What to do when the holiday crowds are too much, when the lines for the lifts at your favorite resort snake through the snow, when even the parking lot at your destination of choice looks like Disneyland on the first day of summer? Strap on a pair of snowshoes, grab some poles, and you can be headed for your own winter wonderland.
Snowshoeing can provide the ideal in winter fun: solitude, snow-blanketed trees, gorgeous vistas, heart-pumping exercise. And instead of paying through the nose for a ski lesson and lift tickets, you can put on your shoes and follow your own nose to that distant peak or perfect lunch spot.
Snowshoeing is wonderful because it eliminates the often too-competitive attitude found when you head to the slopes with a group of folks. It requires no previous experience: if you can walk, you can snowshoe! Each person can enjoy the hike at his or her own pace. And a snowshoe can be an hour-long tromp or a multiday backcountry affair. Many ski resorts and outdoor stores rent snowshoes for a minimal fee. If you would like to purchase your own, head to your winter sports supplier or check out the options at http://www.esnowshoes.com/. The length and type of snowshoe depends on your body weight and the type of snow that you expect to encounter. Three brands that offer several options in terms of model are Atlas (http://www.atlassnowshoes.com/), Tubbs (http://www.tubbssnowshoes.com/), and MSR (http://www.msrcorp.com/).
You probably have most of the equipment needed for snowshoeing in your closet. Dress in layers so that you will be prepared for snow showers as well as sun. I like to have a fleece layer on top of long underwear, with a waterproof layer on the outside. In addition, you will need a warm hat, gloves, sunglasses or goggles, and sunscreen. Check the weather before you go (http://www.weather.com/) and let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning. It is important to prepare with enough water and food in case your adventure lasts longer than you expect. Snowshoeing is a terrific workout, so you need a lot of water (at least 1 quart/hour/person) to replenish what you're losing.
If you are planning on hiking steep slopes so that you can ski/ride down, be aware of the avalanche conditions. In the northern Sierra, the avalanche hotline is (530)587-2158. In other locations, check with your local ranger station. Carry a beacon and know how to use it. The Backpacker Magazine Snowshoe Center (http://www.backpacker.com/snowshoe) and The Snow Leopard (http://www.thesnowleopard.com/) conatin a wealth of winter survival tips, as well as information about choosing shoes and fun places to snowshoe. In addition, outdoor education organizations offer winter skills classes if you are interested in learning more about backcountry trekking. Alpine Skills International, based in Donner Pass, CA, holds avalanche safety, winter skills, and backcountry expedition classes throughout the winter (http://www.alpineskills.com/).
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