Snowshoeing, a Fun Winter Activity

If you can’t garden, go snowshoeing! Except for the indoor garden we are enjoying a break in gardening, that’s kind of nice, too. Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity that gives us something to do in the outdoors during the long cold months.

The history of snowshoeing was a necessity. People had to move around in deep snow, so they created some kind of addition to the boots to stay on top of the deep snow. Today it is mostly used for exercise and fun.

I was introduced to snowshoeing by a friend and liked it immediately. If you have never heard of it or tried it, let me encourage you to give it a go, it might just make winter more enjoyable for you.

Choosing the right snowshoes

Snowshoes are an extension to your shoes, you just buckle them on your boots and you are ready to go no matter how deep the snow.

When choosing snowshoes the size is the most important factor. It is not about your shoe size, it goes by your body weight. The lighter you are, the smaller the snowshoes can be. Also, women’s snowshoes are more narrow at the back, just because we walk a bit differently. Here is a picture of my hubby’s and mine :).

There are many different brands, and it really depends on your preferences; a wide variety of comfortable, and easy-to-use snowshoes.

Nostalgia, the old style

Or exotic

Or more modern and light

Hiking Poles are helpful too. Depending, of course, where you snowshoe, but once you’ve started why not go for a mountain trip.

Where to snowshoe

The possibilities on where to go snowshoeing are endless, the only thing you need is snow – the more the better.

There are official trails in town, country, and mountain areas. Living close to the Rocky Mountains opens up many great ways to enjoy snowshoeing.

Fields are a possibility too. Just make sure the area is publicly accessible and not enclosed with a no trespassing sign.

Golf course places are our favorite. No one is golfing there in the winter, chances are that you have the place to yourself.

Great workout

Snowshoeing is a great workout, expect to get sweaty! It is more of a workout than just walking or even cross country skiing. Powder snow will make you work out even more. Depending on how much you sink in, you will have to work your way. However, it is lots of fun too.

I love it! Walking on top of the snow on a sunny day is very enjoyable.

What is your favorite winter activity?

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Comments

Alli says

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I’ve always wanted to go snowshoeing! Even thought it’s cold here in the south, there’s no snow . . . yet. I’m putting this on my “to do” list!

- Anna says
  
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  I totally would miss the snow, if I lived somewhere where there isn’t any. But then again, I would enjoy gardening year round so much, too.
  
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says

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I’ve always wanted to go snow-shoeing! Unfortunately, I don’t think my chances here in Florida of that are very good 🙂

- Anna says
  
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  Maybe you should go on your next vocation up north, and try some snowshoeing 😉
  
Anna says

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Do not rob all the snow in, ok ;). You would love snowshoeing, I am sure.

Little Mountain Haven says

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I noticed how much snow there was up there when we visited over Christmas.
We’ve yet to try snowshoeing but it looks like so much fun! I’m not sure why we haven’t tried either because we get such deep snow here. I do love cross country skiing too, but again, something I haven’t done in a long while, I’m going to blame pregnancies & babies on this one!
We love just playing in the snow with the kids, then coming in for hot cocoa or tea.

Carrie says

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You inspired us!! Dave and I just went out fir a moon lit snow shoe/cross country ski. Thank you!! So invigorating!!

- Anna says
  
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  So happy to hear, Carrie. Hope you had a lot of fun. Winter is here to enjoy it!