Snowshoeing

[urban1]

Anyone here snowshoe?

I havent snowshoed in ages but was at MEC the other day and snowshoes look like theyve come a long way since the wooden tennis racket type.

I wouldnt mind adding it to my winter sports activities. Seems like a good way to get into some backcountry territory that you couldnt x-country ski or hike into.

Just wondering if anyone from Calgary is into snowshoeing and has any tips or any suggestions on where to go? Its easy to find hiking books and even websites on ski trails but not much for snowshoes.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by urban1

Anyone here snowshoe?

I havent snowshoed in ages but was at MEC the other day and snowshoes look like theyve come a long way since the wooden tennis racket type.

I wouldnt mind adding it to my winter sports activities. Seems like a good way to get into some backcountry territory that you couldnt x-country ski or hike into.

Just wondering if anyone from Calgary is into snowshoeing and has any tips or any suggestions on where to go? Its easy to find hiking books and even websites on ski trails but not much for snowshoes.

Go to the same places. You can snowshoe on any of those hiking trails as long as there is snow.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by redforever

Go to the same places. You can snowshoe on any of those hiking trails as long as there is snow.

I do a lot of snowshoeing; it's a terrific winter activity, and lets you go places x-country skiers and the general public can't. That said, stay clear of any trails that are groomed or track set for the x-country crowd, because it wrecks it for them (pansies!).

Also, don't dismiss the old wood and rawhide shoes until you've tried them. The aluminum and neoprene ones are indestructable and will last forever, but you give up a lot of feel and comfort. There is no spring to them at all, so they feel quite dead underfoot when you are moving at a good clip. I far prefer my traditional wood shoes for most trips, and if you keep them nice and varnished, the rawhide will last a long time.

-Scott