Snowshoeing, more info

If the snowshoe fits, wear it
Snow walking » Relatively inexpensive equipment is all that separates novices and occasional recreationists from some sure-footed wintertime adventure.

By Brett Prettyman

The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 12/30/2009 05:42:39 PM MST

Big Cottonwood Canyon » Walking on water is possible if you have the right kind of shoes.

Sure, the water is the frozen kind, but snowshoes can make for some smooth sailing in a winter wonderland. Why limit hiking to three seasons when technology has reduced the cost and made it easier to explore the wilds in winter?

And let's get the "waddle like a duck" image out of the way. Snowshoeing is not difficult. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

"To be honest, the only ones intimidated by snowshoes are the adults," said Bob Bob Benton of Sandy.

Benton has been leading snowshoers through the powder for three years as part of the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation's
Volunteers and other members of the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation head out into the Spruces campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon during one of their snowshoe volunteer training classes. (Steve Griffin / The Salt Lake Tribune)
guided snowshoe tours.

"The adults think they have to look cool and do it right and they end up struggling," Benton said. "The kids just start clomping along and have fun with it. Once the adults relax, they realize it isn't as hard as they are making it."

Cottonwood Canyons Foundation is one of many groups that offer snowshoeing tours and adventures across the state. State parks, nature centers and nordic centers also often offer tours in conjunction with rentals.

Snowshoeing is a great outdoor activity in the winter while skiing can be much more expensive. It is a very different experience, quiet and serene and very easy to do. It is fun to help people discover the same thing I did.

Those who do embrace walking on water usually end up talking to Gary Nichols. He has been helping people pick snowshoes at the Salt Lake REI store for 20 years.

"Snowshoes that we would consider in the recreational category now are probably better than the top-of-the-line shoes 15 years ago," Nichols said. "Any of the recreational shoes we sell now would outdo those from 15 or 20 years ago."

Nichols always asks would-be buyers if they had a chance to try snowshoeing. If they haven't, he suggests they head over to the rental shop.

"If there are two or three of them, I tell them to trade off and take turns trying different pairs," he said. "You may discover that you like a certain brand more than the other."

Snowshoes are not the only gear you will need for a winter getaway. Like everything else in the winter, good socks and boots are vital in a safe and fun adventure.

"A lot of people do fine in their regular hiking boots as long as they are waterproof and they are wearing gaiters to keep snow from flipping into the boots," he said.

Nichols said most people find big snow boots to be heavy, and the loose fit usually associated with them can lead to blisters.

"If you are actively hiking ,the regular hiking boots and good socks should be enough to keep your feet warm," he said. "People who might be standing in the snow, like photographers, may want the heavier boots."

Poles, while not necessary, can help with balance issues and in steep terrain. Just make sure they are ski poles or trekking poles with large baskets on the end that won't sink too far in the snow.

Like all winter mountain explorers, snowshoers should educate themselves on avalanche safety. All backcountry adventurers on snow should be carrying a beacon, probe and a shovel, and more important, know how to use one. A visit to the Utah Avalanche Center's Web site -- utahavalanchecenter.org/ -- for current conditions is also a requirement before heading out.