from a long overseas trip and my Dad had a vintage set waiting to be used in the garage. My snowshoe goal was to reconnect with the Canadian snow and cold while getting some exercise.

Guess what? It worked! Now I can’t stop talking about snowshoes. When I wake up in the morning, I immediately look out the window to see if it’s good weather for a snowshoe. I inform those new to snowshoeing about the differences between aluminum and wooden models. I’m making plans for a group snowshoe & picnic afternoon, finding new routes, and reading about the different snowshoe shapes. It’s turned into a full-fledged obsession.

If you live in or are visiting an area with abundant snow, you should try snowshoeing. Every walk is different because snow conditions change from day to day. I find snowshoeing exciting because I never know when I’m going to sink through knee-deep powder or shuffle along the top like a bug running across water. At the end of my walk I have a feeling of accomplishment and a new appreciation for my environment.

Here’s what you need to know to get started:

– Snowshoes are very affordable when compared to other winter sports. They usually cost $100 to $300, depending on brand.

– One can choose between snowshoes made of aluminum (referred to as modern) or wood (traditional) snowshoes depending on intended use.

– There are three main activity levels: Aerobic/running, recreational, or mountaineering.

– Snowshoes consist of the ‘decking’, the flat surface of the shoe, and the ‘binding’ to which you attach to your boots.

– The best boots for snowshoes are hiking boots, tall snow boots or snowboarding boots.

– Wooden snowshoes are most effective in deep, powder snow. Personally, I prefer the traditional snowshoe.

– Aluminum snowshoes are great in crunchy snow conditions and steep inclines.

– Modern snowshoes are the most commonly used by snowshoe enthusiasts but traditional shoes can be ordered online and bought from Native artisans.

– The general rule for size is for every pound of body weight there should be one square inch of decking on each snowshoe.

– There are four common snowshoe shapes: the Beavertail, Bear Paw, Ojibwa, and the Alaskan. Each shape is designed to be more effective in different conditions. For example, the Bear Paw is slower than other forms but better in deep powder snow.

– The average person can burn between 240 and 300 calories, depending on weight, in a thirty-minute walk.

Spring is finally upon us in Canada and I’m feeling a bit sad because it means my snowshoeing season is coming to a close. Maybe it’s because I was only present for a short 2 months out of the long 6 month of winter we’ve had this year so I haven’t had a chance to get sick of the snow yet. I’m already looking forward to taking a few snowshoeing trips out to the Rocky Mountains next winter!

Do you have a unique winter hobby?