“When the ponds were firmly frozen, they afforded not only new and shorter routes to many points, but new views from their surfaces of the familiar landscape around them.” writes Henry David Thoreau in “Walden or, Life in the Woods” (originally published in 1854). Thoreau continued, “Walden, being like the rest usually bare of snow, or with only shallow and interrupted drifts on it, was my yard where I could walk freely when the snow was nearly two feet deep or a level elsewhere and the villagers were confined to their streets.”
Thoreau described his surroundings when he wrote about Walden in winter. Expression of Thoreau’s observations accentuates his awareness of the natural world around him. So should it be for every person snowshoeing today to be fully aware of their surrounding when discovering a winter wonderland.
Snowshoeing awareness however, does not just include discovering and describing the world around you. It also entails awareness of your physical reaction to your surroundings and being aware of potential hazards and dangers that may exist within those surroundings. Expanding your awareness skills will equip you with gaining a better appreciation and control of your environment when snowshoeing.
Expanding your awareness skills will equip you with gaining a better appreciation and control of your environment when snowshoeing. Photo: Jim Joque.
Aware of Yourself
In winter, be aware of what your body is telling you and what your body needs. It needs warmth, dryness, food, water, and to be free from harm. Prevent your body from being void of those needs.
Proper Dress and In Layers
Keep warm and dry by wearing non-absorbent, waterproof, breathable clothing. Do not wear cotton, since it absorbs and holds in moisture and does not dry well. Wear clothing made of polypropylene, polyester, fleece, or wool/wool-blend fabric.
Dress in Layers
The inner layer that lies next to your skin should be of material that wicks away moisture to the middle layer. The middle layer is the insulation layer, and should continue to wick moisture away to the outer layer. That last layer should be a water-proof and breathable jacket and pants. The same goes for footwear. And wear a breathable cap and handwear.
Read More: Keep Your Hands, Feet, and Head Warm for Snowshoeing
Hydration
Your body needs water. Keeping hydrated is so important when snowshoeing. So, carry and drink water along the trail. REI’s website recommends drinking a half-liter (16.9 fluid ounces) of water per hour. It also points out signs of dehydration to include dry mouth and decrease in energy; with more serious symptoms of cramps, headaches, and nausea. Prevention is easy – drink water.
Your body needs water and fuel when on a snowshoeing adventure. Photo: Jim Joque.
Nutrition
Your body needs fuel. Pack granola bars, trail mix, cheese-and-crackers, and/or other snacks. Consider bringing a portable gas stove for heating soup, tea, or hot chocolate, thus giving you something warm. And start your day before heading out on a trail with a nutritious breakfast.
Stay Within Your Limits
Do not undertake winter travel that is beyond your physical capability. Someone in their 60’s or 70’s know they can no longer endure the distance and challenges when snowshoeing that they once did in their 30’s and 40’s. But what can help to maintain a stronger limit is to get daily exercise on an ongoing basis.
Free From Harm – Injury
An accident can happen when snowshoeing. Pay attention to your physical surroundings and do not take unnecessary risks. The objective is to prevent a crisis and be prepared to manage incidents should they occur.
Although seemingly rare, snowshoeing injuries can include strains, sprains, and breaks to extremities from tripping; or head and back injuries from falls. Being familiar with the terrain by reviewing maps and information about a trail can help prevent injuries. Knowing first aid can help treat injuries. Also, sunburn and snow-blindness can occur on sunny winter days. Putting on sunscreen and wearing sunglasses are preventatives.
Read More: How to Prevent Ankle Pain When Snowshoeing
Illness
Dangerous threats in winter are hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia begins when one’s core body temperature begins to fall below the normal 98.6 degrees. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, cold extremities, and eventual awkwardness, irritability, and apathy. Dr. William Forgey of the Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines identifies five preventions to reducing the risk of hypothermia: proper choice and use of clothing and shelter, avoid overexertion, stay dry, stay hydrated, and maintain adequate nutrition.
Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing of human tissue. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.” Wearing proper clothing and covering extremities such as fingers and ears can help prevent frostbite. Further levels of frostbite (as well as hypothermia) require first aid and evacuation for advanced medical care.
Illness is a risk when snowshoeing at high altitudes in mountains. Low oxygen levels in the air and in the blood can result in acute mountain sickness (AMS). According to CDC, AMS symptoms include “headaches, sometimes accompanied by fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and occasionally vomiting.” Becoming acclimated to altitude can help prevent AMS by spending a day or two at high altitudes before going higher when hiking. When symptoms begin…rest and descend. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) are more severe forms of AMS and can be critical where advanced medical care is needed.
