Knowing What to Buy, Where to Go, How to Get Started and Learn What's Important There Is No Better Way to Begin Snowshoeing Than Just Going and Doing It

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Knowing What to Buy, Where to Go, How to Get Started and Learn What's Important There Is No Better Way to Begin Snowshoeing Than Just Going and Doing It Snowshoe Magazine's Guide to Snowshoeing: Knowing What to Buy, Where to Go, How to Get Started and Learn What's Important There is no better way to begin snowshoeing than just going and doing it. Take a risk, rent or buy a pair of snowshoes, dress for the elements and enjoy. However, that's just a start - there is more to it than just taking a refreshing plunge in some snow. Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years. And, obviously, the art of snowshoeing has become more sophisticated over time - now it's considered a winter sport. From the early wood-frame to the aluminum- frame models, snowshoeing has garnered quite a following throughout the world. Modern day snowshoeing is made up of casual snowshoers who hike trails for pleasure, the snowshoeing enthusiasts who trek through the backcountry, and the competitors who race. Considering this is the fastest growing winter sport in the world (snowboarding is growing fast too, but not fast enough), snowshoeing is poised to become a monster of a market. Many involved in skiing and snowboarding utilize snowshoes to participate in some great backcountry hikes to find the holy grail of mother nature: Deep, unscathed powder. Snowshoeing is a great alternative for many sports - especially those who like running. What's So Great About Snowshoeing? The sport is easy to learn, virtually inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months. According to research provided by Snowsports Industries America (SIA), 40.8 percent of snowshoers are women (a number that is increasing rapidly), 9.4 percent of snowshoers are children (ages 7-11), and 44.2 percent of snowshoers are ages 25-44. One of the more appealing facts about snowshoeing is how it can help enrich a person's health. Known to help maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, the sport helps burn more than 600 calories per hour. Snowshoers can burn more than 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed, according to SIA. Snowshoeing is a great way to pursue losing weight; however, a healthy diet should be maintained to seek the appropriate effectiveness in a healthy lifestyle as well. What to Look For in a Pair of Snowshoes? When buying or renting a pair snowshoes, keep in mind the following details: There are three types of snowshoes available: Recreational Hiking, Aerobic/Fitness and Hiking/Backpacking. 1. Recreational hiking snowshoes are a basic selection and are perfect for first-timers. Usually, these snowshoes work best on simple terrain that doesn't require a lot of steep climbing or descents. 2. Snowshoes for aerobic/fitness are best suited for those who are active snowshoers - like runners and cross-trainers. This type of snowshoe has a very sleek design and is generally tougher than most available. 3. If you like the powder and are more experienced with snowshoeing, purchasing a pair of hiking/backpacking snowshoes is your ticket. These are as tough as they come: Strong aluminum frame, durable material for flotation, and bindings that support all types of boots. The cost for a pair of snowshoes is generally inexpensive. Look to spend on the low-end around $100 and on the high-end around $300 (sometimes higher depending on the manufacturer). Many retailers will offer a package deal that will provide poles and a snowshoe bag. These are generally good deals, but pay particular attention to the type of snowshoe you will be receiving. If you want to do some backcountry snowshoeing, a starter kit won't be the best option. Ask your retailer for more details. It is highly advised not to purchase a used pair of snowshoes. If you decide to go through with buying a used pair, inspect them thoroughly: Check the frames for damage (including chips), check the bindings for overstress and check the flotation material for holes and rips. Know who you are buying your snowshoes from. Don't get caught in the backcountry with a faulty pair of shoes. Finally, as one of the most important factors in snowshoeing, choose according to the size available. Usually measured in inches, the length will depend upon how much you weigh. The most common sizes (excluding kids lengths) are 25 inches, 30 inches and 36 inches. Your retailer should be able to help you when deciding snowshoe length. Where to Buy or Rent a Pair of Snowshoes? There are plenty of snowshoe retailers to choose from. However, there are more obvious choices than others. For example, REI and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) sell snowshoes around the nation - they are the obvious retailers. The less obvious retailers are independent stores that may include equipment for running and local mountain outfitters. Although price may be similar between retailers (unless they are having a sale, which they often do), snowshoe brands will differ. If you really want a nice selection of shoes to purchase from a retailer, visit Backcountry.com: Click here. Backcountry.com is the place to buy not only snowshoes but accessories as well. They also have great prices on certain brands, models and snowshoe starter kits. eBay is another great place to purchase snowshoes for a reasonable price. If you decide to purchase from eBay, be on the lookout for used snowshoes (you won't be able to inspect them before you buy). Don't forget Craigslist! Your local Craigslist site can provide you with many used snowshoe options: Run a search for the word "snowshoe" or "snowshoes" in the for sale category. If you would like to rent snowshoes, the best place to start is with a ski and snowboard rental store. They will most likely have a decent selection for you to choose from. However, many retailers (like REI) will let their customers rent snowshoes. Ask your retailer for more details. The other alternative to widen your snowshoe selection search is to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Here's a list of the snowshoe manufacturers (a majority are based in the United States, some are worldwide): Arctic Trekker - http://irl.bc.ca/Forestry%20Supplies/snowshoes.htm Atlas Snow-Shoe Co. - www.atlassnowshoe.com Baldas Snowshoes - www.baldas.com Bigfoot Snowshoes - www.bigfootsnowshoes.com Crescent Moon Snowshoes - www.crescentmoonshowshoes.com Dion Snowshoes - www.dionsnowshoes.com Faber Snowshoes - www.fabersnowshoes.com GV Snowshoes - www.gvsnowshoes.com Havlick Snowshoes - www.havlicksnowshoe.com Iverson Snowshoe Co. - www.iversons-snowshoes.com Kahtoola Snow Travel Systems - www.kahtoola.com Louis Garneau Snowshoes - www.louisgarneau.com Mountain Safety Research - www.msrcorp.com Northern Lites Snowshoes - www.northernlites.com Redfeather Snowshoes - www.redfeather.com Schnee Schuh Profi - www.schneeschuhprofi.com TSL Snowshoes - www.tslsportequipment.com Tubbs Snowshoes - www.tubbssnowshoes.com Upcountry Snowshoes - www.upcountrysnowshoes.com Vert Snowshoes - www.verts.com Whitewoods USA - www.eriksports.com Wilcox and Williams Snowshoes - www.snowshoe.com Yeti Snowshoes - www.snowstuf.com Yowie Snowshoes - www.yowies.com.au Yukon Charlie's Snowshoes - www.yukoncharlies.com (If this list is missing a manufacturer, please e-mail [email protected]) Where Should You Go Snowshoeing? If it's covered in snow...go for it! But, be careful. Don't take risks and most importantly, have fun. The prime areas for snowshoeing are at nordic centers, which are usually placed in or around a ski resort. Other types of snowshoeing destinations include bed and breakfast inns, mountain lodges, state parks, national parks, snow-covered golf courses, open space (provided by your state government), ski slopes, and much more. Backcountry snowshoeing is particularly dangerous considering avalanche problems can occur. It would be wise to seek educational courses on avalanche safety (purchasing an avalanche beacon is suggested). For more information, seek out your local mountain and/or outdoors club. (Pictured: Sol Mountain lodge in British Columbia - the perfect backcountry snowshoeing destination.) Although many people like the individuality and peacefulness of snowshoeing, it's a good idea to snowshoe with a friend or partner. And, bring a global positioning system (GPS) device and a compass to help better navigate remote and wooded areas. There are also snowshoe events around the nation that are organized by such associations and companies like Winter Trails (www.wintertrails.org), REI, EMS, The United States Snowshoe Association (www.snowshoeracing.com), a variety of snowshoe manufacturers and more. Every snow-laden state should have snowshoe events every year, check your local community and recreational listings for more details. Or, visit www.snowshoemag.com for an up-to-date event calendar and snowshoe club information. Please note: Remember to bring plenty of water or a water filter on your snowshoe travels. What Should I Wear When Snowshoeing? Footwear: It is wise to choose your footwear according to your snowshoeing style. Leather hiking boots that have been waterproofed are great for hiking and backcountry trekking. Trail- running shoes (like those provided by Nike ACG) are perfect for running and aerobic snowshoeing (look for GORE-TEX material). Snowboarding boots are also ideal for snowshoeing. Waterproofing is the key! Wool socks for hiking and/or a wool/silk combination for running are important to snowshoeing. Never wear cotton socks when in the snowy elements. And, if you plan to snowshoe in deep snow and don't plan to stay on snow-packed trails, wear Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and shoes. GORE-TEX Gaiters are great selection for backcountry hikers. Clothing: Don't be afraid to dress in layers. And, use layers that can be taken off with ease, considering in some cases it can get hot during the spring season. Consider wearing synthetics and wool to induce heat retention when wet.
