Luckily, our holiday wishes have come true and our snow dances prevailed as snow storms began pounding the entire country in the early part of this New Year. Many ski resorts in Colorado and Utah are reporting fresh snow almost daily, my cousin in Maine has been called into work snowplowing almost every night for the last few weeks, and Alaska has called in the National Guard to dig out after receiving up to 27 feet of snow in some towns.

Seattle doesn’t typically get much snow considering its latitudinal location; Seattle typically only sees about 8 inches of snowfall annually. The snow storm which hit the Northwest on Wednesday January 18th essentially shut the city down when roughly 6 to 8 inches fell. The article “Snow Wimps: Seattle is shut down by first real snow of season” written by the LA Times outlines the effects the snowfall is having on the city. And yes, I found it particularly funny that the LA Times was calling anyone a snow wimp when the greatest snowfall recorded in downtown Los Angeles was 2 inches (5 cm) in 1932.

Several towns near Helena and Missoula Montana reported snowfall of up to one foot this morning, as reported in the article “Storm dumps foot of snow on Montana towns” written by the Great Falls Tribune. Montana residents were much more prepared for winter as they get snow storms of this nature on a fairly regular basis. The snow storms did cause school delays and some traffic accidents.

New England is also reporting heavy snows this morning. The article “Northern New England deals with heavy snow” written by the Bangor Daily News interviews an ecstatic snow removal company owner, the executive director of Maine Snowmobile Association, and a spokesman for Bretton Wood Ski Area who are all reporting upswings in business thanks to the snow.

Alaska has been hit hardest of most likely any place on earth this year some towns in Alaska are reporting up to 27 feet of total accumulation thus far this winter. The staggering depths are roughly double the amount of snowfall these towns would get in an average season. An Associated Press article “Snow-Laden Alaska towns dig out from huge pile-up” details recovery efforts of the National Guard members who have been brought in along with heavy equipment and reserve fuel to communities needing help digging out.

While your town might not be seeing snow fall of this magnitude it is definitely a positive sign for winter. If you own a pair of snowshoes you may want to dig them out of the closet and put them in an accessible location in your house, who knows you may need them to dig yourself out. If you are in the market for new snowshoes its not too late to order a pair. Whether you’ll be using your snowshoes to dig out of your house or just hitting the trails to take advantage of the fresh fluffy stuff rest assured, winter is here.

More Snowfall Predicted:

Snow for Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, NYC, Boston

NYC, New England Sneaky Snow Thursday Night

Northwest Snowstorms to Reach Midwest, East, California

Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy snowshoeing just for the sake of snowshoeing. I enjoy my time outdoors even in the winter, but I realized many people just don’t like snow. This blog will hopefully help them realize that they can use snowshoes to help them participate in activities they love to do in the summer all year long.

Each year in the late fall I get a little sad as I pack up and store my mountain bike for the snowy months. And every spring I get excited as the tulips pop up through the snow, because spring is coming and I can get back to my summer sports routine (quite frankly it’s just easier to do some outdoor activities in the summer). While searching through a mountain bike forum I saw something that sparked my interest. A group of mountain bikers called MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) have come up with a creative way to keep their trails passable through the winter months. This group grooms their network of mountain bike trails for winter (snow) riding by using snowshoes to compact the snow and create a potentially slick but rideable trail. This is definitely something my bike friends and I will be trying this winter. If mountain bike trail stomping is going to be your only use for a pair of snowshoes, you might want to consider a size in which you are near the top of the weight range. This will allow you to compact more snow with each step.

Many people, my self included, enjoy hiking and camping in the summer. While you might need a warmer sleeping bag, snowshoes can make it possible to enjoy “hiking” and camping in the winter. Snowshoes make it easy to travel over the snow to your intended camping destination. When you get there you can use your snowshoes to stomp the snow down to make a flat area for a camp site. It is important to check the recommended weight range for a pair of snowshoes before heading out into the wilderness. The recommended weight range includes the snowshoer and any gear they might be carrying. If you will be carrying a lot of camping gear it is probably best to invest in a good pair of backcountry snowshoes which typically have larger surface areas, bigger crampons and a more substantial binding to accommodate bigger hiking boots.

Many avid runners enjoy running on trails and nature paths during the summer months. Not only do these trails provide tranquil scenery, but the softer ground is better for your shins, back, and joints than running on pavement. Most of the major snowshoe manufacturers make a running snowshoe. These snowshoes are typically much smaller and lighter than recreational snowshoes. The bindings are smaller too, in order to fit around a running shoe. In order to keep the snow out of your running shoes it is recommended to wear boot gaiters over your running shoes. Due to the smaller size of these snowshoes they aren’t recommended for extended use in deep snow or breaking your own trail.

Cross Country Skiing on a maintained or groomed trail isn’t always possible, but it definitely is easier. You can use snowshoes to pack down your own trail to make cross country skiing more enjoyable.

