Whos got the best snowshoes ?

[Lezgo Cycling]

So come on, whos has what and which is better or worse than any others

[RiverRat]

I got some cheap ones from sam's club last year. They worked fine the 3 times I used them so far.

[Shorty]

I like my Redfeathers, but they are 10 years old.

The key is the binding... If you are looking for something to do extended hikes on, think about how well it might work if every piece of the binding is frozen. Will the binding freeze and stop effectively holding your feet? Will the ratchets stop working when they get iced up?

The bindings should be simple and solid IMO.

[batjerk]

The woodframed/leather ones I used to use were great. The bindings were simple and effective. Sometimes old tech is best tech.

Not that I've ever tried anything else....

I can say that my old-fashioned leather saddle is more comfortable than any of these new-fangled things that I've ever tried.

[Thewavebb]

I have had a couple pairs of Tubbs and have nothing but good things to say about them. I agree on the binding comment from Pete. I really like bindings that have a rotating toe cord. Check out the tubbs snowshoes to see what i'm talking about. This feature allows your snowshoes to effortlessly drag on the snow behind you without flinging snow up on your back. It also makes it easier when your climbing up ice covered section using just your campons. Ratchets are very bothersome. I love clips and straps. Much easier and more reliable.

Wood snowshoes are fun for farting around on the lake, but not pratical if you plan do some more adventurous hikes. We get a lot of hardpack and ice in our trails and its very nice to have the metal crampons to help you accend/descend the trails.

I like the western round tail style vs the pin tail that redfeature uses on some of their stuff. The rounded tail has provided me more control when i'm descending in powder covered hillsides.

I have the Tubbs Odyssey 30's (http://www.orssnowshoesdirect.com/tubbs_odyssey_snowshoes.htm). They were replaced by the Ventures. Very similar. I love mine.

[Nickel]

Redfeather ....made in the USA. ;)

[ryno lite]

I have Tubbs and have no complaints. I have noticed other people complain about kicking snow up with their snowshoes, but like someone said earlier, my Tubbs' binding rotates letting the snowshoe drag never letting the snow get kicked up. My girlfriend has some Atlas snowshoes and those are really nice also.

[hockeynut]

I've got Tubbs (Venture 30s) too... haven't used really any others though so can't comment on the "best". I do like the foolproof binding and non-snow-kicking feature.

I can't wait for about another 6" of snow so then tromping all over Memorial will get really interesting. Pretty fun making your own trail on portions of the trail that are super overgrown in the summer, or that aren't anywhere near the bike trails.

[Cars-R-Coffins]

Are Yukon Charlies any good, if so I found some cheap ones. http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Yukon-Charlies-Snowshoes-Trail-Series-825/2336654/product.html

[Thewavebb]

yukon charlies snowshoes remind me a lot of the snowshoes Tubbs was putting out back in the mid to late 90's. They look okay, but the bindings/crampons are not as aggressive.

[charliebrown]

MSR - Denali...

[timmy]

I got these today at Sportsmans Guide is in South St.Paul .

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=156471

[krazykatie]

I got these today at Sportsmans Guide is in South St.Paul .

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=156471

copycat! :p those be the ones i got..me likey:D and they're price reaonably

[Taz Devil]

Okay, so maybe not the best choice of words...but I had fun with it!:jumpy:

Seriously, I've snowshoed for several years & have a pair of wooden Iroquois. They're not quite as maneuverable as Bearpaws, but short enough to work well through trees, etc. I did quite a bit of researching when I started shoeing, and found that the old Indian designs were best for getting off-trail and being in fresh, deep, powdery snow. You will still sink in, but trust me, I've gone places where I would have been hip deep or more without them.

I hope that helps,
Lori

[timmy]

copycat! :p those be the ones i got..me likey:D and they're price reaonably

Yes, I bought them so I could be like you!:D

[Taz Devil]

p.s.

the old Indian style work best for deep snow, because the open weave design allows the snow to sift through, avoiding the "kicking" of the snow. They don't have crampons, but I've been able to get the toe of my boot through for enough traction.

[Danimal]

Snowshoes????

[Thewavebb]

p.s.

the old Indian style work best for deep snow, because the open weave design allows the snow to sift through, avoiding the "kicking" of the snow. They don't have crampons, but I've been able to get the toe of my boot through for enough traction.