Recommended publications
  • Snowshoeing Coaching Guide
    SNOWSHOEING COACHING GUIDE Special Olympics Snowshoeing Coaching Guide Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Special Olympics wishes to thank the professionals, volunteers, coaches and athletes who helped in the production of the Snowshoeing Coaching Guide. They have helped fulfill the mission of Special Olympics: to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people eight years of age and older with Intellectual Disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Special Olympics snowshoeing welcomes your ideas and comments for future revisions of this guide. We apologize, if, for any reason, an acknowledgement has been inadvertently omitted. Contributing Authors Doug Castor, Special Olympics Canada Ryan Murphy, Special Olympics, Inc. Tom Sobal, Special Olympics, Inc. Technical Delegate Kelly Zackodnik, Special Olympics Canada Special Thanks To the Following for All of Your Help and Support Canada Olympic Development Association Canada Olympic Park Brenda Hill, Special Olympics Canada Dave Lenox, Special Olympics, Inc. Video Featuring Athletes from Special Olympics Canada Fern Bremault Chris Doty Sarah McCarthy Jennifer Riddell Paul Whichard, Special Olympics, Inc. Lance Zackodnik, Special Olympics Canada 2 Special Olympics Snowshoeing Coaching Guide- February 2007 SNOWSHOEING COACHING GUIDE
    [Show full text]
  • December 2010 - February 2011 Ably Increased
    Skiing | Running | Hiking | Biking Paddling | Triathlon | Fitness | Travel FREE! DECEMBER 20,000 CIRCULATION CAPITAL REGION • SARATOGA • GLENS FALLS • ADIRONDACKS 2010 bra ele ti C n g ASF HAVING FUN DURING THE CAMP SARATOGA 8K SNOWSHOE RACE AT THE WILTON WILDLIFE PRESERVE AND PARK IN 2009. PHOTO BY BRIAN TEAGUE Visit Us on the Web! AdkSports.com 2011 SNOWSHOE RACING SEASON by Laura Clark CONTENTS Back to the Future n the Stephen Spielberg trilogy, Back to the Future, a played with all the neighborhood children, albeit in boots, Iteenager travels through time and must correct the and I can’t help but wonder if she had seen it snowshoed ARTICLES & FEATURES results of his interference, lest his present become mere when she was a girl. 1 Running & Walking speculation. While for now this remains mere conjecture, Closer to the spirit of the Northeast’s 2011 Dion it is interesting to note how fluid past, present, and future Snowshoe Series at dionsnowshoes.com for runners and 2011 Snowshoe Racing Preview are even in a pre-time travel era. walkers, however, were New England’s early snowshoe 3 Cross-Country Skiing We all know that prehistoric migrants crossed the clubs. Participants would meet once or twice a week with & Snowshoeing Bering Sea on snowshoes, that early French explorers a different member responsible for selecting the route. At raquetted their way to North American fur trade empires, the halfway mark they would stop at a farmhouse or inn Nordic Ski Centers Ready for Season and that Rogers’ Rangers, the original Special Forces unit, for supper and then hike back by a different path, pref- 9 Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding achieved enviable winter snowshoe maneuverability in erably one which included a fun downhill slide.
