Chapter 1: Winter's Last Hoorah

As February draws to a close, the anticipation of melting snow begins to set in. It's a wonderful time to relish the snowy landscapes before they disappear.

Photo by author. Many years ago, we invested in three pairs of LLBEAN aluminum snowshoes, likely over fifteen years back. For a long time, they were tucked away on a basement shelf, used only a couple of times and largely forgotten. It wasn’t until last summer, when we relocated from our suburban home to our cabin in the Northwoods, that we rediscovered them.

© Carol Labuzzetta, Late Summer Sunset I’m pleased to report that our lightweight and stylish snowshoes are now regularly put to use. My husband frequently takes our dog out for snowshoeing adventures in the woods, with a groomed hiking trail just a short 50 yards from our cabin.

This tranquil space offers a perfect escape into nature throughout the seasons, but winter snowshoeing comes with its own unique advantages.

On Sunday, the sun shone brightly against a clear blue sky, and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t need my mittens! As we walked along the road leading to the trail, the satisfying crunch of snow beneath our feet echoed around us.

Once we entered the woods, we were surrounded by a soft blanket of fresh snow that cushioned our steps.

Photo by author. Groomed Trails Near our Cabin. The atmosphere was serene. The sun illuminated the landscape, and the sky was a vibrant blue.

While traversing the trail in our snowshoes, we soaked in the beauty of the day and breathed in the crisp air. After about a mile and a half, we returned to the cabin feeling invigorated. Snowshoeing serves as excellent exercise for me; I find greater stability on snowshoes compared to skis. Although the trails are well-groomed, I often struggle with tight turns while cross-country skiing and tend to fall at least once. In contrast, snowshoeing not only provides a workout but also allows me to maintain my balance without any spills.

I can tell I’m getting a workout because my FitBit indicates an elevated heart rate, and I’m pleasantly warm. Despite this, I can still engage in conversation with my husband while we snowshoe together. This, too, is a significant advantage.

Photo by author. All Rights Reserved. 2023. When we go cross-country skiing, he is often far ahead of me, forcing me to keep up, while he just glides on. Our interactions are limited, as I work hard to maintain pace and he has to pause to let me catch up. Simply put, I find more joy in snowshoeing than in skiing.

That doesn’t mean I’ll never ski, but when it comes to exercising, enjoyment is key for me. Another notable benefit of snowshoeing is the chance to immerse myself in nature. The tranquility, the brilliant blue sky, the fresh snow, and the diverse trees create a stunning backdrop for our snowshoeing outings.

Being alone in the woods offers its own special charm. Now, that’s a significant advantage!

Chapter 2: Discover the Joy of Snowshoeing

In this video, "5 Reasons to Love Snowshoeing," explore the various benefits and reasons why snowshoeing is a fantastic winter activity. The footage captures breathtaking snowy landscapes and highlights the fun of snowshoeing.

The next video, "Discussing Hiking Poles for Snowshoeing (while Birding on a Snowshoe Tour)," provides insights on the utility of hiking poles during snowshoeing and how they enhance the experience, especially for birdwatching enthusiasts.

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