Too bad we live in MN. " the land of hardpack and ice"

[Shorty]

What the hell are we talking about?

Snowshoes????

Did you read the title?

[Danimal]

Duuh. Now I see it. I first saw the poll title.

1 doofus demerit for me.

[bike>>rider]

Some shoes have the pointy rear, while most now have the rounded rear. What are the advantages of each style?

[heavybluechevy]

Pointy rear = wet behind (runners like them)
Rounded rear = dry behind:)

Some shoes have the pointy rear, while most now have the rounded rear. What are the advantages of each style?

[TrailPatrol]

Snowshoes????

Go back to sleep Dan, and let us experts deal with this one.

Father Christmas

[TrailPatrol]

I have been using snowshoes since the last Ice Age, (around 1968) and have always had ash-framed, babiche (split cowhide) webbed, "traditional" snowshoes from the century-old Canadian snowshoe manufacturer, Faber. Last year I replaced my 38-year-old 54-inch "Michigan-style" shoes with a new pair of 48-inch Fabers, from Cabelas. The year before, I replaced my wife's Faber bearpaws with a pair of GV "Green Mountain" type (no trail) 'shoes. Both of the pairs I replaced were/are well maintained and still usable, and both of new pair are still ash wood and babiche, although I did go with a newer style of bindings. I have bolt-on crampons for icy conditions, from Havlick Snowshoes in Lowville, NY on the edge of the Adirondack Mountains. (The area I am originally from.) I have access to decked aluminum shoes at work, but I prefer the wood. My warm weather snowshoes have ash frames with neoprene webbing.

Our winter recreation website, www.wintersnowtrails.org (http://www.wintersnowtrails.org) as lots of information on snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and winter camping, and will be completely back online in about a week.

Mush!
Hans

[Shorty]

Pointy rear = wet behind
Rounded rear = dry behind

I don't understand the reasoning behind the wet/dry statement. Can someone explain?

The way I understand it, the pointed rear is designed to help the shoe track straight in the extra fluffy stuff.

[soupboy]

I rock the Tubbs and am quite bestest.

[RoostRider]

You forgot the venerable Sherpa brand shoes...

I have tried traditional, Tubbs, Redfeathers, Sherpas, and Atlas... they all perform similar when you buy similar shoes.... the size of the shoe is directly related to the weight of the user, the use, and the snow conditions... no shoe will be best in all conditions...

While the traditional shoes are great for keeping you afloat on deep powder, if you plan to freestyle with them, newer type shoes are better (smaller and more maneuverable... for leaping/running DH)... a modern cramp on binding is a must if you plan to do any climbing off of the trails....

[Kayakoholic]

I like my wood as well. I have both the wood Ojibewa style and aluminum Tubbs and prefer my Ojib's. They're the best for walking on fluffy deep snow. However, the aluminum style with the crampons are the best for hard-packed snow and hills.

[Lezgo Cycling]

I don't understand the reasoning behind the wet/dry statement. Can someone explain?

The way I understand it, the pointed rear is designed to help the shoe track straight in the extra fluffy stuff.

there was another post about shoes (leb forum I believe), and how you KICK up snow on the back and back of your legs....how to stay dry and warm vs wet and cold...

[TrailPatrol]

In 1972, experimenting with new designs in Washington's Cascade Mountains, Gene and Bill Prater created the "modern" snowshoe we know today. Using aluminum tubing and replaced the lace with neoprene decking. To make them easier to use in winter mountaineering, the Praters developed a hinged binding and added cleats to the bottom of the shoe. They started the Sherpa Snowshoe company to manufacture their "Western"-style snowshoes, which proved very popular. For many years they were the only metal-framed snowshoe available, other than military surplus.

Unfortunately, the Sherpa company and patent were sold in 1998 to an investor, and then again in 2002, to Atlas Snowshoes, who were, in turn, bought out by K-2 Sports about 2 years ago. (K-2 also owns Tubbs and Little Bear Snowshoes, K-2, Karhu and Madhus skis and Ride, 51/50 and Morrow snowboards.) The Sherpa design was pretty much unchanged from 1972 until 2002, and had been surpassed by other 'shoe designs, particularly in the last ten years with the development of newer binding technology and specialized snowshoes for racing, running, exploration and recreation. Production of Sherpa Snowshoes ceased in 2001.