    [Show full text]
  • Snowshoe Tips
    Snowshoe Basics Want to try snowshoes before your buy them? Worried if you purchase snowshoes for your children, that they will outgrow them before next year? The Village of DeForest now rents snowshoes of all sizes, from youth ~50 pounds to adults up to ~300 pounds. How do I rent snowshoes? The equipment rental agreement form must be completed and returned with payment to Village Hall during office hours. (Monday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM or Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM). Call Village Hall at 608-846-6751 for availability. Snowshoes can be picked up during office hours Tuesday – Friday and must be returned during office hours on the following Monday. $10 per pair with a required $50 deposit per pair check. Do I need special shoes? No. Most types of footwear can be worn with snowshoes, although hiking boots or winter boots are the preferred choice among most recreational users. How do I put on snowshoes? Before you go on your first trip take a few minutes to become familiar with your snowshoes. The most important aspect is to become familiar with the binding. Follow these simple steps to make sure you have the proper fit every time: 1. Left is distinguished from right by which way the loose ends of the binding straps point: always outward, to avoid stepping on them repeatedly. On the Village’s snowshoes, it says L or R in sharpie on the decking. 2. Put the ball of your foot over the top of the hinge, centered on the snowshoe.
    [Show full text]
  • User Instruction Sheet
    1. Untighten ankle strap (by loosening completely one of the .MORPHO® snowshoes don’t have a right or left two notch straps from one of the two buckles of the strap) as snowshoe. MORPHO recommends to wear the well as the 2 toe straps so as to insert your boots and to adjust snowshoes so that the ankle ratchet buckles and toe the heel thrust of articulated binding plate to your boot size. strap buckles are on the outside of the foot so as to See Fig.3 tighten ankle and toe straps in the easiest way. 2. Place the toe of your boot against the front part of the articulated binding plate, inside the 2 toe straps, making sure .Kneeling on one knee and wearing the other foot the two webbings of the forefront strap are above your boot. snowshoe is the best position to be when putting on the 3. Adjust the heel thrust to the proper size of your boot using the snowshoes. This gives you the best grip and leverage Morpholock system. See Fig.2: for inserting and tightening the straps. 3a-raise the size adjust lever with the help of logo rubber tab puller and move the heel thrust on the binding to the proper .Ankle and toe straps must firmly tightened around size of your boot: the heel of your boot must touch the back of your boot the heel thrust for perfect maintaining of the boot while snowshoeing .When rotating backward metallic climbing step to its 3b-when size is correctly adjusted release the rubber tab: idle position make sure to fully push it down until it is the heel thrust is then locked in the binding slots thanks to the blocked by the climbing step self-locking ears.
