With fall in full swing, winter is just around the corner. It's almost time to take out your boots, gloves and hats, and head to the mountains.
There is no better escape from the hustle and bustle of the city than the rhythmic clomping of snowshoeing, according to Janey Chang.
The outdoor education manager at Mt.
Seymour has guided many neophytes into their first pair of snowshoes.
"It's magical and an incredible way to explore nature in winter. It's peaceful and just such a great way to exercise while recharging your batteries," she says. "Some people think that's it's going to be really, really hard. And it is work, but in a good way because it's not like you're on a treadmill in a gym. You have incredibly beautiful surroundings."
Most novice snowshoers tend to get the hang of it quite quickly, according to Chang.
"You just have to pay more attention to your walking in the beginning. It feels a little bit odd for maybe the first 15 minutes and then once you get used to the size of the snowshoes, which really are quite small these days, you find that you're just walking pretty normally."
Snowshoeing is friendly to all fitness levels, says Chang. "If people have done any kind of hiking or trail walking or any level of normal exertion then usually they're fine on snowshoes." Chang has seen people young and old make it up steep hills. "If you take it really slowly, then you can take on almost any hill," she says.
However, beginners should tend to seek out flatter terrain, advises Chang. She suggests more undulating routes, with more flats or gentle rolling hills.
Kids can snowshoe too, but parents should be aware that it may not be a long trip.
"I've seen children as young as twoand-a-half on a pair of snowshoes. You're not going to go very far though," says Chang. By the age of four or five, children may be ready for a longer hike, she adds.
When it comes to dressing for a snowshoe outing, Chang recommends layers because the weather can change abruptly in the mountains, so warm, waterproof clothing is recommended.
"It could start to snow at any given time so you want to make sure you stay dry," says Chang.
Cotton is not advised, and neither is bringing one heavy jacket.
"If you come with a really thick parka, then you can't really adjust your layers and you might over-heat and then you sweat and then get cold," she says.
Hiking boots are usually the best footwear when it comes to staying dry and stable. The outfit should be rounded off with a toque and gloves, and supplies should include water and a few snacks.
Snowshoers should probably stay home during high winds, says Chang.
"It's generally good to stay out of the forest if there are high winds in case trees come down."