BTW, Tubbs (Originally "Vermont Tubbs") still makes a really nice wood/babiche snowshoe called the "Green Mountain" which set the standard for that oblong, no-tail-style of 'shoe. They are spendy, though. I bought my wife's Green Mountains for about half of what Tubbs chages for the same type of snowshoe. GV is a great Canadian showshoe maker. Also, BTW, the Tubbs Green Mountains are the only Tubbs product still made in the good old USA. Everything else is out-sourced by K-2.

(TMI? What can I tell you? Snowshoeing in one of my hobbies. There more pairs of snowshoes hanging in my garage than bicycles, and one of those actually belongs to my worksite.)

'shoe safe,
:banana:
Hans

[Lezgo Cycling]

No not TMI ...thansk alot Hans, I learned more than I thought I would today...see ya on the trails and thanks for the update, I am into snowborading as well and sis not that K2 owned all those others

[TrailPatrol]

Put my mukluks and my Fabers on and went for a walk this afternoon, through the woods just south of our house (and yes, I did get the landowner's consent beforehand). Saw lots of deer, squirrel and fox tracks, areas where the deer are bedding down at night, and watched a gorgeous sunset. The great thing about snowshoes (and backcountry--not telemark-- skis) is you can go pretty much wherever you want to. Great exercise, scenery, the whole ball of wax. The snow is still very light and granular. We just need more of it

Father Christmas

[Shorty]

Pointy rear = wet behind
Rounded rear = dry behind

there was another post about shoes (leb forum I believe), and how you KICK up snow on the back and back of your legs...

But if the end of the shoe is pointed, there would be less surface area for the snow to collect and get kicked up.

Plus, in my experience the whole kicking up snow issue has more to do with the binding design, walking speed and the snow conditions.

[bike>>rider]

But if the end of the shoe is pointed, there would be less surface area for the snow to collect and get kicked up.

Plus, in my experience the whole kicking up snow issue has more to do with the binding design, walking speed and the snow conditions.

Hans, can you settle the pointed heel vs. rounded heel question and explain why one would choose each style? Looks like most of Redfeather's lineup has the pointed heel while Tubbs seems partial to the rounded heel style.

[TrailPatrol]

Hans, can you settle the pointed heel vs. rounded heel question and explain why one would choose each style? Looks like most of Redfeather's lineup has the pointed heel while Tubbs seems partial to the rounded heel style.

The late Gene Prater (Sherpa designer) wrote an excellent book called "Snowshoeing: From Novice to Master" the latest edition of which was edited by Dave Felkley, since Gene passed away in 1993. Among the multitude of other things it covers, is snowshoe design. In a nutshell, the tail serves kind of like a rudder, particularly in deep snow, with larger 'shoes. It keeps the snowshoe tracking in the direction you are headed. It can be kind of a pain until you get used to it, such as when traveling through woody undergrowth (as I was today) although it does not take much time to get used to them. I feel they also give me just a bit more floatation and stability, particularly to the rear when I am carrying a pack. Modern racing snowshoes, such as those made by Redfeather and Atlas, have brought back the pointed tail because of the improved tracking.

The rounded tail is more manuverable, particularly in the woods, has a shorter learning curve for new snowshoers, and is the most available style for aluminum (etc.) framed snowshoes. Some people feel that rounded tails produce more drag than pointed tails, although the lighter weight of aluminum-frames overcomes much of this problem. You can get by with somwhat shorter snowshoes with rounded tails, even with wood frames. Where I normally use a 48-inch "Michigan" model with a tail, if I were to buy Green Mountain-style traditional 'shoes, I could easily use 40 inchers. Eight inches can be a lot in deep forest, off-trail.

Snowshoes with "decking" (as opposed to open webbing) do tend to flip snow up behind the user if you are moving at a fast pace. With webs, it just sifts through the web.

Speaking of a fast pace, if anyone is interested, there are two annual snowshoe races in MN; The Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle (http://www.esns.org), the last Saturday of February, and the Northwoods Snowshoe Champs (no website, yet) Jan. 19th in Duluth. There is also a race in Grand Marais, but it's not on the USSA calendar yet.

Think snow!
:banana:
Hans

[kabbie_cache]

The late Gene Prater (Sherpa designer) wrote an excellent book called "Snowshoeing: From Novice to Master" the latest edition of which was edited by Dave Felkley, since Gene passed away in 1993.