    [Show full text]
  • Eiite States I Atent [19] [1 1] 4,348,822 Lesavage [45] Sep
    Eiite States i atent [19] [1 1] 4,348,822 Lesavage [45] Sep. 14, 1932 [54] SNOWSHOE FOOTWEAR Primary Examiner—Patrick D. Lawson Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Stanley G. Ade [76] Inventor: Stephen J. Lesavage, 150 Robindale Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, [57] ABSTRACT R3R 1G7 The attachment straps for snowshoes usually require a [2]] Appl. No: 221,926 buckle type strap or tied construction which is difficult to retain over the toe of the boot or shoe during use. [22] Filed: Dec. 31, 1980 Tabs sewn to the side of moccasins are used to retain the straps but these are not usable with other types of foot [30] Foreign Application Priority Data wear such as boots and the like. In one embodiment of Jan. 17, 1980 [CA] Canada ................................. .. 3442l2 the invention, the sole is widened out at the area of strap engagement and provided with vertically situated [51] Int. Cl.3 .............................................. .. A43B 5/04 closed ended slots through which the straps engage thus [52] US. Cl. ....................................... .1 36/122 holding the footwear in the desired position relative to [58] Field of Search ............... .. 36/122, 123, 124, 125, the snowshoe. The preferred embodiment utilizes simi 36/25 R lar slots but opening out onto the periphery of the en [56] References Cited larged sole portion so that the strap can be engaged and disengaged without buckling. This also permits a closed U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS elasticized strap to be used as it can be engaged and 2,516,238 7/l950 Mortsell .............................. .. 36/122 disengaged and snapped into position over the instep or vamp area of the boot or shoe.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter Moccasin Making Instructions
    1 Winter Moccasin Making Instructions Booklet 2: Wrap-around style uppers, using boar, deer or other buckskin. By: Dave and Kielyn Marrone Version 1.0, Dec. 2012 http://lureofthenorth.com 2 Note: This booklet is a continuation of a larger moccasin making series. For all other publications in this series please see the web page: http://lureofthenorth.com/?product=winter-moccasin-making-kits 3 Table of Contents: 0.0 About the Wrap-Style Uppers..............................................................................................................4 0.1 Alternatives to Boar Skin................................................................................................................5 1.0 Getting Prepared..................................................................................................................................6 1.1 Material Requirements....................................................................................................................6 1.2 Tool Requirements...........................................................................................................................6 1.3 Insulating Layers.............................................................................................................................6 2.0 Measure and Cut Your Uppers.............................................................................................................7 2.1 Cut lacing tabs.................................................................................................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • Preparing for a Snowshoe Trip “There Is No Bad Weather, Just Bad Gear” Rem 11-2019 a Very Brief Online Video/Illustration List Is Included at the End
    1 Preparing for a Snowshoe Trip “There is no bad weather, just bad gear” Rem 11-2019 A very brief online video/illustration list is included at the end. 1. CMC snowshoe trips are classified by expected challenge. Take note of how you do on your first few trips as to distance and elevation gain, so you can select subsequent trips with confidence. Easy: Up to 5 miles round trip or no more than 600 ft. elevation gain Moderate: Up to 8 miles round trip or up to 1200 ft elevation gain Difficult: Over 8 miles round trip or over 1200 ft elevation gain 2. If a trip description says “Off Trail,” there will be no established trail and you will be traveling over snow covered logs, branches, etc. If a trip description states “Exploratory” it indicates the leader has not previously scouted the route. 3. We recommend borrowing or renting snowshoes at REI or another retailer until you gain some experience, observe other hikers’ gear and know what you want. Or, buy a pair of generic snowshoes/poles kit at Costco or Sam’s Club for about $70. These are perfectly acceptable for most CMC trips, although single-pull bindings can be problematic. Some prefer individually-tightened rubber straps. Trekking poles with snow baskets are a necessity. 4. Even established trails used for hiking in the summer are not visible when snow-covered. Following one’s tracks back to the TH is a tried and true strategy but remember that wind and snowfall can obscure those tracks completely, so everyone on the trip must pay special attention to landmarks, junctions, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Biathlon Snowshoe
    2020 TECHNICAL PACKAGE BIATHLON - SNOWSHOE TECHNICAL PACKAGE 2020 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES BIATHLON - SNOWSHOE 1. RULES: The International Biathlon Union (IBU) Event and Competition Rules in force during the Arctic Winter Games will apply fully for all aspects of the event, except as modified by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. Where no specific rule exists for a situation, the principle or the intent of the IBU Rules will be used to determine the resolution of the situation. Prior to the start of competition the head official (Technical Delegate) will review the Arctic Winter Games rules modifications will all coaches. Specific items to be reviewed in 2020 include (others may be added by the Technical Delegate or requests for clarifications may be requested by coaching staff): a. Cold Weather Policy b. Zone of silence rules c. Gun handling procedures 2. CATEGORIES: a) Junior Male Born in 2002, 2003 or 2004 b) Junior Female Born in 2002, 2003 or 2004 c) Juvenile Male Born in 2005 or later d) Juvenile Female Born in 2005 or later 3. EVENTS AND SCHEDULE Individual Competitions for all Categories Competition Individual Sprint Mass Start Class Junior Male 5.0 km PSPS 3.0 km PS 4.0 km PPSS Junior Female 5.0 Km PSPS 3.0 km PS 4.0 km PPSS Juvenile Male 3.0 km PPP 2.0 km PP 2.5 km PPP Juvenile Female 3.0 km PPP 2.0 km PP 2.5 km PPP Final- As approved by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee April, 2019 www.arcticwintergames.org Page 1 of 9 TECHNICAL PACKAGE 2020 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES Schedule – The schedule for Snowshoe Biathlon shall be: Monday: Individual Events Tuesday: Sprint Events Wednesday: Rest Day Thursday: Mass Start Events Friday: Relays Relay Competitions a.
