There’s a good reason why snowshoe sales have been surging over the past couple of years. Snowy mountain landscapes are breathtaking sights that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, they can be quite difficult to reach.
Snowshoes give you the ability to reach these views while enjoying the scenery along the way. Unfortunately, many travelers let the fear of not knowing how to snowshoe keep them from experiencing these winter locations.
That’s why we made this guide. In it, we’ll be going over four basic snowshoe techniques that every beginner needs to learn. That way, you can decide whether or not the activity is right for your next Colorado vacation.
1. Stride
Many people think you need to be an expert to begin snowshoeing. However, the reality is that it’s a great snow day activity for the whole family. A case in point is the first technique: the stride.
With this movement, you’re walking in snowshoes just like you would if you weren’t wearing any foot gear. The only difference is that you’re straddling your legs to keep them from bumping each other.
2. Ascending
There are multiple techniques for ascending steep inclines. Most of them involve putting a lot of weight forward onto your toes. However, you can also bend your snowshoes at a forty-five-degree angle to give yourself a little more traction.
If you’re having trouble with ascending, consider working on your lower limb muscles, like the rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius, and biceps femoris.
3. Breaking Trail
Well-walked trails are a lot easier to traverse than untouched snow. However, sometimes you will need to travel on the powder. When this happens you’ll want to use a technique known as breaking trail.
This is when you take high steps while moving slowly. If you try to rush your way while breaking the trail, you’re going to get exhausted. So go slow, and switch whoever is in front often to give people a break.
4. Getting Up
Sometimes you’re going to fall while walking in the snow. That’s why it’s important to know the technique for getting up. First, you’ll want to roll onto your front.
Then, put a knee up so that you’re kneeling slightly. From there, you can use your hands to push yourself up. Waterproof snowshoeing gear ensures you don’t get wet if you fall.
Where Can You Snowshoe?
You need snow to snowshoe. However, you also want a place that has nice trails and views. In this category, you can’t go wrong with the mountains around Colorado.
Specifically, Grand Lake is a great spot for a variety of winter activities. Just make sure that the location you’re visiting has the option to rent snowshoes for their winter activities. Otherwise, you’ll want to bring them from home.
Ready to Learn How to Snowshoe? Come Visit Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
We hope these snowshoeing tips helped you learn how to snowshoe. Here at Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging in Grand Lake, Colorado, we have activities for every season.
If snowshoeing isn’t your vibe, you can go skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, or enjoy one of the many events in the area. Want to learn more about our lakeside lodging? Get in touch with us today and we’ll answer any questions you might have.