Snowshoeing Safety Tips

I’m not a skier. In fact I’ve never skied or been snowboarding. Someday I’d like to try cross-country skiing but right now my winter love is Snowshoeing.

Living in the Northwest there’s tons of winter sports.

And it never fails, as soon as it snows there’s almost daily news stories of hikers/skiers/snowshoers getting lost up on Mt. Hood.

So have fun but BE SAFE!

1. Always check weather conditions and Avalanche reports. There are many websites that offer hourly updates: Northwest Avalanche Center, TripCheck is also good. A quick Google search will help you for your specific area.

2. Never go alone. Ever.

3. All people with you should carry their own backpack full of the 10 essentials (more on that later).

4. Layer, layer, layer! Remove excess clothing as you hike and warm up.

5. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning.

6. Know the basics on how to build/find emergency shelter.

7. Be aware of Tree Wells.

8. Use the trekking poles to test unknown terrain. It’s easy to fall when you think the snow is heavily packed but in reality it isn’t.

9. Drink a lot of water. Even in the cold you still need to stay hydrated.

The 10 Essentials

Topographic map

Compass

Extra food

Extra clothing

Firestarter

Matches

Sun protection

A pocket knife

A first-aid kit

Flashlight

Here’s a short video on some tips:

And of course, have a FUN time! Snowshoeing is one of my favorite activities. It burns an insane amount of calories but it does not feel like a workout because it’s so FUN!

Happy Shoeing!

QUESTION: Are you a snowshoer? And do you own or rent snowshoes?