    [Show full text]
  • Teaching Snowshoeing Skills
    SNOWSHOEING COACHING GUIDE Teaching Snowshoeing Skills Special Olympics Snowshoeing Coaching Guide Teaching Snowshoeing Skills Table of Context The Warm-Up 4 Stretching 6 Teaching Snowshoeing 15 Putting on Snowshoes 16 Skill Progression Putting on Snowshoes 16 Faults & Fixes Putting on Snowshoes 16 Removing Snowshoes 17 Skill Progression Removing Snowshoes 17 Faults & Fixes Removing Snowshoes 17 Moving Forward 18 Skill Progression Moving Forward 18 Faults & Fixes Moving Forward 18 Avoiding Snowshoe Overlap 19 Skill Progression Avoiding Snowshoe Overlap 19 Faults & Fixes Avoiding Snowshoe Overlap 20 Stopping 21 Skill Progression Stopping 21 Faults & Fixes Stopping 21 Falling 22 Skill Progression Falling 22 Faults & Fixes Falling 22 Getting Up 23 Skill Progression Getting Up 23 Faults & Fixes Getting Up 23 Turning 24 Skill Progression Turning 24 Faults & Fixes Turning 25 Climbing Hills 26 Skill Progression Climbing Hills 26 Faults & Fixes Climbing Hills 27 Descending Hills 28 Skill Progression Descending Hills 28 Faults & Fixes Descending Hills 29 Sprint Starts 30 Skill Progression Sprint Starts 30 Faults & Fixes Sprint Starts 32 Sprinting 33 Skill Progression Sprinting 33 Faults & Fixes Sprinting 34 Relay Races 35 Skill Progression Relay Races 35 Faults & Fixes Relay Races 37 Distance Snowshoeing 38 Skill Progression Distance Snowshoeing 38 Faults & Fixes Distance Snowshoeing 39 Waterfall Start 40 Skill Progression Waterfall Start 40 2 Special Olympics Snowshoeing Coaching Guide- February 2007 Special Olympics Snowshoeing Coaching Guide
    [Show full text]
  • Snowshoe Hike Small Lobhorn 2519M
    Welcome to the Swiss Mountaineering School grindelwaldSPORTS. Snowshoe hike small Lobhorn 2519m The programme: Day 1 Climb via Sulwald to Lobhorn hut at 1955 metres We reach the small, remote village of Isenfluh located high above Lauterbrunnen by bus (public transport). From here we continue to the hamlet of Sulwald in the small cable car. This is where we put on our snowshoes! At a leisurely pace we start the ascent through the woods towards the Lobhorn hut. In the afternoon we’ll also climb the Schärlihubel and enjoy the wonderful views. Day 2 The Lobhörner are our goal! The Lobhörner can be seen from a long way off, and you can see a long way from the Lobhörner… The view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau triumvirate is an absolute hit! After breakfast we’ll cross ridges and vales in our ascent to the mighty Lobhörner and walk around rock pillars should the conditions permit. We climb the small Lobhorn 2519m. The descent takes us as far as Isenflueh. What you need to know… Meeting point: Our mountain guide will meet you at 8:50 am at the post bus stop in Isenfluh. Your journey: Purchase a return ticket from your place of residence to Isenfluh and back. Those arriving by car, leave the car in Lauterbrunnen and take the post bus to Isenfluh. Requirements: Day 1 Day 2 700m elevation gain 650m elevation gain 250m elevation loss 1500m elevation loss 4.5 kilometres 8.5 kilometres Walking time: around 3-4 hours Walking time: around 6-7 hours Ability level: medium You have done a few snowshoe hikes in the past and now you seek to do a 2- day tour with overnight stay in a mountain hut.
