- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- dads today articles
- dads today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Snowshoeing for All Ages
A Winter Sport for Family Fun
By Amy Carey Bowman
When the snow flies, cold weather can put a damper on your outdoor fun. Some families feel stuck inside, unable to get much-needed fresh-air exercise unless they invest in snow sports like downhill skiing and snowboarding at high-priced mountain resorts. Ready to try something less expensive that allows everyone in the family, from tall to small, to spend the day together, exploring territory you might not see on a pair of skis?
Snowshoeing is a centuries-old sport that has been steadily regaining popularity with winter sports fans across the country. Why? Snowshoe equipment has become lighter and easier to use in recent years, making obtaining and using snowshoes accessible to even the most casual outdoorsman. And you can snowshoe almost anywhere there's snow, whether you blaze your own way at a county park or take advantage of a ski resort's well-groomed trails.
The sport is also an unbeatable way to get fit. "Snowshoeing in an excellent 'full body' exercise," says Carl Heilman II, a photographer who has been on snowshoes for the past 30 years, introducing many people to the sport through workshops. "It can be as easy or strenuous as you like. You can walk, run, climb, slide and jump with snowshoes on – just have a great time!"
If you think you're too old or your children are too young to try snowshoeing, fear not. "If you can walk – you can snowshoe," Heilman says. "It's a sport for people of all ages and abilities. I've had my Dad on snowshoes – he used ski poles instead of his cane – and started our children on them as young as 18 months."
The key is to be prepared with the clothing, supplies and trail information to suit everyone in your group.
Heilman says that snowshoe bindings are designed to fit many different kinds of boots, so ask the dealer if any boots you already have will work with the snowshoes before you spend money for a new pair. Boots should cover your ankle to keep the snow out and resist water well enough to spend all day in the snow without soaking your feet.