Snowshoes can also make some outdoor home maintenance tasks easier. Say an ice storm brings down branches in your yard. Do you leave them for spring or do you strap on the snowshoes and keep the neighborhood association president who lives next door happy be removing said branches? Make filling the bird feeders easier by snowshoeing out to the feeder. Perhaps your holiday decorations need to come down before the snow melts. Snowshoes will help keep you from sinking into the snow as you remove the lights from your shrubs and bushes. Need something from the shed? Use your snowshoes for a quick and easy trip out to the shed. It may seem goofy, but the last thing you want when performing home maintenance is to be exhausted and agitated tromping about in the snow to get a tool. There are many times when snowshoes can make simple tasks around the house quicker and easier. Store your snowshoes in the basement, so you will have access to them whenever a situation like this arises.

While snowshoeing was once a primary method of travel in the winter, sometimes necessary for survival; luckily, now a days snowshoeing has become more of an active sport. Snowshoeing increases physical stamina and makes movement in snow quicker and easier. While I realize many people might not be interested in snowshoeing itself, but hopefully this blog raises some awareness about the alternative uses for snowshoes. With an open mind and a little creativity you might discover some new ways to use snowshoes too.

Women’s Snowshoes

When it comes to picking out a pair of snowshoes there are many considerations to picking out the best one in regards to gender, size, ability, etc. Women-specific snowshoes are designed to offer the lady snowshoer the very best equipment to ensure the very best time. Women’s snowshoes are created with a narrower, more contoured frame to fit the natural female stride. The women’s snowshoes will ensure that your foot will stay snug inside the equipment whether you’re interested in recreational, backcountry or race/fitness snowshoeing.

Recreational

Perhaps the most popular category of snowshoeing is Recreational. Recreational Snowshoes are for the woman looking for moderate exercise or a leisurely walk through the snow. They’re great if you want to bring the dog along or just enjoy the scenery as you break trail. Recreational Snowshoes are best used on flat or rolling terrain. Crampons, which are metal pieces that grab ice and snow, on Recreational Snowshoes are moderate which are good for gripping on icy, snowy terrain. If you’re just starting out or you’re looking for an entry-level snowshoe then Recreational Snowshoes are your best bet.

Mountaineering and Backcountry

If you’re kind of gal that wants to make her own tracks and really tackle the sport of hiking in the snow then Mountaineering and Backcountry Snowshoes are for you. Mountaineering and Backcountry Snowshoes are equipped with larger crampons so you can get a solid, secure grip as you are climbing the summit. The bindings on a Mountaineering and Backcountry Snowshoe tend to be bigger and sturdier to accommodate larger hiking and outdoor boots. If you’re a serious snowshoe-enthusiast and you want to take hit some challenging trails and hikes with varying weather and terrain conditions then Mountaineering and Backcountry Snowshoes is what you’re looking for.

Race and Fitness

Are you an outdoor-enthusiast? Do you go jogging in the cold mornings when others decided to sleep in? When the snows fall and hide your favorite running trails then put on a pair of Race and Fitness Snowshoes and carve your way through the snow. The Race and Fitness Snowshoes are smaller than your average snowshoe and lightweight. They often have different and adjustable crampons to accommodate a variety of trails and snow conditions. You can expect the bindings on the Race and Fitness Snowshoes to cradle your foot and wrap them like an athletic or running shoe would. Race and Fitness Snowshoes are not recommended unless you’re on groomed trail. When you don’t want to stay indoors during the winter months and want better scenery than fluorescent lighting and treadmills at the gym then the Race and Fitness Snowshoes are for you.

Now that you know the type of Snowshoe fits you best, let’s take a look at a few more factors to be aware of prior to purchasing.

Cost

Snowshoes are very cost-friendly and are a great investment for a sport you’ll love doing when the snows fall. Generally a quality pair of womens snowshoes will cost around $159.99 and up for a recreational snowshoe with the more fitness and backcountry snowshoes will be more costly heading into the $200s range and higher. Many companies also offer packages which include shoes, poles and snowshoes for a cost-effective way to start snowshoeing.

Sizing

Check out the sizing guide in our Snowshoe University section and pay the most attention to your weight and shoe size. To ensure that you choose the proper and best snowshoe design for you then you’ll have to be brutally honest on both. Weight will include the equipment you bring along as well. Think about what you intend to bring along and add the weight in respectively remembering that if you don’t bring anything additional you’ll still need to consider the weight of your boots and warm winter clothing.

Buying Second Hand

It’s not recommended purchasing snowshoes second hand because you won’t know the structural sturdiness of the shoe. Someone could have really abused it and then wants to sell it off before buying another pair of snowshoes to wreck. If you opt to purchase second hand make sure to inspect the snowshoes very carefully to ensure there are no defects, chips or weak points. You’ll also want to make sure that they are a women-specific design so you can get the most out of your snowshoeing experience.