    [Show full text]
  • Quit-Qui-Oc Golf Club Walking and Snowshoe Club
    Quit-Qui-Oc Golf Club Walking and Snowshoe Club Looking to stay active and get out of the house this winter? We have a new opportunity this winter...QQO Walking and Snow Shoe Club. Open to the general public during the months the golf course is closed to golfers. Enjoy the beauty of open space and the fun of spending time with family and friends outside. 500 Quit-Qui-Oc lane Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 Guidelines for 920-876-2833 Walking & Snowshoe Club Members: *May use the golf course anytime once the golf course closes to golfers, unless the course is Todd Montaba unwalkable due to weather (which includes frosty President mornings—please call for clarification) PGA Member Rachel Montaba *Should not walk or snowshoe on putting surfaces LPGA Member Emmet Reilly *May only use snowshoes once the ground is frozen GCSA Member *Assume the risk of injury & will not hold QQO liable *Are asked to carry a cell phone *Only members will be allowed on the golf course *Will be given a card to prove membership and may be asked to present it Dogs *Dogs will be allowed as long as the dogs are well behaved and owners clean up after them *Management will be monitoring the grounds and if problems arise dogs will no longer be permitted *All dog owners assume responsibility for their dogs Golf… and their actions the game of a lifetime Quit-Qui-Oc Golf Club Walking and Snowshoe Club Rates and Benefits Membership Rates 500 Quit-Qui-Oc lane Single—$50 Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 QQO Full Golf members—$30 920-876-2833 Benefits: *1 QQO Stocking Hat $20 in bar and restaurant
    [Show full text]
  • The Right Stuff – SNOWSHOEING Trail Safety & Hiking Tips
    The Right Stuff – SNOWSHOEING Trail Safety & Hiking Tips … by Greg Vincent If you can walk you can snowshoe – no ifs, ands or buts. As hikers we enjoy walking and snowshoeing can add a new dimension to winter. It allows us access to places in winter that deep snow would normally keep us from. Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to enjoy winter activity but it requires special equipment and a level of expertise that snowshoeing does not. Snowshoeing only requires a pair of snowshoes (assuming you have other hiking stuff, like boots). After a morning on your new snowshoes you will qualify as an expert. Snowshoes have evolved from the wood frame and gut to hard “plastic” and aluminum. There is a wide choice available in outdoor stores and some outfitters will rent them as well. The simplest ones work best and when trying them on you want a binding that is easy for you to use. Remember you will not always be in a store but rather bending over with fingers that may be a little cool. I use a pair of MSR snowshoes [Mountain Safety Research found at www.msrcorp.com] that are fairly narrow and therefore my walk in snow is quite natural. They have a “claw” under the toe that digs into the snow when going uphill – an advantage over the older types that would slide back on hills. Mine have a 4-inch tail extension that can be added or removed depending on snow conditions. MSR also has 8-inch tails. The best snowshoe for you is the least size suitable for your weight and what you will carry.
    [Show full text]