Hi all,

I've stayed out of the snowshoe thread for a while but it's something I've been doing for years. The problem is the last two winters we haven't had any snow - really. It just snowed (and stuck) for the first time this year, but still only about a 1/2 inch. Can't get out the shoes for that. I love snowshoeing and it became my primary winter event, even over alpine skiing (which is a lot of fun but requires travel and lots of $$ for lift tix).

Re: snow on the legs. Generally, it is not a problem (I mean being wet), unless you are shoeing in warmer temps where it is basically packing and melting already. I tend to see this in March for example. I have come back from some of these trips quite wet (I wear non waterproof boarding pants).

I have GV Snowshoes. They are made in Quebec & I got them from a local canoe maker who is a dealer for them. They are extremely well made. I had a different kind before which my hubby inherited (lucky guy), but I like these because they have awesome free pivot and can ratchet well onto my smallish feet. The model I have is pretty backcountry oriented, and I use them mostly on untracked snow, got some awesome Long Trail snowshoeing in two winters ago. The older shoes were more packed powder friendly but were a bit harder to secure on my feet.

There are lots of very good brands. If you can go to a demo center (usually XC ski areas rent or demo them) I would urge everyone to try some different kinds out before buying, it just gives you a much better sense of what you like and want in your own shoes.