Saturday 3 January 2009

Snowshoeing - A Winter Sport for Everyone


[1-Snowshoe Trail at Sundog Lake, Parry Sound, Ontario]








[2-Snowshoeing at Sundog Lake near Parry Sound, Ontario]








I decided to add to this post several videos on HOW TO SNOWSHOE for those visitors thinking they might like to try this. It's a good winter activity for just about everyone who like to go for long walks, or participate with other members of their family or friends. I have done some snowshoeing and am planning a weekend away in February.


Who Can Snowshoe?



What to Wear to Snowshoe



How to Snowshoe video



How to use poles in Snowshoeing



How to run in Snowshoes video



How to Fall in Snowshoes video



How to break a trail in snowshoes



What to bring with you when snowshoeing



How to walk backwards in snowshoes



Safety Tips for snowshoeing



If there is something not covered in these videos, please go to YouTube where Crazy Cheryl has other videos up for information on snowshoeing.


Photo Credits: Bobcatnorth CC=nc-nd-flickr.

32 comments:

Brian said...

Happy New Year Barbara and to your family. Love the two photos the one of just the trail in the snow you feel like wlaking into the picture.

Thank you for your comments on my last blog of Snow Hill Windsor Park.

Brian

Gary's third pottery blog said...

I like to snowshoe, but maybe I am dreaming of a little trip to Key West instead....

Janna Leadbetter said...

Now that's a good tutorial! ;)

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Barbara.

Michele said...

I live in snowshoe country and I don't know how many people tell me I must get into it!!!
I just have such a sensitivity to cold and being out there for long periods of time isn't good for me. But then, with warm clothing and things, anything is possible...

My husband remembers learning when he was a little boy to make a pair of snowshoes from an old native man and snowshoed for a while and loved it!! He said the snowshoes he had made were incredible compared to the ones you buy on the market!

I will have to show this post to hubby later today!!

Take care!

~Michele~
Mountain Retreat- Canada

Leah Braemel said...

Oooh, thanks for all these videos, Barbara. I have been interested in getting out and doing 'something' in the winter and snow-shoeing has been on my list. It'll help out with my New Year's resolution to 'get active'.

Barbara Martin said...

Brian, when snow is deep from a fresh snowfall this is an excellent method of getting around.

Gary, I can wait for summer.

Janna, welcome. Come again, the coffee's always on.

Barbara Martin said...

Michele, the first practice sessions can be as short as you want them to be. Also, having a warm drink before venturing out is a good idea. Or, if you plan to be out awhile, a small thermos with hot herbal tea or soup is good to take for a short break.

Barbara Martin said...

Leah, you'll certainly get lots of exercise snowshoeing and it's fun to do. You'll never feel snowbound again.

Charles Gramlich said...

I probably would not be good at that.

David Cranmer said...

Now snowshoeing is more my style. Have only done it a couple of times but had a lot of fun.

Barbara Martin said...

Charles, if you have leg problems I can understand reluctance. I have two bad knees and a quirky hip, and manage to get outside to walk. Some days are better than others. If I'm going snowshoeing then my friend does Reiki on my knees before I venture out.

David, there you go, all set. But you're probably back in the deep south again with not much chance of seeing snow.

Danny Tagalog said...

I have a slight problem with my balance and it affects my ability to ski - so snowshoeing might well be the answer for me, who enjoys snowy landscapes...

Cloudia said...

You'll make me miss the north country in a minute!
Actually, i want to take up stand-p surfing with the long paddle. an old sport that is returning here in Hawaii. aloha & happy New Year Barbara!

Barbara Martin said...

Danny, it might just be the right answer for you. With the poles for keeping balance when walking, if you feel unbalanced at any time you can stop immediately. Then move on when you feel better. Good luck and Happy New Year.

L.A. Mitchell said...

This looks like so much fun, Barbara. Of course, when you miss snow, every Winter activity looks good.

I hope your February trip is all you hope:)

Unknown said...

Now that's what I call a comprehensive post. I m sure that even novice like me can pick up a couple of tips from this one.

Sekhar said...

Oh! Sad, I have never laid my hand on snow. The photos were really good. And thanks for the videos Barbara :)

Barbara Martin said...

Cloudia, a person born in snow country never forgets. There's nothing quite like breathing in cold, crisp air that makes your nose tingle.

L.A., a long weekend away to snow country would be a nice change for one pining for snow.

Barbara Martin said...

Thomas, perhaps your next trip to Ontario you could come in winter and experience snowshoeing.

Sekhar, an inadequate replacement would be sticking your hand in a freezer. The cold would be similar, but the feel of snow on a hand is like hundreds of tiny cold ice crystals numbing your skin.

Suzie Ridler said...

I've tried snowshoeing, when I was a kid. I remember it was one of the hardest things I had ever tried. It's impossible now of course but it's a skill I wish I could have considering how much snow we have here. That's too funny about your uncle. I believe it. People here told me they get mild winters. THEY LIED. If I knew who the snow angel was, I would definitely bake him cookies. Right now I'll admire my clean oven and make breadmaker brioche instead.

Shelley Munro said...

I've always thought this looks like fun. We don't have snowshoeing here in NZ because there's not really enough snow. Skiing and snowboarding is big though.

pattinase (abbott) said...

ANy difference between snow-shoeing and cross-country sking beside the footwear?

Barbara Martin said...

Suzie, Halifax gets nasty winter weather and lots of snow in cycles. All across Canada in the 1950s to 1970s there were cold winters with alot of snow. Some places received more than their share. With the global warming winters have become warmer, and those who don't recall the cold winters from earlier times will only know about their experiences.

Barbara Martin said...

Shelley, if there's enough snow to ski and snowboard, then there's enough snow to snowshoe, except it should be powdery.

Patti, not much difference except I didn't fall down as much with snowshoes as I did learning to ski.

Reader Wil said...

This is a very informative post! I wished we lived in a snowshoe country. If we have snow it is only for one day and not very much. But we can organize some mudshoe parties. There's no danger of avalanches either, for the country is for the greater part flat. Anyway lovely to be able to go snowshoeing!

Barbara Martin said...

Wil, one of the best things about the Netherlands is the wonderful sport horses bred there.

BernardL said...

Those were wonderful clips, Barbara. Snow shoeing is definitely not to be taken lightly.

Barbara Martin said...

Bernard, any outdoor activity has inherent hazards. It's always best to be safe.

Merisi said...

One day I shall try snowshoeing!

Reader Wil said...

I didn't know about the horses, but I know that we have very good skaters and swimmers. No wonder in such a wet country.

Anonymous said...

Really, snowshoeing is best winter sport and my favorite too...

Barbara Martin said...

Davis, welcome and thank you for stopping by.