Read More: Safety First: Snowshoeing Hazards and How to Avoid Them
Proper choice of clothing helps prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Photo: Jim Joque.
Becoming Lost
Being lost can be frightening. Prevention includes carrying a map and compass, a GPS, and know how to use them. On any snowshoeing adventure, leave an itinerary with family or a friend as to where you are going, what routes you plan to take, and a return time.
June Fleming, author of “Staying Found,” suggests that when lost try signaling, such as blowing on a whistle (three is a universal distress signal). If you are not sure of where you are heading, stay put. If you move, leave a note giving your departure time and direction. But whatever you do, Fleming says, “conserve your energy for the cold and potentially dark hours ahead of you.” Make a shelter, and get water and firewood. Continue to signal and keep calm.
Read More: 6 Ways to Refresh Your Safety for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Aware of Your Gear
Being aware of the equipment you carry with you is important. And maintaining that equipment is of equal importance.
Snowshoes and Poles
I recommend using quality snowshoes. Before heading out, check the decking (webbing if wood-frame snowshoes) to assure it is secured to the frame properly. Inspect the bindings and pivot system (if it has one) to make sure they are working properly. If using collapsible trekking poles, be sure they extend properly.
Read More: Definitive Guide: How To Choose Snowshoes for Your Needs
Jacket and Boots
When considering what to spend more money on besides snowshoes, spend it on a quality waterproof-breathable jacket with a liner; and on a reliable pair of waterproof-breathable boots or hikers.
Read More: Snowshoeing Dress Code: Tips For What Clothing To Wear
Spend more money on quality snowshoes, waterproof breathable jacket, and boots/hikers. Photo: Jim Joque.
Gear For A Day
For a full-day snowshoe hike, consider placing in a daypack the following gear: water, food/snacks, first aid kit, whistle, emergency thermal blanket, chemical-shake body warmer, matches in waterproof container, small gas stove/gas, candle, toilet paper/hand sanitizer, pocket knife, flashlight or headlamp, rope or throw bag, navigation system (map, compass, GPS), and cell phone (some areas may not receive signals).
Also, for safety’s sake, bring along some additional clothing stored in a zip-lock plastic bag. Include extra socks, gloves or mittens, and a wool or fleece cap.
Prepared with Kit and Knowledge
Know what medical supplies are in your first aid kit so that in the event of an emergency you can go directly to the source. A kit will be of no value if you do not know how to use it. Take a first aid course…ideally a wilderness first aid course. Their focus is how to attend to injuries when at least two hours away from a medical facility.
Pack a Pal
One last suggestion is to bring along a friend. Snowshoeing with one or more persons increases the chance for survival if someone has an accident. Traveling alone puts you at a greater risk.
Read More: Tips To Take Your Friends Snowhoeing! (Really, They’ll Love It!)
Aware of conditions
Your surrounding in winter is a gift of beauty. But behind all that beauty can lurk potential hazards that you need to be aware of when snowshoeing.
Rick Curtis, author of The Backpacker’s Field Manual, and Director of Princeton University’s Outdoor Action, defines a hazard as a source of danger. He points out that when hazards exist, you have the potential that an unwelcomed incident could occur. The goal is to reduce that potential by identifying hazards and take preventative action in order to avert incidents. The following are considerations to keep in mind.
Weather Conditions
Consulting the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a must for planning any outdoor adventure, including a snowshoeing hike. Be aware of weather predictions for the day of your outing, including temperature, wind, changes in both, sky condition (sunny, clouds), and potential precipitation.
Precipitation in winter is defined by the National Weather Service as: “flurries-light snow falling for short durations with little or no accumulation; snow showers-snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time…some accumulation is possible; snow squalls-brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds…accumulation may be significant; and blizzard-sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with snow and blowing frequently reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile for 3 hours or more.” If snow squalls or a blizzard are predicted, cancel, and reschedule your trip. It is not worth the risk.
Read More: Snowshoeing, Snow Camping, and Snowstorms
Snow
Snow depth is important to be aware of when venturing out. Snow depths for some areas can be found online by Googling regional snow reports. NOAA’s National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center provides “snow analysis” for specific locations. Note that at least 6 inches of snow is recommended for snowshoeing.
Being aware of snow conditions where you plan to snowshoe are also important. Snow can be powdery, packed, crusty, icy, or wet/slushy. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) provides a comprehensive overview about snow conditions. The Center describes powder snow as, “dry new snow which is composed of loose, fresh ice crystals.” Powder snow is not ideal for snowshoeing, causing you to sink. Packed snow works better…snow that has been hardened some from sunshine and wind.
