How did it get started?
While snowshoeing has gained in popularity recently, it is believed to have originated more than 6,000 years ago in Central Asia. Our ancestors relied on snowshoes as a means of survival, to forage and move from one hunting ground to the next when the ground was covered by deep snow. By distributing a person’s weight over a wider surface area, snowshoes provided mobility and flotation in packed, dense snow, without sinking in. Thus they became a critical tool in both survival and migration as people explored and settled onto the varied landscapes of the Northern Hemisphere.
What you need?
Traditional snowshoes have a hardwood frame with rawhide lacings. Some modern snowshoes are similar, but most are made of materials such as lightweight metal, plastic, and synthetic fabric. In addition to distributing the weight, snowshoes are generally raised at the toe for maneuverability. They must not accumulate snow, hence the latticework, and require bindings to attach them to the feet. Most types of footwear can be worn with snowshoes, although hiking boots are the preferred choice among most recreational users.
It’s fun-
Today, snowshoeing has never been more popular, with roughly 5.5 million participants in the United States alone. Easy, accessible snowshoes have opened up a whole new world of winter, from snowshoe trail centers at ski areas and local parks to quiet hiking trails and distant snow-capped peaks with incredible vistas. Snowshoeing has come a long way from its early designs and uses, but there's never been a better time to explore winter. Snowshoeing extends your hiking or running season into winter. It lets you enjoy winter solitude and can be a social activity. All ages and ability levels can enjoy the sport together.
Where to purchase Snowshoes-
Looking to purchase your own set of snowshoes? There are multiple manufactures.
For the modern snowshoe:
Atlas Snowshoes-
The Atlas story began in 1990 when founder Perry Klebahn, who was looking to snowshoeing to help recover from a motorcycle injury, became frustrated with the designs of the time. Klebahn soon developed his own ideas, and created a revolutionary new snowshoe.
Redfeather Snowshoes-
Redfeather Snowshoes are manufactured and owned by ORC Industries, a not-for-profit company whose sole organizational mission is to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities. And one of those opportunities is to make the best snowshoes in the world. About 75 percent of our workforce is comprised of people who have a physical or mental disability. ORC trains these individuals, and provides vocational counseling, nutritional counseling, wellness training, and life skills with the goal of outplacing these folks in the general workforce at large.
For the vintage snowshoe:
Kaufmann-
Snow-resilient ash wood that steps silently. Hand-laced rawhide. Lasts forever. Pointed tails keeps strides straight for long cross-country treks. Iverson’s beavertail snowshoes are made for going far afield and breaking a trail. They are made for soft virgin snow and float better than aluminum snowshoes. The open rawhide lacing lets the snow filter through so your snowshoes don’t turn into shovels. The extended tail acts like a rudder as you cut through the snow, keeping your stride straight in long cross-country hikes.
Vermont’s Barre Army/Navy Store-
Traditional snowshoes are constructed from wooden frames, allowing for reduced noise and better buoyancy on the ice and snow than aluminum and plastic varieties. They are available in diverse lengths, widths and style preferences. Laced varieties can be easily maintained and become a keepsake item for generations over time.
For the ultimate experience that will leave you stress and anxiety free try a snowshoeing picnic. Pack a picnic and go for a hike in the snow. Find that ultimate spot in the forest with a spot of sunlight.Find a fallen tree, brush the snow off and open up your picnic and enjoy your stress free lunch in the peacefulness and serenity of the forest.
For an equally stress free vacation rental experience visit Mammoth Rental By Owner.com or call us at (818)883-2488
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