This is the first of about twelve snowshoe events I will be running for EBTC.  Being the first, this one will ease the group (and more importantly me!) in the evening program. The weather forecast is great -3C with moderate WSW winds.

Off the snow track – St. Albert, December, 2012

The Objective

• Determine the popularity and interest in a weekly snowshoe adventure (will I  be the only one there?)
• Fumble and stumble through setting up potentially new equipment for the first time.
• For absolute newbies, get used to the experience of walking on big aluminium boots.
• Evaluate how much/little clothing is needed relative to the weather and physical exertion.
• Determine if there is a way differentiate the group (e.g. fast & balanced, slow & falling).
• Discuss interest of where to got next.
• Discuss books and resources available:
  • Rentals:
    • Totem Outfitters: http://www.totemoutfitters.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2016-WINTER-RENTAL-RATES-VERSION-2.pdf.
      MEC: https://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Services/Stores/Edmonton.jsp#rentals
    • River Valley: http://www.rivervalleyadventure.com/our-services/snowshoe-rentals
    • I have no problem recommending the first two choices (a long ago former employee of the first and long standing member of the second).  No history with the third.
  • Buying:
    • Most outdoor shops such as MEC, Campers Village, Totem Outfitters, Atmosphere, etc.
    • Canadian Tire is a good place to get entry level shoes (and to use up that dirty pile of Canadian Tire money).
  • I prefer the MSR binding system but this is a matter of personal preference.
  • Books:
    • Best ‘How To’ book: Basic Illustrated Snowshoeing, A Falcon Guide, Eli Burakian.
    • Second best ‘How To’ book: A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies, RMB, Andrew Nugara.
    • Other Canadian book: Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies, RMB, Andrew Nugara. Note, both of Nugara’s books focus on the southern Alberta Rockies.

Where are We Going and How to Get Back

• Meet at the Victoria Park Oval parking lot (off River Valley Road, first right west of the Glenora Club) and be ready to go by 6:15pm on January 12, 2016.
• Plan is to head west of the Skate Shack and pick up the X-Ski trails.  From there we will loop through Victoria Park Golf Course on the skate portion of the trail.  Go east as far as the Glenora club and then take the North trail back.  Based on the time, retrace our steps or short cut back to the skate shack.

What to Take

• Snowshoes (duh!) and fixed length poles
• Clothing appropriate to the weather.  Noting that I tend to run hot, I am plan to wear/bring:
  • Hiking boots
  • Lightly insulated shell pants
  • Long sleeve cycling jersey and a cycling shell (shell is shelved fairly quickly)
  • Fleece neck warmer
  • Cycling beanie and/or a baseball cap
  • Full fingered cycling gloves
• Headlamp (generally these will be off but just in case we need them).
• Backpack to carry/stow clothing
• 600ml’ish of water

The Result Was…

• Completed after the event for future learnings.