Got the winter blues? Strap on some snowshoes!

Feb 17, 2011

Photo: Instructor Rebecca Whitman

For those looking for a inexpensive way to enjoy the winter sun and snowy outdoors, snowshoeing might be just the thing. If you don't own your own pair and have never tried it- six bucks and a quick trip to Foley Mountain Conservation Area in Westport can remedy that. Rebecca Whitman, who works with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority at Foley Mountain, is heading up the snowshoeing clinics there and I along with roughly 12 other participants attended the first clinic on Feb.10.

Whitman is an avid snowshoer and has been at it for years. “Basically - if you can walk, you can snowshoe”, she said.

The lightweight snowshoes we used were made of aluminum and plastic webbing, and sport metal crampons so that they grip in icy conditions. They don't require any maintenance and they cost $100. No lift fees or park fees are necessary-you can strap them on and you're ready to go.

Rebecca demonstrated the basic techniques, namely, maintaining a wider than usual stride and taking steps more in a “V” formation. For easy turning Rebecca suggested rotating your feet one after the other like the hands of a clock - moving one foot first to the 3 o'clock, and then meeting it there with the other and continuing around making a full rotation. Next, she demonstrated how best to get up after a fall by using what she called “the dead bug technique”. First one untangles their feet, then raising them up in the air, you just plant them parallel to your side and push yourself up.

She then demonstrated how to best move up and down a hill. For the former one can traverse a slope either by zig-zagging, by side stepping or walking in a herring bone formation (a wider V step). For moving down a slope you simply place your weight further back on the shoes.

After the demonstration the group took a tour through the scenic trails of Foley Mountain. Later Rebecca advised of the best way to dress for snow shoeing - in layers and with a base layer of either wool or polyester instead of cotton, which tends to absorb moisture and make you cold. Staying hydrated is equally important so bringing water is a must.

The tour ended back at the conservation centre where Rebecca informed me that snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing winter sports. “I think it’s because the technology has come a long way. The shoes are lighter and are made with better traction and the price of them makes it an inexpensive and very accessible winter activity that offers a low impact, high cardio-workout that is great for all ages.”

Rebecca says it is believed that snowshoeing originated first with Aboriginal people in central Asia in roughly 4000 BC. They brought it with them across the Bering Strait to North America and where they ended up determined the different shapes of the shoes. The huge “bear claw” shoes were used in more open areas and the pointed shoes were used in more forested areas. It is thought that the different designs were often taken from observing the feet of animals in the surrounding wilderness.

Rebecca's final clinic for the season takes place Saturday Feb. 26 from 10AM-11:30AM. The cost is $6 per person or $20 per family of five. To register and for more information contact Rebecca Whitman at 613-273-3255.