I bought the 5th edition (2002) of that book last night at Half Price Books.

I haven't gotten to far in it yet but it pretty good so far.

[Taz Devil]

I like my wood as well. I have both the wood Ojibewa style and aluminum Tubbs and prefer my Ojib's. They're the best for walking on fluffy deep snow. However, the aluminum style with the crampons are the best for hard-packed snow and hills.

You can run in Ojibewa/Iroquois style wood frame shoes, too. I've never had problems with kicking snow up behind me while shoeing. The tail may slow a person down when running or going at a fast pace, but it does add stability. As far as maneuvering through wooded areas, you learn to adapt & get used to it.

It's like a lot of other things...6 of one, half dozen of the other...or as my son says, "It's a piece o' horse". :fool: (Intentionally said backwards - it just sounds funnier).

Pick something & have fun with it!

[Kayakoholic]

You can run in Ojibewa/Iroquois style wood frame shoes, too. I've never had problems with kicking snow up behind me while shoeing. The tail may slow a person down when running or going at a fast pace, but it does add stability. As far as maneuvering through wooded areas, you learn to adapt & get used to it.

Oh, indeed. The Ojibewa style has been used for hundreds of years with barely a design modification because it works! Another advantage is that their design allows you to walk normally, instead of the duck walk.

[TrailPatrol]

Oh, indeed. The Ojibewa style has been used for hundreds of years with barely a design modification because it works! Another advantage is that their design allows you to walk normally, instead of the duck walk.

Look at my avatar. Do I look like I am "duck walking"? (Yes, that is me in that parka.)

Used properly, Michigan/Huron/Maine type snowshoes (and even bearpaws) should overlap some when walking, but that doesn't mean you are stepping on your own snowshoes. Even with First Nation native-style snowshoes (hand-made, almost round, found mostly in Labrador, northern Quebec and Ontario) you should be able to walk normally. With traditional 'shoes, more than modern snowshoes, you need to match the size of the snowshoe to the user and the intended use. Modern, aluminum-framed snowshoes are much more forgiving in that respect, hence the shorter learning curve I spoke of previously.

Hans

[TML]

But if the end of the shoe is pointed, there would be less surface area for the snow to collect and get kicked up.

Plus, in my experience the whole kicking up snow issue has more to do with the binding design, walking speed and the snow conditions.

I agree with binding style being the main contributing factor. Each has their forte, but in terms of NOT kicking up snow, a rotating binding on pin style is better than the elastic return of a binding being mounted on straps that flex.

A free rotating binding allows the deck and tail of the shoe to remain nearly parallel to the ground as you step forward. The tail of a shoe with strap mounted bindings will tend to flick upward (tossing snow) as you lift your foot up and forward.

A free rotating binding does have it's drawbacks though. One case is when you are trying to back out of a situation or when you are jumping. You have now way to keep your tails from angling downward. Not the end of the world, you just have to get used to it.

[TML]

I voted Other.

Sherpa

edit: I just own sherpas. I do think they're great but didn't necessarily mean to vote they're the best. I should read the question better. ;-)

[TrailPatrol]

The other reason for the front of the snowshoe to point up is the same as skis; it keeps them on top of the snow, and also from snagging on low undergrowth poking through the snow.

Father Christmas

[Heuy]

In my experience in Minnesota conditions the crampon is almost as important as the shoe. I can see maybe in Quebec or somewhere the desire for tradishional shoes. But last year I was free skiing the Holzinger trails and hiking straight up the bluff. I really had to have that crampon to kick into the snow many times.

[TrailPatrol]

In my experience in Minnesota conditions the crampon is almost as important as the shoe. I can see maybe in Quebec or somewhere the desire for tradishional shoes. But last year I was free skiing the Holzinger trails and hiking straight up the bluff. I really had to have that crampon to kick into the snow many times.

Maybe in that instance, yes, you might want a more agressive grip, but Holzinger is not representative of most of MN and NW-WI. As I mentioned, I do have bolt-on crampons for my webs, (see below) but I rarely need them. In the BWCA or the Chippewa National Forest, I really prefer the ablities of the traditional wood and web. As Kayakaholic pointed out, the Ojibwe style snowshoe, which originated in this area, has been used around here successfully for hundreds of years, long before neoprene decks and rotating crampons.

http://www.havlicksnowshoe.com/images/PROD/AC.jpg

Every year in the park, we get compaints from the people who rent our modern snowshoes, that their arches hurt when they bring them back. And every year we watch new snowshoers trying to use modern snowshoes in snow way too shallow for the crampons. (Of course, it's really too shallow for snowshoes at all, then.)

