Summer Confessions of a 1st time Snowshoer… Subtitle: Should Older People Snowshoe?

Snow? In August?  Why are we going to discuss snow in August?  It is not just an attempt to remember cool times during the hottest period of the year.  That’s good too, but it is the perfect time to consider if the winter sport of snowshoeing is suitable for ‘your old bones’.  And if so, to prepare appropriately for a new adventure this upcoming winter.

Before discounting the possibility of this activity for yourself, let me share some stories, pro / cons and other details from my own experience.  Outdoor winter sports are sometimes difficult to adopt and seem rather unfriendly, uncomfortable and prickly to me.  They generally require new gear and they also need snow, which can be harder to find consistently than in decades past. Exercising at home or inside is more easily available, and warmer, but sometimes the fresh air just calls my name.  I am lazier than some in the outdoor activity arena, and yet even I yearn for blue skies during winter months when we tend to spend most hours indoors under artificial lighting.  I crave to hear the unique quiet of nature, or sounds of local birds and roaming creatures.  Frankly, if these environmental elements are not inviting or nurturing to you, it might simply be easier to continue with the local gym, the ‘Y’, or other indoor  activities for your needed cold-weather exercise.

In my younger life, I participated in down-hill skiing for many years.  Most of the time I was cold, didn’t wear the best of clothing or use the perfect equipment.  It was fun, although mostly I enjoyed the mindless bunny-hop runs and sipping hot-chocolate in front of the lodge fire.  Living in the Northeast the choices were numerous and the snow was predictable (at that time).  But for one reason or another I never tied snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing, although the latter was in my plans at least 3 times when major storms hit.  Presently I am living in the west, having hit my second-50 years (plus, plus) and just now considering this adventure.  Too, I wondered if this is a sport only for the young or fit.  Or not?

My Experience

So last winter I planned on trying snowshoeing and taking notes about the experience, thinking I would share with you my dos and don’ts.  I figured the recommendations might be handy, including the possibility of recommending “faa-gat about it.”  [Yes, you can read that ‘forget’ phrase with a New York accent to understand my meaning.]

I would have chosen the recommended rental-first route, except that a dear local friend offered to loan me hers.  Since I am truly a frugal person at heart, the idea of borrowing brought the first snowshoe smile to my face.  My husband had a pair one might call ancient, but he insists they are good quality and ‘do the trick.’  We outfitted ourselves with appropriate clothing, a thermos of hot tea and out we went.

Luckily, I have more than one experience to relay to you, otherwise the ‘forget about it’ would be front and center.  Why?  Well, I mentioned my husband.  Let me say more.  He is the type that is quite content to wander.  He would wander anywhere if not faced with a fence or a wall.  And if it were a wall he could rock-climb over, that too might not stop him.  Thus I should not have been surprised that his interpretation of the necessity to start on a well-groomed, specific trail was not as defined as mine.

It had just snowed and established trails were difficult to distinguish.  Therefore when he said “ah, maybe that is a route, and we could park here” I should have drawn on experience and been suspicious.  But no.  And off we went.

The initial thing I should have noticed is that looking up at the ultimate goal point I was doing just that – looking ‘up’ as my neck bent back and back.  This of course ignores the advice to all beginning snowshoers – start out on flat terrain.  But he had kindly helped me on with my stuff, so what could I do but smile.  Because of the new snow, even usually-groomed trials would have required plenty of work.  However, we broke our trail going steeply up a hill in what we later measured as about 3 ½ – 4 ¼ feet of snow.  Are we having fun yet?  You already understand the punch line that we were nowhere near a trail.  Still we proceed on.  The reasoning of wearing water-proof / resistant clothing became oh-so apparent as I sunk in, fell over and wiggled about in snow drifts.  You might ask ‘why, oh why would this be fun?’  The views in that particular location were stunning.  The newly fallen snow and ice made the land, hills and far-off mountains of southern Oregon and northern California shine.  The beauty and the sound of quiet were heart-warming.