Last, but not Least…

Have Fun! Think of all the new adventures you can have going on trails and seeing a world that many don’t have the opportunity to check out. You’ll love the thrill of cruising along on the right pair of snowshoes that fit your lifestyle whether you’re out for a leisurely walk on the trails or hiking in the backcountry.

Whether you’re just a beginner at snowshoeing or you’re a seasoned veteran interested in getting your kids snowshoeing, here are a few tips and some information to help get them going.

First off, kids are smaller than adults, sometimes much smaller, so make sure to buy products made from quality materials but also remember that weight is a factor when purchasing a snowshoe. Kids can sometimes grow fast so make sure you have some room for a growing boot. It’s also going to be cold out there so make sure you have your child bundled up nicely before hitting the trails.

Speaking of trails, where are you going to be snowshoeing? There are a variety of snowshoes on the market for different types of skill levels, terrains and intentions. Most Kids Snowshoes will be for recreational use so they will be awesome on flat trails or maybe some rolling terrain. If you intend on hiking a mountain then you’ll want your kids outfitted in a backcountry or mountain snowshoe. There is also fitness and running snowshoes intended for the very active snowshoer who may still want to run and jog in the snow.

When purchasing your Kids Snowshoes…

…Pay attention to the weight. Snowshoes tend to have weight limits or have minimum weight requirements. Also, what clothes is your child wearing? Poles, boots and backpacks will add weight and these need to be factored in too.

…Be aware of Crampons. These are the little metal teeth at the bottom of the snowshoe designed to add traction when traversing the land. Larger crampons are used for very hilly, mountainous terrain as well as backcountry. Small crampons are best for that active, running snowshoer. You’ll probably want to get an average-sized crampon which will be attached to recreational snowshoes and most Kids Snowshoes.

…Buy Quality. Quality doesn’t mean spending your last dime on the very best but name-brands with good materials will help your child enjoy the day. If you opt to rent, bear in mind that most snowshoes for rent are meant to fit a wide variety of individuals and might not provide the best fit for your child. This could shorten the time you spend outdoors and the enjoyment factor of snowshoeing if they are continuously fiddling with their snowshoes.

When purchasing Kids Snowshoes there are some additional items to consider:

Footwear: What boots will your child be wearing? Or will they even be wearing boots? Most snowshoes will accommodate just about any footwear from your basic sneakers to ski boots. The best footwear will be a lightweight, insulated boot to combat the cold temperatures and the wet snow. A good flex is ideal because of the motion of the foot with each step.

Poles: Snowshoes may already come with poles but, if they don’t, have your kids head out onto the trails without them and see how they fare. If they enjoy snowshoeing without the poles then there may be no need to purchase them. If the terrain is a bit hilly or they aren’t the most balanced kid on the planet then it may benefit them to have poles.

Finally…

Have Fun! Enjoy the day and the scenery as you blaze a trail through winter wonderland with your children.

There are three categories which snowshoers may enter based on their ability and conditioning. Participants may choose to walk a 3K or 5K course or race the 3K course. Tubbs Snowshoes ensures that everyone who wants to promote a worthy cause can do so by providing free demo snowshoes to Romp participants. Additionally Tubbs provides a host of information about snowshoeing, snowshoes, and what to wear snowshoeing on the tubbsromptostomp.com website so even novice snowshoers can have a great day romping.

With continued success and growing popularity the Romp to Stomp is adding two new stomping grounds to the series this year. Romps in Minnesota and British Columbia are being added to the series which already includes stomps in New Jersey, Oregon, Ontario, Vermont, Washington, Utah and Colorado.

New Locations:

Minnesota will be romping on Saturday January 28th at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

British Columbia is stomping on Saturday March 3rd at Mt. Seymour.

Much like the walks or runs for the Cure, snowshoers can participate as individuals or teams. Individuals and teams take pledged donations from friends and family members to support their snowshoeing efforts. For a small registration fee snowshoers are entered in the Romp and have the opportunity to purchase a Tubbs Romp to Stomp long sleeve tech shirt. All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

Whether you’re an avid snowshoer or just taking interest in the sport Tubbs Snowshoes and Snowshoes.net encourage you to don your pink ribbons, tutus, crazy hats, etc. and take to the trails to support the Tubbs Romp to Stomp and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Yakima – Take It Easy. They aren't talking about sitting on the beach sipping umbrella drinks. They are talking about taking all of your gear with you whether you are going skiing, kayaking, biking, hiking, camping, or if your wife simply packs too much to go on vacation. Yakima believes you shouldn't leave anything behind. A Yakima roof top carrier, ski rack, bike rack, kayak trailer etc. will allow you to pack up the gear and get in the car quickly. No more driveway Tetris, trying to figure out how to shove 5 people and 2 weeks worth of clothes and gear into a mid-sized SUV.

Check out the Yakima fit guide to ensure you are getting all of the correct parts for your vehicle. Travel with ease and all of your gear. Travel with Yakima.