rules to play snow shoeing

Backcountry travel has certain hazards you need to be able to recognize. Creek crossings, changing weather, avalanche conditions, and tree or rock wells can be difficult or downright dangerous. Learn about these hazards before you go into the backcountry. It is your personal responsibility to be aware of your surroundings.

If you plan to venture away from a patrolled ski area, be sure you and your companions are prepared. Carry a topographic map of the area, a compass and possibly an altimeter or a GPS to help you navigate. Know how to use them, because the backcountry in winter is not the best place to learn. In addition to the helpful navigation books you can find at REI, consider taking an REI Outdoor School class on map & compass navigation and GPS usage. Before heading out, leave your trip plans with a responsible person and let them know whom to contact in case you dont return on time.

Be sure to carry extra layers for warmth, particularly an extra base layer long underwear top in case the one youre wearing gets wet from exertion or the weather. Know the signs of hypothermia so you can recognize them in members of your party.

Its as important to drink during cold weather exercise as it is in summer. Not only does water keep your muscles functioning, it also helps your body fend off hypothermia. Keep your water from freezing by using an insulating cover for your water bottle. A vacuum bottle with hot drinks will keep you hydrated and warm. And youll make friends if you share. See our info on Hydration and Hydration Packs: How to Choose, or shop our selection of hydration items.

If you plan to go into the backcountry, make sure every member of your party carries an avalanche beacon, probe and a shovel. Check snow conditions before you head out and plan your trip to avoid avalanche prone slopes. Pay attention to signs of unstable snow and either reroute your trip or turn back if necessary. Many REI stores and other groups offer courses in winter travel and avalanche safety.

Below are a few suggestions to get you started. REI offers many books on where to snowshoe locally, plus you should consider local clubs or the taking a class with the REI Outdoor School. Cross country ski resorts. These areas charge a fee to use their groomed trail system. Permit areas. Known in some states as Sno parks, these are areas where you can park for a fee in a plowed location close to trails and snow play areas. Any area where you hike in the summer or ski off trail in the winter. National forests and state parks. Other mapped routes, established trails and controlled areas.

Shoe weigtand sizearctl insowheg. Itisemad thonexra poundthe foquals 5 10pounds f weight oneback. Also,anrwe fmisbter okphweigt cnredath lgsdirectly bneathors, so thaefrm wilnoth ewrlgsa much.Body weights averyml factor. Eveyonwil skdry, powdery snowmater howbigte snowhare, butvnhe aistlwbe aosnwhe imost, compated snowimaler sho.Kep thsnowe amlspoibe frthsnow cditns. Ruletah snowhe mustbale ightnces widan25 cheslong 20.5cm by64.This zeworks betforms adult athles.

This ecur th a le s ho t e snow h e. Lo k f r a solid an g pl tform, lit e mov nt i s de th bindg, comfrt andocwith efram.Woden swhoave bindgtha isypclmade oflthrand ce at heocrd. Thealtrn fombidng forwden sohilamp wck1? inch flatoncrd; theusof lamp wickrequs thfowear tbmodife tnclude opsnach ide.

This alowfrnmal wkingmot. Therisa olenthdckig thalows the fogint hesow and pushofwile thframe insothe urfacothe snw.The pivotsyem nawodesh iformed when tbidgsache tosnwhe.

Many thlesmay hvefroslick nowtharesultd inaflor unpeast xriencwth aslidng port skating, skbecaus topingrequd askilthey dinothave. Youmaynt sehiuntl esowhrcme to the opfirst hlandfrez, usingto descn. Stoping stheamwn stopigwhle runigowalkn ithousnwe. Athlmus de aclrt if they armoving fastbyking radulysmer tp side untlhyca justeking ayfurthe sp.