Snowshoeing
Snowshoe Magazine's Guide to Snowshoeing: Know What to Buy, Where to Go, How to Get Started and Learn What's Important
There is no better way to begin snowshoeing than just going and doing it. Take a risk, rent or buy a pair of snowshoes, dress for the elements and enjoy. However, that's just a start - there is more to it than just taking a refreshing plunge in some snow.
Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years. And, obviously, the art of snowshoeing has become more sophisticated over time - now it's considered a winter sport. From the early wood-frame to the aluminum-frame models, snowshoeing has garnered quite a following throughout the world. Modern day snowshoeing is made up of casual snowshoers who hike trails for pleasure, the snowshoeing enthusiasts who trek through the backcountry, and the competitors who race.
Considering this is the fastest growing winter sport in the world (snowboarding is growing fast too, but not fast enough), snowshoeing is poised to become a monster of a market. Many involved in skiing and snowboarding utilize snowshoes to participate in some great backcountry hikes to find the holy grail of mother nature: Deep, unscathed powder. Snowshoeing is a great alternative for many sports - especially those who like running.
What's So Great About Snowshoeing?
The sport is easy to learn, virtually inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months. According to research provided by Snowsports Industries America (SIA), 40.8 percent of snowshoers are women (a number that is increasing rapidly), 9.4 percent of snowshoers are children (ages 7-11), and 44.2 percent of snowshoers are ages 25-44.
One of the more appealing facts about snowshoeing is how it can help enrich a person's health. Known to help maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, the sport helps burn more than 600 calories per hour. Snowshoers can burn more than 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed, according to SIA. Snowshoeing is a great way to pursue losing weight; however, a healthy diet should be maintained to seek the appropriate effectiveness in a healthy lifestyle as well.
Where to Buy or Rent a Pair of Snowshoes?
There are plenty of snowshoe retailers to choose from. However, there are more obvious choices than others. For example, REI and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) sell snowshoes around the nation - they are the obvious retailers. The less obvious retailers are independent stores that may include equipment for running and local mountain outfitters.
Although price may be similar between retailers (unless they are having a sale, which they often do), snowshoe brands will differ.
If you would like to rent snowshoes, the best place to start is with a ski and snowboard rental store. They will most likely have a decent selection for you to choose from.
More about Snowshoeing:
- What to Look For in a Pair of Snowshoes
- Where Should You Go Snowshoeing
- What to Wear When Snowshoeing
- Compete as a Snowshoer
