Instructions
- Step 1: Dress warmly Dress warmly for the cold outdoors. Wear a thin, breathable base layer, with an insulating layer of fleece, wool or down. Your outermost layer should be a wind and water resistant, breathable coat or jacket. Make sure to wear a hat and winter gloves, too.
- Step 2: Fix up your feet Wear thick socks to keep your feet warm. Lace up your boots, and pull the gaiters over them. Gaiters will keep snow from getting inside your boots.
- TIP: Choose the smallest, lightest-weight snowshoes that will support you, your winter gear, and your pack.
- Step 3: Strap in Strap your feet into the snowshoes, and start walking. Congratulations! You are now a snowshoer! Use trekking poles or ski poles to help you keep your balance and walk uphill and downhill.
- Step 4: Handle terrain When walking across a slope, angle your feet slightly uphill so the snowshoe grabs the snow more securely. Snowshoes have metal cleats that help dig into the ground, even when it’s icy.
- Step 5: Walk downhill When walking downhill, bend your knees more and lean back so that you don’t pitch forward.
- TIP: Snowshoeing is good exercise. To cool off, first take off your gloves before you remove a hat or parka.
- Step 6: Stay hydrated and energized Take breaks to drink water, and keep your energy up for longer walks by popping a piece of chocolate or a bite of an energy bar. Both provide quick bursts of energy.
- FACT: Snowshoeing burns about 40 percent more calories than walking at the same speed.
You Will Need
- Warm clothes
- Hat
- Winter gloves
- Thick socks
- Waterproof hiking or winter boots
- Gaiters
- Snowshoes
- Ski poles
- Water
- Chocolate or an energy bar
- Trekking poles (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional)
