Typically these “outdoorsy” blog posts are prompted out of necessity. Lately, I have had several friends reach out to me to ask about snowshoeing. What to wear, where to go, where to rent or buy snowshoes… simply put, where to even start? I figured I would make it easy and put together a Q&A post all about SNOWSHOEING!
Before we “spill the tea” on the topic of snowshoeing, let me start by introducing you to Kate. Kate isn’t your average guest blogger; she is an extremely special friend of the blog. Better yet, she is one of Kendall’s best friends, godmother to Kendall’s little girl, Rosemary, and one of my (Shari’s) favorite friends to bump into in town. Kate’s quick wit, varied interests, and adventurous spirit make her one of the most magnetic individuals that you will ever meet. When I thought about writing a blog on snowshoeing, I knew I wanted Kate to weigh in on the topic. She grew up in the outdoors with a family that loves to adventure.
*Special shout out and thank you to Kate for sharing your snowshoeing expertise!*
Without further ado, here is our Q&A:
What is so great about snowshoeing?
Shari: One of the many ways I combat the winter blues is by getting outside and enjoying some fresh air. Especially on sunny (yet cold) days up at the nearby mountain. Unlike most people my age I am not a skier or snowboarder. I’ve tried (ok, not that hard) to ski but it is expensive and a huge time commitment so I decided to look into snowshoeing instead. I purchased my first pair of snowshoes at an REI garage sale (it was a MSR men’s pair). I had no idea what I was doing but I dressed in layers and we walked along a snowy road up near the top of the mountain. I wasn’t overly impressed with this “walk” in the snow but the more I went, the more I explored other trails, adventured through the trees, laughed when we tripped, and marveled over the winter wonderland and breathtaking views…I was forever hooked! Snowshoeing is truly amazing.
Kate: Snow is magic- so mountains covered in snow are enchanting and awe inspiring, which is needed in these unique times and short, cold days. I wish I would have known how fun and attainable snowshoeing is. It’s hiking/walking on snow. It’s not like skiing or snowboarding. Had I known this, I would have started sooner.
What do you wish you had known about snowshoeing before you went for the first time?
Kate: The knowledge that I mainly lacked upon my first big snow shoe is that you are hiking… uphill… but with snowshoes on. I grew up skiing and had hiked in cold weather with the use of micro spikes but when I initially went snowshoeing it was with a large group and the terrain was fairly flat. I suppose I somehow tricked my brain into thinking that most trails would be more of a snowy walk, but I was ruefully mistaken. In saying this, treat snowshoeing like a hike, read the trail reports, check for avalanche warnings, and try to have an idea of what the weather will be like through the day. There’s a trail out there for all levels, so find a trail and get out there.
What items do you always make sure to bring?
Kate: Layers. I always bring extra layers. I wear many layers, I carry extra layers in my knapsack, but also (pro-tip), I bring dry warm clothing and socks that I leave in the car for something to change into for the ride home. For more of what I recommend to bring see below in “what’s in my backpack.”
Shari: Trekking Poles and eye protection (sunglasses or goggles) are my most recommended gear. I always make sure to bring my Thermarest Z-pad seat and lots of snacks/food (typically – veggies, sandwich, hot soup in a hydroflask, and a spiked hot drink in a thermos).
What advice would you give someone thinking about going for the first time?
Kate: Layer up. When it is cold outside you want to be warm, too warm. I am naturally warm, but have learned it’s better to be too warm in the cold than cold in cold. You have to consider there just might be a wind chill or that it will be snowing and snow melts on our bodies. Bring sunglasses or goggles, it can be hard to look at all the white snow, beautiful but blinding. For me waterproof shoes are a must. Whether you’re wearing snow shoes or hiking boots, be sure they are lined and waterproof.
What boots, snowshoes, or other gear do you recommend?
Boots:
Kate: I have been participating in mountain sports since early childhood and have an inherited love for Sorel boots. They are waterproof, warm, and comfortable to hike in. My feet will be steaming when I take those boots off.
Shari: Anything waterproof and comfortable. I wear Salomon GTX, DO NOT wear rubber boots – your toes will get too cold- even with thick socks. Along with my comfortable Gor-Tex boots and I always wear Outdoor Research Gaiters (you can thank me later). Please note that I also wore my gaiters backwards the first two times I wore them, so don’t feel bad if gear is confusing sometimes- haha.
Snowshoes:
Shari: Honestly, if you only plan on going a few times you can find a local place to rent snowshoes (a quick google search will help you locate the closest rental place). If you want to invest in a really good pair – I recommend MSR Lightning Explore purely because I like the ratchet system with these snowshoes. I also have friends that bought less expensive snowshoes on Amazon or at Costco and they work great!
Clothing:
Kate: I have also had a recent love affair with various base layers. There are varieties of weights (mid weight, light, etc.) and they are wonderful. I have worn my Smartwool midweight long sleeve top more than any other outdoor item I own. I don’t usually wear snow pants or waterproof pants when I snowshoe, I wear base layers under leggings and I stay warm. Socks are also so important, wool socks\ski socks are life giving for keeping your feet warm. I have a Bearz outdoor waterproof picnic blanket, it’s pocket size and works well thrown down on the snow so I can sit and rest while I snack and not get wet, therefore remaining warmer.
Shari: I, like Kate, don’t typically wear waterproof pants unless it is snowing out. Yoga pants and gaiters over warm wool socks and my boots keep my legs and feet warm. Optional, wear a puffy down skirt to keep your butt warm, my friend Kristina wrote an awesome blog about down skirts here. I typically wear a long sleeve base layer (Lululemon Long-sleeve), a mid layer zip up (Arc’teryx Atom LT), and a shell (Arc’teryx Shell). My top layer, the shell, comes off pretty quickly after I get going and my core temp heats up. I always wear gloves that are waterproof and warm and wear a hat or earmuffs to keep my head and ears warm. It is better to bring more than you need.
What’s in my backpack:
Kate: I have an affinity for preparedness, therefore I always have water, snacks, a first aid kit, and sunglasses or goggles. I definitely bring sunscreen because getting burned in winter somehow hurts even more than in summer. The sun reflects off all the beautiful white snow and onto our very un-sunkissed faces. On longer hikes I might bring a pocket stove to heat up some apple cider with bourbon (or anything warm) or bring it in a thermos. I also like to have hand warmers in my knapsack in case my hands or feet get really cold. I also bring my camera because I love to take pictures of the beautiful views.
Shari: I always have a hydration pack, that is if it’s not too cold or the straw can freeze on you – in that case I just bring a bottle of water. Like I said above, I love to bring snacks, food, and a thermos with something warm and delicious. Definitely the 10 Essentials which includes Sunscreen, chapstick, and sunglasses because the snow is bright and reflective on a blue-bird winter day. Sometimes I will bring a few extra layers to be safe and toilet paper & a plastic bag in case you need to go potty during your walk/hike in the snow. Lastly I always bring an extra pair of socks, hat/beanie, hand warmers, and for good measure…candy.
*This post is not affiliated with any of the above brands or companies. We purely recommend the items that we have personally field tested. Shari is an Ambassador for SheJumps, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering women and girls to get outdoors.
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