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A Walk in the Woods
Snowshoes have gone through the same technological changes as other sport’s equipment. They are lightweight with easy-to-use frames.
Bindings hold the front of the boot, permitting a natural stride. Metal cleats on the bottom provide traction. Models are built specifically for women and children. No special terrain required. While you can snowshoe anywhere there is snow, it is best to stay on marked trails.
Listen Up
For safety, stay off trails designated for snowmobiles. Be smart and wear the proper clothing, carry plenty of water and a current map of the area. Most trailheads and trails are accessible for winter sports. Pick up a free copy of The Official Mountain Bike & Trail Guide to Winter Park & the Fraser Valley™ for winter trail ideas. This guide tells which trails are best for winter use, has directions to each trailhead and elevation profiles. Our favorite for snowshoeing: Serenity.
Snowshoeing Tips
- Don’t step on one snowshoe with the other.
- Use one or two ski poles to help maintain balance.
- Layering is the key for snowshoeing. You will need to take off and put on garments, as required, to keep a balanced body temperature.
- Good, sturdy waterproof boots work fine.
Shoeing at Local Nordic Centers
Devil’s Thumb Cross-Country Center offers more than 20km of marked snowshoe trails. Full and half day trail fee. (Half-day starts at 12:30pm) Snowshoe rentals. Tours by reservation weekends/ holidays from 1-2:30pm. (970) 726-8231, www.devilsthumbranch.com.
Snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA Nordic Center is open 8:30am – 4:30pm daily. Trail fee $10 full day, 1/2 day $8. Rentals available. Dogs on leases allowed on two trails. The Center has a full retail shop and a cafeteria open to the public. (970) 887-2152, ext. 4173, www.ymcarockies.org.
Other Options
Ranger-led snowshoe programs are available on Sundays from December 10 thru March 12 in Rocky Mountain National Park. Call (970) 627-3472 for more information.
Redfeather Snowshoe tours depart from the base of Winter Park Resort daily at 10:30am with additional tours Fridays-Sundays at 1:30pm. $30, Rentals at the Balcony House. $15/full day. $10/half day (4 hours, 8am-noon or noon to 4pm .) Self-guided trail information available. (970) 726-1564, www.winterparkresort.com.
The backcountry of SolVista Basin offers access to 25k of maintained trails. Trail pass free. Snowshoers can access the trail system on foot from the base area or with a $5 one-ride lift pass on the Quick Draw lift. (970) 887-3384, www.solvista.com.
The Winter Park Chamber offers free beginner snowshoe hikes with free snowshoe rentals from the Visitor Center on Saturdays at 1pm. Sign up through the Visitor Center, (970) 726-4118, www.playwinterpark.com.