Snow depth is important to be aware of when venturing out. Photo: Jim Joque.
Terrain and Trails
Will you encounter flat trails, rolling hills, steep inclines, or high altitudes? Terrain and trail information can be found in government park and forest information, topographic maps, and regional snowshoeing guide books. Look for trail distances (loops or one-way), elevation gains, terrain hazards (NSIDC warns of snow cornices – snow accumulated along ridges and cliffs), and trail ratings. For example, snowshoe author Claire Walter, in her book “Snowshoeing Colorado,” presents trail ratings as “easy, moderate, challenging, and difficult;” and includes, “easy to moderate and moderate to challenging.” Walter defines the ratings and assigns one to each Colorado snowshoe trail.
Terrain and trail information can be found in park and forest information at trailheads. Photo: Jim Joque.
On Frozen Water
When faced with deciding to cross or not cross ice, use common sense and play it safe. Do not cross and seek an alternative route. Avoid flowing rivers and streams, since moving water does not freeze. Do not let frozen water ruin your snowshoeing experience. If you need to cross on ice, use common sense with safety and precaution. It can mean the difference between enjoyment and tragedy.
Your snowshoes can be beneficial on ice, since they help to distribute one’s weight and the crampons or cleats provide traction. But snowshoes can also be a detriment should you fall through ice. When crossing frozen water, loosen your bindings to a point where you can easily come out of them if needed. Bring along a set of hand-held spikes (also called ice picks – devices to pull oneself out of the water and onto safe ice in the event of a breakthrough), and a rope or a kayaker’s throw-bag to help pull someone out of the water.
When in Avalanche Country
The National Weather Service explains an avalanche as, “A mass of tumbling snow. More than 80 percent of midwinter avalanches are triggered by a rapid accumulation of snow and 90 percent of those avalanches occur within 24 hours of snowfall. An avalanche may reach a mass of a million tons and travel at speeds up to 200 mph.”
For safety’s sake, if you have not completed an avalanche training course certified by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), and you do not carry necessary avalanche gear (transceiver, collapsible probe, and metal shovel), then snowshoe in areas that are rated as not having avalanche danger.
Be aware of avalanche areas; and if not trained and prepared, snowshoe in areas rated as no avalanche danger. Photo: Jim Joque.
Read More: Why All Snowshoers Should Be Avalanche Aware (Even Beginners)
Aware of Surroundings
Wildlife in Winter
Wildlife viewing during winter can be rare. Bears hibernate, many birds migrate, and small animals are careful in snow given easy visibility to predators. Look for tracks, scat, tree scratching, and nests. The National Park Service provides information on ways to safely watch wildlife. To highlight, observe wildlife from a distance, and keep your food away from them.
Observe the Natural World and Put Senses to Work
Appreciate the natural beauty around you. Stop now and then to capture the moment and observe your winter world. Notice the white landscapes, snowdrifts, snow-clad trees and shrubs, and frozen streams and ponds.
Use your senses in observing. See the beauty of a snow-covered vista, listen to wind and bird songs, touch the coldness of snow, smell the crispness of winter air, and allow snowflakes to touch your tongue. By using your senses, you can heighten your awareness and appreciation of your surroundings.
To reflect on those moments later in time, record them by writing your observations in a nature journal, and/or by taking photographs. I record every outdoor adventure in my nature journal by including the date, location, weather conditions, observations, and my feelings regarding the event. Like most people today, I carry a cell phone with a camera and I take photographs.
Read More: Winter Photography Tips For Snowshoers
Stop now and then to capture the moment and observe your winter world. See the beauty of a snow-covered vista. Photo: Jim Joque.
Back to Thoreau
Thoreau did not have the luxury of a cell phone camera in his day, but he did portray his observations in his book. He wrote, “Like the water, the Walden ice, seen near at hand, has a green tint, but at a distance it is beautifully blue, and you can easily tell it from the white ice of the river, or merely greenish ice of some ponds, a quarter of a mile off.” Thoreau eloquently expressed how much he was aware of…Walden Pond in winter.
Observe the natural winter world. Photo: Jim Joque.
Read Next: Snowshoeing at Night: How to Plan and Prepare
This article is not intended to replace detailed safety information that can be found in resources by experts. But rather, this is a general guide with intent to raise awareness and to provide you with some suggestions for safety prevention as you go snowshoeing. To enhance your knowledge of this subject matter, I recommend further reading found in references cited throughout this article and elsewhere.
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