The second trip was much different and thankfully far more conventional.  It was a bright day in the Cascade Range of Oregon, on a groomed track – groomed mostly for Cross County (CC) skiers but with room for the snowshoers.  It was sunny, dry, with reasonable winter temperatures and through a couple clearings you could view the magnificent shape of Mt. McLaughlin.  A lovely day.  We separated on different routes for close to an hour, which created even greater silence.  I saw no one for  that entire time until I reached the parking area.  Then I realized ‘oh yes, Super Bowl Sunday.’  That event evidently made for far fewer individuals on the trails.  Also a good thing to remember for upcoming years.

 Benefits of Snowshoeing

1. Snowshoeing, even at a slow, comfortable pace, is a great cardiac workout.  Your heart rate WILL climb, so (as always) if you need reassurance, check with a health care provider.  Just to be safe, I started out slowly (although truthfully, I just like ‘slow’).  Slow works from start to finish.
2. Snowshoeing is easy to learn (relatively).  Basically it could be thought of as a different kind of forward-walking.  [If you are a novice, and the idea of walking backward strikes you at all – ‘forget about it’.]  Essentially, the shoeing is walking with more weight, longer steps than you normally take and with your feet wider apart.
3. Snowshoeing emphasizes the leg muscles and very light pre-stretching can make this a safe activity, avoiding risk of injury.  Doing the same as a post-stretch makes even more sense, especially as we get older.  The stretch without sitting or lying on the ground should include hamstrings (back of thigh), calves and the hip flexors (muscles of hip that lift your legs).  A couple minute routine, repeating moves, before the snowshoe frames are on will have you ready.  Here is my quick little program:

— Tippy-toe walk
— lift toes toward knees
— high stepping
— squat
 — lift heel to buttocks
— carefully bend over to stretch hamstrings, while tightening stomach.

Shoeing slowly (along with the preparation above) will help us reduce risk to a minimum compared to other outdoor sports.

4. SnowShoeing fits many levels of stamina and fitness. Differences in speed and/or distance can accommodate the older, out-of-shape beginner to the most conditioned athlete.  Luckily, you set your own level of speed and won’t find yourself careening down a mountain side faster than you can snow-plow.
5. SnowShoeing is much less expensive than many sports and needs minimal equipment.
6. If competition is not your thing, this is a sport with little of it.
7.  It is outside and can be beautiful and serene.

Snowshoeing vs. X-Country Skiing

I have friends who are addicted to cross-county (CC) skiing.  Not a bad addiction.  Most likely their love stems from similar benefits I laid out for snowshoeing.  It is a way to be outdoors in the winter without feeling the freezing cold, while enjoying nature at its most minimalist of surroundings.  But what about the comparisons of these two sports.

• Traditionally, the technique of snowshoeing is considered easier to learn than CC skiing.  That is probably still true, although the newer type of shorter CC ski does abbreviate that learning curve.
• On un-groomed trails or new deep snow, it is easier to snowshoe than CC ski.
• Your footwear is not customized in Snowshoeing.  I have a good friend who even when fitted at the most professional level was unable to find CC ski shoes that didn’t bother her.  (More on footwear below.)
• The equipment for snowshoeing is generally less expensive than for CC skiing, especially at the beginner or novice level.

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Cross County Skiing and Snowshoeing differences
are like the difference between the
Cavalry and the foot soldiers.

• CC skiing is like being part of the cavalry (with a horse).  It is easier to take longer strides and cover more ground, enjoying more scenery; not to mention that downhill is a real teat.  Snowshoeing is like the foot solider.  It can be a bit of a slog by comparison.  More than likely, this is the key reason some folks choose CC skiing over snowshoeing.
  Note: if snowshoe frame tips aren’t “tipped” enough, you can barely swish through snow at all, and must lift your legs higher (more effort).  The occasional extra swish is similar to a foot solider having the wind at her back, a tad easier.

 

Footwear, Boots and Snowshoes (SS)

Weight.  I mentioned that I borrowed snowshoes (and didn’t rent); this can be problematic and not a good idea if your sizes don’t mesh.  The sizes of the SS frame for adults are most often general, such as small, medium and large.  Specific brands will have their own weight ranges, like 100-140 lbs.; 140-180 lbs. or 180- 220 lbs.  All brands are not the same.  The ‘recommended load” includes your own weight as well as that of gear (such as a backpack filled with items I will mention below).  Generally it is best to use the smallest SS that will support your recommended load.  Smaller sizes are also best when shoeing in wet, compact snow.  I proved the idea that you can look a bit clownish with a pair too large, as SS already make your feet wider and longer.

