Snowshoeing in Colorado at the Ritz
Do it! Okay, let me backtrack a little. I have never tried snowshoeing prior to this weekend. On Sunday I found myself at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. Amazing hotel with a ski lift in your backyard and trails galore. So, I head to the pro shop, and $15 later am strapping some funky contraptions to my feet.
Off we go!
I was under the impression snowshoeing was "just hiking in the snow." It is, yet it's an amazing workout. On this day the temperature was hovering around freezing, so I never broke a sweat and found myself comfortable after I shed my jacket and was down to my t-shirt and water-resistant track pants.
Very casual.
Uphill it's better to keep your trekking poles at your sides and push down, it makes for a great tricep workout and helps you speed along. Don't go too fast. Half the joy of the sport is taking in the scenery. I felt as though I was in a Christmas snowglobe, minus the annoying glitter that sticks to places God didn't intend glitter to stick.
2 hours later my hips were sore, but my spirits were high. Well worth the $15 and laughs with my snowshoeing partner.
Tips: Don't get the long, skinny shoes. They kick snow up and suddenly you have a frosty bum. DO get the more circular fat shoes. You won't sink, and you won't kick up powder on you or anyone you're trekking with.
Wear layers. Snow pants are excessive. You are working your whole body, so be sure to keep your head covered, but I would suggest comfy pants under water-resistant track pants, an undershirt, t-shirt (or long-sleeve shirt) sweatshirt and then outer layer of a snow jacket. Again, I just ended up wearing the t-shirt and tying everything around my waist.
Compass. Everything is white. You get confused.
Go during daylight hours. Especially in the mountains, a good rule is to only be out during lift hours.
Sunscreen. You are surrounded by a giant reflector. Lather up or suffer an embarrassingly red nose later in the day.
Sunglasses. (See above)
Be adventurous! You don't need a resort or fancy terrain to try this sport out. In fact, start with a simple trail with very little elevation gain or loss for your first time out. It may look too easy, but I promise, hips don't lie!
Cheers!
Maddy
