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Winter terraining: snowshoeing offers aerobic, outdoor fitness - includes related article on snowshoe safety

American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 1994 by Suzanne Nottingham

Snow doesn't mean you have to sweat out the winter season indoors. The silent sport of snowshoeing makes a comeback as outdoor enthusiasts rediscover this aerobically beneficial activity that dates back to the 1800s. "Anyone, regardless of fitness level, can strap on a pair of snowshoes and trek just about anywhere that is snow-covered for a low-stress, low-impact walk, run or workout," says Redfeather Design, Inc.'s Monique Lefkowitz.

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Snowshoeing is recognized as one of the fastest growing winter recreations next to skiing and snowboarding. Snowshoe manufacturers attribute growth in sales to the popularity of rugged outdoor activities like back country hiking (in areas only accessible by snowshoes). The emerging trend in back country sporting also prompts telemark skiers, snowboarders and ice climbers to use snowshoes for access to remote areas. "Snowshoeing is growing in popularity," says Ed Kiniry, president of Stowe Canoe and Snowshoe Company in Vermont. "Snowshoe sales doubled last season because of the greater emphasis on fitness, outdoor cross training and family recreation."

Jim Bittner, an avid snowshoer and owner of the Great Outdoors in Mammoth Lakes, says snowshoe sales and rentals accounted for much of his store's first-year success. Everything from family hikes to full moon excursions consistently sell out at the Great Outdoors. "We had 35 rental pairs out almost every weekend," he recalls. "We had to reorder a few times ." Bittner says locals and visitors enjoy the diversity of snowshoeing and often use their snowshoes to "dig out" of heavy snowfall.

An Old Family Tradition

In 6000 B.C. Eskimos, hunters and surveyors used snowshoes exclusively for transportation into areas too remote for foot travel. Then in the 1800s, snowshoeing clubs were formed for family recreation. Annual races, hikes, ball games and obstacle courses were popular. Back then, physical fitness was probably not as much of a priority as having fun. That has changed.

These days, people are out to get fit while walking, running or hiking in snowshoes. "Hard-core athletes who cross train on snowshoes say it provides an excellent cardiovascular workout," says Bittner. "It builds endurance and leg strength without the high-impact jarring of sports like running." Cross-country skiers looking for a low-impact exercise alternative are also attracted to the sport.

Lessons are available at many ski areas including Mammoth, Vail, Aspen and Whistler. And new events like quadrathon races combine biking, running, skiing and snowshoeing. Participants range from seasoned athletes to kids and even grandmothers. A surprising number of participants are people over 50. From 100-yard dashes to 10Ks, snowshoeing events are accessible to everyone.

New Snowshoe Technology

Modern technology and marketing are changing the dated image people have of heavy, cumbersome snowshoes. Forget about those wooden, clunky shoes Nanook of the north wore. New equipment is high-tech and lightweight. While the traditional bearpaw-shaped models made of wood, rawhide and leather are still produced, most people prefer the modern version made of polypropylene, aluminum, nylon and neoprene. Today's snowshoes also provide insulated bindings and are shaped for a more natural stance, offering medial clearance and better balance.

Best of all, snowshoeing is a relatively low-cost winter activity. "You don't need to spend $40 on lift tickets or $600 on ski equipment," says Kathleen Murphy of Stowe Canoe and Snowshoe Company. An investment of $75 to $300 covers all costs. Or, sporting goods stores in mountain resort areas have snowshoe rentals available for $ 8 to $15 a day. They can also make suggestions about where to go snow trekking.

"If you can walk, you can snowshoe," says Lefkowitz. Just strap them on over a pair of boots, lace them up and go. There are specific techniques for snowshoeing in deep snow, packed conditions and up and down hills, but these techniques are not difficult to learn. "After taking 15 or 20 steps, people get the feel for it," adds Lefkowitz. "It's so easy."

Mental Workout

Most people snowshoe for fitness and transportation. An equally important benefit is mental fitness. Snowshoeing provides access to tranquil, undeveloped locales where the environment produces a feeling of wholeness and peace of mind. A quiet walk on snowshoes does as much for your head as it does for your body. Hundreds of years ago, naturalist John Muir had a vision for mental fitness. "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings," he said. "Nature's peace will flow into you like sunshine into the trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you and the storms their energies while cares drop off like autumn leaves." Take this inspirational quote with you when you go cross refraining this winter.

Suzanne Nottingham, winner of City Sports magazine's 1992 Fitness Achievement A ward as "Outdoor Cross Training Pioneer," leads snowshoe workouts in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Winter terraining: snowshoeing offers aerobic, outdoor fitness - includes related article on snowshoe safety

American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 1994 by Suzanne Nottingham

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