[Thewavebb]

I guess I am really like matt in how I use my snowshoes. I do most of my snowshoeing on the north shore and hike a lot of the ridges there to free-ski. I punish my stuff and I would/have destroyed wood snowshoes. I like being able to punch my articulating crampons into frozen cascades as i'm working my way up a frozen creek. My first 2 pairs of snowshoes were wooden and I loved them for walking around the lake and golf course. But as soon as I got semi-crazy, they didn't handle them. My first pair of modern snowshoes i bought back in 1995 when i was in highschool (Tubbs katadin) I abused them until last year when I had worn down the crampon's to the point that they were not effective. Good stuff and pretty much handled everything I have ever thrown at them.

Here is a photo of Matt two years ago out at Banning as we were exploring the kettle river.

http://www.benberndtphotography.com/photo/mattjump.jpg

[Pink Chick]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Good Thunder running showshoes.

(They made several different types).

In the running ones the neoprene bootie fits over a running shoe and has three straps to snug it up. For snow shoe trecks (not a run) a warm technical sock and a pair of gators make it just as warm as a boot, but infinately lighter and more comfy.

Bought them in 1999 when they were living in MPLS making and selling their snow shoes.

They moved up north (way up north - I think Alaska) and I haven't seen Good Thunder snow shoes since.
:embarass:
But they are AWESOME.

[Taz Devil]

Maybe in that instance, yes, you might want a more agressive grip, but Holzinger is not representative of most of MN and NW-WI. As I mentioned, I do have bolt-on crampons for my webs, (see below) but I rarely need them. In the BWCA or the Chippewa National Forest, I really prefer the ablities of the traditional wood and web. As Kayakaholic pointed out, the Ojibwe style snowshoe, which originated in this area, has been used around here successfully for hundreds of years, long before neoprene decks and rotating crampons.

http://www.havlicksnowshoe.com/images/PROD/AC.jpg

Every year in the park, we get compaints from the people who rent our modern snowshoes, that their arches hurt when they bring them back. And every year we watch new snowshoers trying to use modern snowshoes in snow way too shallow for the crampons. (Of course, it's really too shallow for snowshoes at all, then.)

so......is anyone venturing out this weekend...and where? I'll meet up & conpare shoes, riggings, ...always learning.

[Disaster on Wheels]

so......is anyone venturing out this weekend...and where? I'll meet up & conpare shoes, riggings, ...always learning.


I believe some people are headed to battle creek on Saturday...

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=24407

[TrailPatrol]

I plan on taking my grandkids out on Sunday. I bought the boys each a pair of Redfeather Snow-Paws, and we have a sled to tow Anna in. Don't know yet if we'll go over to Wayside Prairie County Park, or just out in the woods behind the house. It'll be about 2:00 PM if we go to Wayside Prairie.

Have to work Saturday or I would do ski patrol at Sand Dunes or Springvale. :cryin:

We need a couple of inches to spruce things up now. Another four would be nice before Christmas.

'shoe safe,
:banana:
Hans

[TrailPatrol]

We decided to just go into the woods behind the house, where I have been working on a ski/snowshoe trail since September. The boys, aged 5 and 4, did really well on their new "Snow-Paws". The 5-year-old even took the lead and broke trail!:) The 4-year-old had some trouble staying up at first, but he pressed on and didn't fall at all on the way back to the house. It was their dad's first time on snowshoes, too. (He didn't fall, either.) I showed them fox tracks, deer tracks and bedding spots, and how to tell the difference between squirrel and rabbit tracks in the snow, and took them to the edge of the deer feeding area, but the deer weren't there.

We took turns pulling my 2-year-old granddaughter in a sled, so she had a great time, too. My wife followed behind and took lots of pictures. Mommy (our daughter) just watched from the porch until we went in the woods, because on Wednesday we're going to have a sixth grandchild!:D

Then we went back in the house for hot cocoa and watched "Polar Express".

