A Snowshoeing Family Explorers Winter

Snowshoeing for the Whole Family!

The season is just beginning for those of us who have come to enjoy snowshoeing with our families. Many people may remember the old clunky wooden snowshoes that would throw you off balance and make walking difficult. Good thing technology has caught up in this sport! We have some great snowshoes made by Crescent Moon in Boulder, CO and Tubbs, an old Vermont favorite now manufactured in Seattle. We have snowshoes for children up to 50 pounds all the way up to a snowshoe that will accommodate a 280 pound adult! Families just starting off may want to try a recreational snowshoe, but we can also outfit families that might want to climb a local peak and know that they can dig in and be confident with every step. The 2006 line of snowshoes we carry here at Upside Over are strong, lightweight, made of really innovative materials and have really easy to use bindings.

Check them out.
http://www.upsideover.com/Snowshoes_s/21.htm

A few things you might consider in order to get the most enjoyment possible during your family snowshoe outing is how important it is to dress properly, take lots of water and snacks, and to try them out in the backyard or on a carpet BEFORE you get out into the woods to make sure your little one is snug and secure in the binding and that they are coordinated enough to walk in them. For most children, age three to four is about the time they can handle their first snowshoe adventure. Don’t forget that before your child is ready, you can also head out and enjoy snowshoeing with your child in a child carrier. Just make sure they are BUNDLED UP!

Appropriate clothing for snowshoeing would be:
* a base layer or long underwear top and bottom made of a wicking polyester material
* a medium layer on top such as 200 weight fleece or microfleece or a wool sweater
* a waterproof shell material for pants and jacket
* a hat, waterproof mittens and warm wool socks should adorn their extremities
* a pair of winter boots or waterproof hiking boots (gaiters optional)
* no cotton, I repeat, no cotton

Remember, a small child will need a chance to learn how to feel comfortable with their new gear! Start out slowly and with lots of encouragement. A small child may be able to travel about a mile total at first, before they are comfortable. Snowshoeing in fresh powder can be VERY good exercise and you will have to make sure that no one is feeling left behind or getting overheated! If your child seems to be having balance issues, you can fix that quickly by teaching them to use trekking poles or little cross country ski poles. If you do have a small child, you may consider bringing along your child carrier on the trip in case they get tired on the way back to the car or to the house. Wherever you go, be sure to know the way and be familiar with the area because if not, you will be following your tracks back the way you came! Have fun and don’t be afraid of the snow! The woods are so lovely and quiet in the winter; let your child in on the peacefulness of the forest full of animal tracks and icicles. Then share some cocoa!!!!!

by: Aaren Hatalsky
Gear Consultant
Upside Over
ahatalsky@upsideover.com