Quality and Frequency.  I had planned to ultimately purchase my snowshoes at Costco.  Certainly, SS advocates and devotees will cringe at that; the product there is clearly not the best of quality.  Still they had easy to use straps and were sufficient for a beginner.  Last year Costco ran out mid-season.  I sheepishly admit that later I was in a politically incorrect department store that is spelled with a ‘W’ and thought I would just compare what they might carry.  I approached the clerk in the sporting goods section and asked if they had any in stock.  Wait for it……….
He said, he wasn’t sure but that I might “check in the shoe department.”  That alone might be a good enough reason to visit your local sporting goods store or REI.  I have seen much prettier, studier and lighter SS than the ones in Costco; and It may go without saying they are more costly as well. [The Costco price was about $70 or $80 for the SS frames and poles; a fraction of better models.]  The key may be to evaluate how often you think you may use them, and consider if a less professional model will hold up well enough for you.

Tips.   Remember the tip about the tips on your SS.  You want the ends tipped enough to allow you to swish (just a little) through the snow.

Boots or shoes.  X-Country ski shoes are somewhat specific to your ski and may need professional fitting.  Not so with snowshoeing.  You can wear almost any footwear.  However, I discovered that when picking a boot, ‘waterproof’ is an essential element.  They need not be high, but can be and I would recommend it.  I used Canadian-made and reasonably-priced Kamik boots, a bit larger than necessary so I could layer my socks.  That was a great find, but there are plenty of others like Rocky boots or Merrell’s waterproof line.

 

Other Gear or Stuff in your Backpack

Here is what I have learned and what I would put on a check-list for myself.

1. Poles are important, and for those over 10 years old, almost a must.  Many snowshoe packages (or rentals) come with poles, but you can use ski or trekking poles as well.  If using normal trekking poles, it is best to change to large snow baskets which perform better in deep snow.  [See picture.]  They are available at local, helpful outdoor gear stores or at REI, Application Mt Club store, EMS, etc. Simply substitute your standard trekking basket for the larger one during the time you are shoeing.  Poles help your balance, act as a brake going downhill, help you turnaround (instead of backing up) and come in handy if you sink in powder or trip over your new found giant feet and fall.  Believe me on the latter.
2. Oversized backpack.  Why oversized when it adds to your recommended load?  Because we need storage for clothing changes, food/water and other needs mentioned below.
3. Clothing.  Most everyone knows the key to outdoor activities is LAYERS.  No difference here.  Even if they make you look heavier in all your pictures, the coziness is worth it. While I love cotton and feel comfortable in it normally, this is not the time or place for it.  When cotton gets wet or saturated with sweat it no longer provides needed insulation. It can lead to danger in terms of hypothermia.  There are so many new appropriate and wicking fabrics; I have learned to leave my cotton at home.  We try not to forget extra dry clothes (to put on after returning to the car or even at a half-way rest-stop), as well as a heavier jacket (just in case) and wind protecting clothes.  Quick donning and removal of layers is key to staying comfortable as your pace, or the temperature, changes.  Hence the oversized pack.  In my view, for snowshoeing, hats without ear protection are no hats at all – just a fashion statement.
4. Two types of water – hot and cold.   As always, water to help with hydration is vital (no matter what the activity, I always figure I had better carry more than I wish to).  Hot water?  Well, no, not really.  What I mean is hot tea, cocoa or soup in a thermos or some insulated vacuum bottle.  A waste of effort you might think?  But sometimes along the snowy cold trail this can be a true joy.  If you plan a rather short trip, having the hot beverage waiting for you back at the car will definitely make you sigh ‘ahhhhhhh.’
5. Snacks.  Probably none of us would forget the snacks.
6. Sun screen, lip balm and sunglasses.  Generally not too much skin is exposed in SS activity, but the portion that is can burn easily.  The light reflecting off the snow augments the effect and yet we feel cold.  The face and lips are important to cover.  If your ears are exposed (boo) apply screen to them as well.  Sunglasses to protect from the white reflection of the snow can make the difference between a great day or a great headache (or even worse).
7. Camera or phone with camera.  [Hopefully a signal is not easily available to keep us from gazing down for other reasons when we should be looking around to enjoy our time away from ‘society.’]  I don’t always bring my good camera because of the cold, but would wrap it if I did.  If I put a camera inside my jacket or wind-shell I find when I decide to take a shot, I don’t have to deal with a fogged lens as much.
8. Repair kit. At a minimum, have some duct tape with you.  My husband always carries a sufficient amount wound tightly around an old medicine bottle.  I have heard others wrap it around their poles.  Occasionally we remember a few plastic tie-wraps, cheap and very handy.  They can secure straps lose from your frame or other such binding needs.
9. Luxurious hand-warmers.  Okay, these are just a total wimp-out, but can be so nice.  And on second thought, they are not a luxury if they protect you from frost bite.  I have a friend who wears these in her shoes for various outdoor activities, especially if she isn’t walking in tight shoes or is just sitting in a cold location.  I haven’t tried this yet.
10. Compass and map.  And knowledge of how to use them.  I realize that this may seem over-the-top planning for a groomed trail in a park.  Perhaps so.  Still, it is a good habit to develop and have the skills to use both.