'shoe safe!
:banana:
Hans

[TML]

We took turns pulling my 2-year-old granddaughter in a sled, so she had a great time, too. My wife followed behind and took lots of pictures. Mommy (our daughter) just watched from the porch until we went in the woods, because on Wednesday we're going to have a sixth grandchild!:D

Then we went back in the house for hot cocoa and watched "Polar Express".

'shoe safe!
:banana:
Hans

Sounds like a nice time. Congrats on the upcoming new grandchild!


I guess I am really like matt in how I use my snowshoes. I do most of my snowshoeing on the north shore and hike a lot of the ridges there to free-ski. I punish my stuff and I would/have destroyed wood snowshoes. I like being able to punch my articulating crampons into frozen cascades as i'm working my way up a frozen creek.

Here is a photo of Matt two years ago out at Banning as we were exploring the kettle river.

http://www.benberndtphotography.com/photo/mattjump.jpg




That kind of stuff is a hoot! I'm always hitting stuff like that when I go to the north shore or up to my in-laws in the U.P.

The crampons are definitely a must when booting around on the creeks. :jumpy:

[Lezgo Cycling]

I voted Other.

Sherpa

edit: I just own sherpas. I do think they're great but didn't necessarily mean to vote they're the best. I should read the question better. ;-)

Upon some research I am really liking the sherpa design over all others...now then...where can I get some ? I found a website that says sherpa was bought out and the website no longer exists....anyone know where I can try these or purchase ? Let me know,

My brother in law also has some traditional wood frames that he is going to let me try out. 46" baby :banana:

[TrailPatrol]

Gus,
Few posts back I gave the history of Sherpa, which was bought out by Atlas, which was bought out by Winterquest, which was bought out by K-2. K-2 now owns both Atlas and Tubbs. Both are good 'shoes. Check out Snowshoe Magazine (http://www.snowshoemagazine.com/) online. They have a "gear reviews" section on the site.

Hans

[Lezgo Cycling]

I remeber that post now....I guess what im really looked for is the laced style shoe vs the grommet style, I like the look of the laced better

thanks for the info

[TrailPatrol]

II guess what im really looked for is the laced style shoe vs the grommet style, I like the look of the laced better

I think the only company using lacing anymore would be Yukon Charlies, and even with that, it is only partial on some models. Go to http://www.yukoncharlies.com/ for more info. Most manufacturers have gone to the grommets.

BTW, there are still a number of very good snowshoe makers up north in Canada, who don't farm their product out overseas. GV. Faber, Kathoola and others. Most Canadian companies make both modern and traditional 'shoes.

[TML]

The place that now does service to Sherpas and also sells what most closely resembles the Sherpa design is IRL supplies out of British Columbia.

http://www.irl.bc.ca/Forestry%20Supplies/snowshoes-2.htm

Spendy but good! I'd go with the Ice Harness style vs the alpen. That is what is on mine, and I really like the front-pointing ability up angled ice.

[Lezgo Cycling]

The place that now does service to Sherpas and also sells what most closely resembles the Sherpa design is IRL supplies out of British Columbia.

http://www.irl.bc.ca/Forestry%20Supplies/snowshoes-2.htm

Spendy but good! I'd go with the Ice Harness style vs the alpen. That is what is on mine, and I really like the front-pointing ability up angled ice.


found that site yesterday, thanks troy

[quinnsoccer27]

The entire point of this thread is meaningless. More importantly and with less emphasis on the materialistic tool, I ask: What have you done with your snowshoes (question mark)! That is something you might not be able to classify within a multiple choice analysis. What has outdoor recreation come to?

[TrailPatrol]

The entire point of this thread is meaningless. More importantly and with less emphasis on the materialistic tool, I ask: What have you done with your snowshoes (question mark)! That is something you might not be able to classify within a multiple choice analysis. What has outdoor recreation come to?

Ah, well, you see...I use them for work, checking campsites, giving natural and cultural history talks, patrolling trails and such. I use them for fun, exploring places I can't get to in the summer except by canoe. (picture below is from up near the BWCA.)

http://www.trailpatrol.org/WinterSm07sm.jpg

and I use them for exercise. In the winter.

'nuff said!
Hans

[quinnsoccer27]

That's what I like to hear! I went snowshoeing for the first time in Whitefish Montana this winter. If you make it to the top of the resort, a complementary chairlift ride is given; which takes you back to the bottom for another go. Many skiers and snowboarders become confused when I emerged from the thick woods and began to sprint up their moguls.