Tuesday, December 1, 2015

This year, I hope for more snow!


The past few years have not been the best for snowshoeing in Oregon. I was able to get up last year right after Christmas and at least get my shoes on to go someplace. I'd been having problems with a pinched nerve in my hip so wasn't sure how I'd do with it so, decided to go up by myself on the Trillium trail. The hip did fine, my cardio? Well, it was lacking since I'd sat around a lot thinking I needed to heal.

This year while snowshoeing I found a tree
with oranges hanging from it.
It was a great surprise! 
I could not have asked for a better day. The snow was powdery and so beautiful. It got me all snow inspired. I came back, told my friends we needed to plan a snowshoeing trip and also booked us to do some Cosmic Tubing (well, that's a story for another time).

But the winter was really mild and I did not get to do much snowshoeing. I held out that maybe I would snowshoe in Denali when in Alaska in March. There was no very little snow on the ground there as well. I later learned, if I had gone the other way out of Fairbanks, I would have had plenty of snow to shoe. Oh, well, next time.

Winter Trails Days, January 9, 2016
So, this year, I am hoping for more snow. One way to get out and try snowshoeing is to go to the Winter Trails Day (Saturday, January 9, 2016). Winter Trails is a free one day event where people new to snow sports can try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing. Simple events and demos are happening on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at many locations around the country and will help you discover the great fitness and social benefits of these easy to learn winter sports. In the past in Oregon, these have been listed on the REI events website. If you are outside of Oregon you can find a site by going to: http://www.wintertrails.org/wintertrails/findasite.aspx
Information on Snowshoeing 
Snowshoeing is considered the fastest growing winter sport in the world. It is a wonderful way to get out in the snow and get to places that you normally would not be able to walk or have access. People also like it because there is not a lot of technical skill or expensive equipment needed. Also it is great for those who like to hike to keep in shape or for those just wanting to get outside during the long winter months. Snowshoeing is also great as a family activity.
Big Basket Shoes?
Snowshoeing has come a long way from wearing what looked like old tennis racks on your feet. Now snowshoes are sleekly designed with either hard plastic and/or aluminum framing and have bindings that are easy to get in and out of. Both the aluminum and hard plastic are designed to support different body weights and not crack in the snow. One of the best ways to learn to snowshoe is to go to an event like Winter Trails Day or rent a pair. I would also suggest taking an intro to snowshoeing class. Even through the sport is not hard to do and is pretty safe; it is still important to know what to wear and how to use your poles.

What to wear?
When going snowshoeing, one of the most common mistakes is to put too much clothing on. We go out thinking….it’s snow…bundle up! While you probably don’t want to go out in any kind of winter conditions in your skivvies, you want to layer your clothes for snowshoeing. Clothes that will keep you dry can be peeled on but also clothes to put back on when you stop to keep your body heat in and protect you against the elements. Everyone has different tolerance to temperatures, if you are someone who gets cold easy, you might need more layers, while others might not.
Layering for winter basics (no cotton):
  • Wicking inner base layer

    • Wicking long underwear Socks – liner socks
    • Liner Gloves, socks
  • Middle layer to retain body heat (typically, you want this in your back to put on when you stop)

    • Fleece pants/jacket, fleece or wool gloves and wool or synthetic socks

      • Outer shell layer to keep out the wind and snow
    • Waterproof shell jacket/pants, waterproof gloves or outer mitt ski/face mask, gaiters, sunglasses
    • Waterproof boots (leather hiking boots, backcountry trekking) Something that your foot does not move in – to reduce blister changes

What to pack? - Always Be Prepared; Even for a Little Day Hike
As a former EMT for Search and Rescue out of Lewis & Clark County, Montana, we saw our share of hikers who were just headed out for the day and then got into unexpected trouble. Always have your Ten Essentials.

Ten Essential Systems (Updated)
  1. Navigation (map and compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
Snowshoers can burn more than 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed so it is also important to remember to take extra food/water to maintain your energy and to prevent yourself from getting too exhausted.
Historical Note: Ten Essentials was first developed in 1930s by The Mountaineers (a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers) and updated in the 2003 edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. I have an earlier version and it is one of the foundational books for text on climbing and outdoor exploration.

Resources:

  As I was headed out to the event, I couldn’t help humming…
Bom-ba-dee-da-Bom-ba-dee-da
Happy Trails to you,
Until we meet again,
Happy trails to you,
Keep smiling on ‘til then
Who cares about the clouds when we're together
Just sing a song an' think bout sunny weather
Happy Trails to you,
Til we meet again
- Van Halen (lyric originally from Dale Evans Rogers)


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