Snowshoeing

Photo by Kathryn Bensen

If you have never been snowshoeing or not sure what a snowshoe is, this might interest you. Colorado gets snow approximately 5-7 months out of the year, usually mid-October through mid April with January and February being the snowiest months. During these months the fun really begins and many locals and visitors head out for day hikes in the snow.

Since it's origin over 5000 years ago, the snowshoe has made several advancements in the look and build of the snowshoe. The more traditional snowshoe was made out of wood and looks very much like a tennis racket and is often referred to as "bearpaw". The snowshoes today vary in size and weight and are built according to the gender and activity; the small and light material for running or more aerobic activity, a medium size for recreational activity and the largest snowshoes for mountaineering. Snowshoes vary in price anywhere from $89.00 to $300.00. Some ski resorts and shops offer snowshoe rentals which vary $15.00 to $30.00 per day. This is great for visitors who don't wa

nt to take on the slopes, but still want to experience a low-key snowy outing without the big expense. There are plenty of trails in Colorado to explore in snowshoes familiar to many Coloradans; however, you may gain so much more from a 4-5 day guided adventure!

In Colorado, you can choose guides who know the terrain well and guide you out for a snowshoeing adventure with plenty of perks. One such company is WorldWide Trekking located in Walden, Colorado. They offer guided hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trips in Colorado, Wyoming and worldwide.

Colorado Adventure asked owner and guide Mike Johnson to describe a snowshoe outing for us.

"Imagine the scent of pine needles and crisp mountain air as you snowshoe in the pristine wilderness of Colorado’s backcountry. Moose, fox, and other wildlife paint the canvass in this back

country setting. The warmth of the wood stove in our mountain yurt is an inviting retreat from a long days snowshoe. Aromas of a hearty meal begin to fill the air as we gather around to eat and enjoy some stories. After dessert of course, and cleanup, those who take pleasure in card games and shadow puppets participate, while others fall asleep to the crackling sounds of the fire and starry night skies. Does this getaway sound appealing to you? It does to me, and I’ve had the pleasure of being a guide on many Colorado Snowshoeing trips. Not only did I learn how to really enjoy myself in a winter environment by discovering the proper way to dress, I was also reminded to appreciate the “simple” pleasures in life. Perhaps this trip can do the same for you. At the end of the snowshoeing trip, a dinner and hotel party back in Ft. Collins

awaits the final evening- a fun way to digress and laugh with new friends. The Colorado Snowshoeing trip is an excellent adventure for anyone wanting to exploring winter in a backcountry setting".

The Colorado Snowshoeing trip is scheduled annually. The 2010 adventure is scheduled January 13-17 and includes: 3 days backcountry snowshoe touring, 2 wintery nights lodging in a mountain yurt, 2 nights hotel lodging, expert guiding, and fabulous meals! The group is limited to 5-9 people and costs $799.00 per person.

Click here to learn more about this trip at WorldWide Trekking