SPECIAL FOCUS

Snowshoeing
Go Where No One Has Before

By CHUCK POST

Snowshoeing as a means of winter transportation originated in central Asia around 4000 BC. The first snowshoes were made of branches woven with animal sinew to provide flotation in deep snow. During the great North American westward expansion in the 1800s, snowshoes proved to be as indispensable as the axe and flintlock rifle. Traders, hunters, explorers and surveyors all depended on snowshoes to accomplish their tasks during the winter months. Many people still think of snowshoes as being made from wooden frames with rawhide webbing, too cumbersome and heavy for any type of recreational activity. But a growing group of enthusiasts has discovered modern snowshoes and the totally unique brand of adventure they offer. Modern snowshoes are smaller, dramatically lighter in weight, and made of aluminum tubing, which is stronger and much lighter than wood. Decking materials are solid fabric as opposed to webbing, providing highly effective flotation. Lastly, metal cleats or "crampons" have been added under the toe and heel for traction in all types of snow and ice. Snowshoeing events—competitive and recreational—are springing up in all parts of the country. Most events try to capture the rich history of snowshoeing with like "Iditashoe," an 85-mile trek through the Alaskan wilds. Other events simply have fun with a concept, such as the Coophouse Brewery's "Shoe to the Brew."

The National Sporting Goods Association reports snowshoeing as the second fastest growing winter sport in America, second only to snowboarding. The reasons for its popularity are simple: snowshoes are affordable, easy to carry, no groomed trails or lift tickets are required, and snowshoeing requires no training or expertise to become proficient.

28/ Illinois Parks and Recreation

The timeless sport of snowshoeing is more popular than ever. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, snowshoeing is the second faster winter growth sport, second only to snowboarding.

Choose Your Shoes

The primary purpose for using snowshoes is to provide flotation, so you can walk on rather than in the snow There are three standard sizes of modem snowshoes: 25", 30", and 34"-36." The chart below provides guidelines for determining what size snowshoes provide the correct flotation for your weight.

Flotation is not, however, the only objective. With an average snowshoeing stride of 20 inches, you will pick up and put down your snowshoes about 3,200 times per mile. A snowshoe weighing 10 ounces less will save you 2,000 pounds of dead weight lift over every mile, so many recreationalists prefer to use the lightest snowshoes they can find.

A secure binding is also very important for all types of snowshoeing applications. Design, materials and workmanship of the binding are critical aspects to analyze, as well as ease of use. Remember, you will be putting your snowshoes on in cold, snowy conditions while wearing mittens or gloves, not while sitting comfortably in a chair. Finally, unlike skis or snow boards, snowshoes are designed to grip ice and snow without slipping and sliding. Snowshoes with larger cleats provide better traction and are easier to use.

The Right Fit Body Weight plus 20 Pounds (Clothing and Pack) Application ........... ,... Under 175 Pounds ... ... Over 175 Pounds Trail Walking........ .... 25" ............................. ... 25"or 30" Off-trail Hiking ..... ,... 25"; or 30"................ ... 30" Mountainnering ... ... 30" ............................. ... 30" or Longer Aerobics/Racing .. .... 25" ............................. ...25"

Where To Go and What To Do

Snowshoeing is as accessible as your own back yard, but the real adventure of the sport comes alive when you head somewhere no one else can go. Snowshoes can take you into the very heart of the great outdoors during what many consider to be the most beautiful of all seasons. There are few places more peaceful than the winter woods with a quiet mantle of fresh snow. On snowshoes you can experience a lot without investing a lot of money in special equipment, fancy clothes or a lift ticket. Today's snowshoes can take you uphill, downhill and on side slope traverses with a greatest of ease.

How To Start a Snowshoeing Program

Illinois parks already have most of what you need to start a snowshoeing program right now. Many get plenty of snow, and hiking trails have already been cut and marked. If you need signage and trailmaps in the summer, you'll need them in winter. Just one key point here: do not groom your trails for snowshoers. We like to make our own tracks.

You should consider a snowshoe rental program. Setting up a rental program for the first time can be intimidating, so here are a few tips:

Inventory—Carry a basic inventory of 25" and 30" shoes. If you select an ultra-light weight brand, the 25" models will work well for kids. Otherwise, you need to have a few pairs of children's snowshoes. You should also have adjustable hiking poles available, which about one-half of your renters will want for longer treks.

Pricing—Keep pricing affordable. Usually $7 to $10 per day and $ 10 to $ 15 for the weekend. Offer a week- long or 10-day rate of $35 to $40. Poles usually rent for $1 to $2 per day. Many outdoor retailers now rent the various brands of snowshoes they sell, usually for around $10 per day which can be applied later should you choose to purchase a pair. Plan to rent several different brands of snowshoes before you buy. Retail prices range from $95 to $295, and you usually get what you pay for in performance, weight, durability, and ease of use.

Reservation and Tracking System—Designate one person to setup a rental tracking and reservation calendar. These are typically informal, but will prove to be invaluable if your program takes off.

Deposits and Liability Forms—Require every renter to sign a liability release and provide a credit card deposit. Deposits are generally set to match your cost for the equipment and will protect you should your snowshoes become damaged.

Marketing—Include your new snowshoe rental program in all park communications. Try to coordinate "demo day" events with local snowshoe retailers. They're all anxious to expand the sport and arc looking for promotional partners with trails. On particularly snowy days, call on local radio stations to provide public service announcements offering special trail rates.

Return on Investment—Stick with premium snowshoes for rentals, because their performance is better and they're the most durable. Wholesale pricing from the factories will be around $125 per pair. At the end of each season, most rental shops sell their used snowshoes for about what they cost, and buy new rentals on preseason discounts for the following year. If you invest in 10 pairs of snowshoes for your rental program, you'll need start-up funds of $1,250. If you can rent out each pair for just five weekends during the winter and sell off your inventory at the seasons end, you will recoup your entire investment plus about $1,750 in rental income.

Lastly, try snowshoeing yourself. You simply will not believe the places you can go. •

CHUCK POST
is the founder of Northern lites Snowshoe Company, based in Wousau, Wis. For more information about snowshoes and starting a snowshoe program, call 800- 360-LITE or visit the Northern lifes website at www.northernlites.com.

January/February 1997 /29