SCRUBBED! – For Safety Reasons, this session has been cancelled

This is the third of about twelve snowshoe events I will be running for EBTC. The weather forecast is VERY WARM, -1C with light winds.

The Objective

Meet at the skate shack at the SOUTH end of the legislature grounds (look for an ATCO trailer topped by a giant snowman); if you need an address try: 9515 – 107th Street Edmonton.
We will remain on the south lawns of the legislature grounds, don’t worry though – lots of adventure awaits!

South Legislature Grounds

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 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.

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.

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:

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.