Safety and Etiquette

Here is a partial list I have either prepared for or kept in my mind.

• Double check backpack items; make sure necessities are ready.
• Check the forecast – not just to make sure there is snow, but to prepare for extreme temperatures and to make certain you aren’t heading into a storm that day.
• Pick a trail or two ahead of time, and have maps so that you are not wandering aimlessly or taking a route that doesn’t go where you imagine.  Snowshoes.com is supposed to have a list of trails in many areas worldwide. It may.  But I have had trouble finding them and they do rely on people adding trails to their list.  Local gear stores always have regional maps of the area for you.
• Avalanche safety.  For me, as a total beginner I would like to advocate for nice groomed trails where avalanche risk is an overblown fear.  However, that is not always possible, so all I can say is that reading a few articles on avalanche safety may allow you to feel more prepared.  I have read a few and feel the opposite.  You can read Avalanche Basics online from REI.  The one thing to remember is that the majority of avalanches are triggered by the people later trapped by them.  Be judicious.
• BRING A FRIEND.  It is the rare person that can ignore this advice without determent or risk to themselves.  Do not believe your cellular phone IS your friend – ‘bars’ can easily disappear in the mountains, woods or other wilderness areas.  Plus, if you are of equal strength and endurance with a partner, and are breaking a new snow path, taking turns as leader will avoid exhausting one lead person.
• Good Etiquette.  If you don’t want dirty looks from CC skiers stay out of their groomed tracks.  Use the areas directly next to them where (hopefully) other snowshoers have broken trail.  Shoers can ruin the tracks for skiers.

FINAL THOUGHT

It is obvious that the answer to my question ‘should older people snowshoe’ is a definite yes.  The to-be-determined part is how to approach it for each individual and skill /health level.  To learn more basics, you might watch videos on line or read Snowshoe Magazine’s article ‘First Timer’s Guide to Snowshoeing.’

If you want to be outside but don’t like the idea of snowshoeing, you could strap on some Yak Tracks, or one of the generic brands, and walk where there is less snow, nice paths or even in the local park.  Yak Tracks are great to avoid falls from ice, and you can just slip them over your shoes or boots.  These days you can purchase them in many stores; I saw them in my local Ace Hardware for under $20.

Whatever you choose, don’t let age stop you.  I admit I was a bit nervous at first, but now I know ANYONE can snowshoe.  It’s a healthy sport for a frequently depressing time of year.  It has the added advantages of being modestly priced and takes place in beautiful settings.  Like me, maybe you will consider the leap and take up a new wintertime activity.

Another reason for a summertime article on winter activity?  To remind us that a good time to shop for deals is when stores begin to restock for the winter season; some places as early as September.  Snowshoes may also make a great Christmas or Year-End gift as well.

Keep your eye fixed on the path to the top,
but don’t forget to look right in front of you.
The last step depends on the first.

Don’t think you’re there just because you see the summit.
Watch your footing, be sure of the next step,
but don’t let that distract you from the highest goal.
The first step depends on the last.

Mount Analogue, by Rene Damual

——-

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