snowshoeing question

[shootingstar]

I have been snowshoeing for past 5 years..since moving to Vancouver (from Ontario). One would be an idiot not take advantage of several local ski mountains here to do great workouts in snowshoeing that keeps you fit. You do notice that cycling fitness helps immensley to do mountain snowshoeing. There is wonderful local scenery where we are. Grouse Mountain may not have much snow now, but Whistler has a healthy dump right now (and it would be cheaper to go now instead of being price-gouged at Christmas at Whistler).

For past few Christmas holidays we have vacationed at mountain provincial park or ski resort and go snowshoeing for 10-15 kms. each day for 5-7 days straight.

I use MSR Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes. The rubber bindings are more practical and less likely to break over time. I wear heavy snowboots, not hiking boots. And wear orthotics inside my boot,..same pair I wear inside my running shoes (for walking) and my cycling shoes.

No, I don't do snowshoe running, but see lots of people do that. I'm not a jogger...find it hard to get enthused about jogging/running.

[madscot13]

I purchased a pair of redfeather race snowshoes last summer. It was the opposite season and so the highend pair of snowshoes cost about $50. I hope they work out.

I am worried about the kick up ability. At first it sounded like a good idea because then I would be dragging my feet less. But the more i hear about it the worse it sounds. I purchased them in a size up then what I really needed so that I wouldn't sink too much. Even so they are really light- I think the lightest pair out there. Maybe that is due to the titanium crampons.

I don't do really crazy snowshoeing and I usually rent, but I decided that for $50 I couldn't say no. Hopefully Minnesota gets an early snow fall and I can play in the snow while I am home for Christmas. I'll let you know what I think. REI and Sierra trading post always seem to have them on sale. (Maybe that is a bad sign?)

Has anyone tried the Electra snowshoes?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Shootingstar- wow I'm impressed by the major snowshoeing you do!

Madscott- I will be interested in finding out how those redfeather race shoes work for you- do keep us updated.

Here in central NY we've had only a couple of dustings of snow so far. I look forward to shoeing with the first big snowfall (assuming we get one!)
I am anxious to see how much a year of steady biking has helped my stamina and leg strength. I know I can actually see more muscles on my legs than I had this time last year. Woo-HOOOO!....not too shabby for a 53 year old former couch potato. I love my new healthier life.

[solobiker]

I used to do a lot of snoe shoeing before I got proficient with backcountry skiing. DH and I used to go out on both days on the weekend and go 6 to 12 miles. We are lucky enough to live in CO where there are so many places to explore. I have the atlas shoes with the ratcheting adjustments. These are great and I can get them pretty tight on my boots. I wouldn't recommend tightening them too much if you wear leather boots as you can cut of your circulation a bit and your feet will get cold. I wear plastic boots that I use for ice climbing. My feet have never stayed so warm

[short cut sally]

OK ladies, it's official. I am the proud owner of a pair of showshoes. Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I wasn't sure if this sport was going to be for me or not. I debated, after all I have xc skis and wouldn't that be enough? Do we really get that much snow to warrant both the shoes and skis? Would I like this activity? Do I really want to spend the money? SO, after having my shoes for a month, I pondered all these things. They sat in their box, all wrapped and just stared at me everynow and then. I had them all pkged back up to return. It FINALLY snowed yesterday. I am now itchy to try these things and curiosity got the best of me. DH carefully removed the twist tie thing so it could be reused, he taped the crampons and put a garbage bag over the shoes so in case I was going to return them they would'nt look like they were used. Well, the bag came off as I finished my first trip around the hills/yard. It was great fun and a workout. Much better than being indoors on my elliptical anyday. So, I am the proud owner and can add another activity to my boring winter. Now if the snow would just stay it would make it so much nicer.