KHC offers a wide range of snowshoeing events once snows cover the hills.    the events are organized for our members, but each event is different so picking the right one for you is important.   The right equipment and gear, understanding the conditions, and preparation are important.   This article is a primer for those who are interested in snowshoeing this winter.

Types of Snowshoeing

1. Trail Snowshoeing

• best suited to novices and any intermediate with any kind of agility/balance/strength challenges
• suitable for all abilities, but total distance is a factor
• many trails are already snowshoe packed making it easier to do the “snowshoe shuffle”
• established trails usually have under-the-snow debris cleared off, removing tripping hazards
• established trails often have good signage and established parking areas
• some locations of trail snowshoeing include Sun Peaks, Silver Star, Harper, Stake Lake, Skmana, Larch Hills, and more
• some hiking trails can be snowshoed too, but trails with steeper sections may not be suitable for novices
• all trails become more difficult right after a large snowfall or after a rain, or a melt

2. User Trails

• these tend to be intermediate areas
• we may be breaking trail which is hard work
• debris may be covered on the trail
• fallen trees may be on the routes
• most of these require the leader to know the area and navigate for the group
• some open areas are easier to navigate but may have windblown drifts
• some forested areas require local knowledge
• some easier and moderate routes include snowed in established trails (like McQueen Lake, Embleton Mountain, Hanging Valley, Isobel Lake area, Gus Johnson Trail, Bushwacker Trail, etc.) and some snowed-in backroads
• there are a number of user-made routes on (or near) the Lac le Jeune Road – Dogwood Marshes, Bush Lake area, Lac le Jeune, Ridge Lakes, Lodgepole Lake, and more
• well-stomped trails tend to easier for novices and intermediates
• cross country skiers may join in on some of these trails

Ridge Lakes

3. Alpine Routes

• these are longer climbs with both skill and fitness demands
• more expensive snowshoes and gear may be needed
• the hike leader may make these events Requires Leader Registration only to ensure everyone is up to the challenge
• some knowledge and experience with avalanche danger may be required
• for many alpine routes, the roads may require a longer approach or we need to wait for access routes to be clear of snow
• some alpine routes include some Coquihalla Peaks and some routes in Wells Gray Park

4. Destination Areas

• KHC sometimes travels to the mountains to snowshoe trails (ie Mt. Robson, Manning Park, and more)
• most of these require overnight accommodations
• a commitment to registration and accommodations is always a bit of chancy thing if weather conditions don’t cooperate with roads and snow conditions
• conditions can vary widely and can be unpredictable

Embleton in Winter

5. Explorations

• a few of our leaders climb local mountains and stomp across known routes, breaking trail, and finding paths along the route
• these are best suited to strong intermediate or advanced snowshoers
• leaders will be clear on their expectations and plans in the event listing so members must take the time to read the information carefully and to contact the hike leader if necessary

Snowshoes

Snowshoes range in price and quality greatly.   At the lower end, packages from Costco or other large retailers may offer an introductory package for novices.   These will be suitable for most trail snowshoeing routes.   They may not be suitable for off-trail routes, hilly routes, or alpine routes.   Some things to consider when buying snowshoes include:

• Snowshoes need to be strong.   Cheaper materials may break in the cold and on difficult terrain.   A good pair of snowshoes may be a lifelong investment.
• Snowshoes need to grip.    Good quality snowshoes have more crampons so that we don’t slip sideways or backwards.
• There are many types of bindings.   there is nothing more annoying than snowshoes that keep falling off the boots because the bindings don’t work properly.   Some bindings ae also hard to get into, and in a group situation, noone wants to stand around in the cold with a snowshoe that won’t go on.
• Novices are encouraged to practice getting their snowshoes on and off at home before arriving at the trailhead.
• Snowshoes vary in length from 20″ to 36″.   Heavier people or backpackers need longer snowshoes.    Lighter people can use shorter snowshoes.   For breaking trail, a longer snowshoe has more flotation.   For stomped in trails, a shorter snowshoe will work fine.     The best choice for most snowshoers is 24 – 30″.
• A good reference for buying snowshoes can be found on the MEC site – https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/how-to-choose-snowshoes

Boots

No one really sells snowshoe boots.   Snowshoers use hiking boots (not hiking shoes, approach shoes, or light hikers) or winter boots.   Winter boots tend to be soft and do not provide ankle support.   When they are soft, they are also hard to keep them in the binding.   There may be some stiffer winter boots that will work well, but usually we use high-top waterproof hiking boots.   We can also use regular leather or synthetic hiking boots and treat them for winter weather.    Some of us use dubbin for leather and a waterproofing spray for synthetics.   We will cracks in the boots with something like Shoegoo.   Warm, dry, and supportive boots make all the difference when  out in cold or wet conditions.

C. Moslin – Larch Hills

Gear

Some tips on gear are provided:

• A good pair of gaiters is an excellent choice for taking up snowshoeing.   They can keep the snow out of your boots and keep your feet dry.
• Many snowshoers use poles.   These are more helpful if climbing over logs, going around obstacles, or on a steeper slope.
• We often bring something to sit on so that when we stop for lunch/tea, we can keep our pants dry.
• Many of us carry a lightweight down vest or jacket to put on during lunch or if the wind comes up.
• Keeping heads, feet, and hands warm requires a good choice of gloves, socks, footwear, and  toques.
• Many of us carry our snowshoes in a bag.   When we are carpooling, we don’t want the teeth of the crampons to cause a tear in a vehicle.    Bringing a change of boots is also helpful to avoid bringing snow into a carpooling vehicle.
• Some of us carry a small thermos so that we can have a warm drink during our lunch/tea break.
• Carrying a repair trip is a good idea.   A broken binding makes for a long difficult walk in the snow.   Duct tape is a good choice to keep the snowshoe on.

Cold Weather

Snowshoeing is best when the temperatures ranges between 0 degrees and – 15 degrees.   Windchill is an issue so when conditions get below -12 with a wind, leaders may cancel the event.   When temperatures drop, leaders may adjust the location, the length of the outing, the start time, or may cancel the event.   Al members are encouraged to check the weather forecast and if it is not right for you, cancel online using the Your Bookings page.

Don’t forget to thank your hike leader for dedicating their volunteer time, knowledge, and expertise to provide you with a good day on the snow.

featured image – Sam Chow; article – D. Smith

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Doug Smith

Retired now, I get into the outdoors most days to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe, run, walk, or explore. More information can be found at: KamloopsTrails.net.

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