This is the second of about twelve snowshoe events I will be running for EBTC.  The weather forecast is great -11C with light winds.

The Objective

• 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.
• Practice basic hill skills including traversing a slope.

Where are We Going and How to Get Back

• Victoria Park, meet in the parking lot for a 6:15pm start.
• We will be walking on the skate part of the groomed cross-country ski trails in addition to going off trail a bit.

What to Take

• Snowshoes (duh!) and poles (optional).
• 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
• 0.5 – 1.0 litre of water

Books, Where to Buy and Other Resources:

• 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.
  • Unless you are a traditionalist, stick with the modern aluminium snow shoes.
  • Avoid web based bindings unless you can buy the real cheap.
• 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.