If the Shoe Fits... New Events Accompany Rising Popularity of Snowshoeing

Dec. 11, 2002

Snowshoeing is enjoying increased popularity. Last year an estimated six million Americans went snowshoeing compared to three-and-a-half million in 1998. Why the renewed interesting in snowshoeing?
“Snowshoes are great fun and after your first five steps you are an expert,” said Ben Carr of the Michigan Snowshoe Center in Roscommon. “The great thing about snowshoeing is anyone can do it, whether you are two or 92.”
Prior to 1900, snowshoeing was the primary mode of winter transportation in the north country, but roads, SUVs, snowmobiles and television all contributed to its demise during the past 100 years. Its renewed popularity is attributed to various factors, including health benefits. It is easy to learn, affordable, and appeals to hikers planning to explore trails that aren‘t accessible with cross-country skis and runners who wish to stay in shape during the winter months.

TRAIL RUNNING
“We are seeing an increased number of runners getting into snowshoeing,” said Jeff Gaft of Running Fit in Traverse City. “There are several manufacturer’s making snowshoes for trail running and competitive snowshoe events are also gaining in popularity.“
Gaft and other staffers of Running Fit will again be organizing the Bigfoot Snowshoe Race, January 25, 2003. Last year‘s race served as the United States National Snowshoe Championship, with the nation’s top snowshoe competitors challenging for the first ever U.S. Snowshoe Championship title. This year’s race will serve as the Midwest regional qualifier for the 2003 National Championships. Top finishers will compete in the national championships this March in St. Lake City, Utah.
While competitive snowshoeing is gaining in popularity, it represents only a small portion of the growing snowshoe community.
“What we offer over here at the Michigan Snowshoe Center is recreational snowshoeing,” said Carr, whose facility in Roscommon is surrounded by trails along the south branch of the Ausable River. “It is a great activity and makes parts of northern Michigan accessible that otherwise would be off limits during winter months.”
Carr also emphasis that snowshoeing is a great family activity and one of the few winter activities that “you can hold your spouse‘s hand.”

IF THE SHOE FITS
There are even some national kids snowshoe events that include:” Take Your Daughter To The Snow Week,” and a “Take Your Kids To The Snow Week.” Both are from January 27 – February 2, 2003 and are coordinated by Olympic Ski Champion Picabo Street. Several national winter sports activities are planned including snowshoeing. Visit www.snowlink.com
Snowshoeing is affordable and a variety of “shoe” styles are available, ranging in price from $75 to $350. Bob McLain of McLain Cycle in Traverse City suggests “renting snowshoes first or trying snowshoes at several manufacturers demo days” before purchasing. Styles vary depending on what type of snowshoeing is planned (hiking or running), height and weight. Shoes are available for kids as well with prices between $30 and $100.
The old style, wooden “Michigan” snowshoes are still available for the traditionalist, but they have given way to various lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum frame styles. Bindings also vary, so visiting with your local outfitter, outdoor or running shop is the best way to get fitted for the “shoe” that will best meet your needs.
Snowshoeing opens up a lot of trails and enables the hiker or runner access to areas off-limits to snowmobiles and even skiers. It provides a great opportunity to enjoy the winter months and explore Northern Michigan’s beauty. There are several events planned throughout Northern Michigan for the novice and the expert.

WEEKLY HIKES & RUNS:
Several local shops that sell snowshoes organize weekly and bi-weekly walks and runs. Many have demo shoes and welcome newcomers to experience the excitement. These weekly events take place in Traverse City, Petoskey, Leelanau County, Roscommon and Gaylord. Call your local snowshoe shop for further details.

KIDS SNOWSHOE DAY:
January 4 at the Michigan Snowshoe Center in Roscommon. Kids snowshoe demos available for free. Call (866) 275-0300 for more info or visit www.snowshoecenter.com

WINTER TRAILS DAY • January 18
At the Michigan Snowshoe Center, Roscommon. This is a national event in its seventh year to promote snowshoe activities. The day consists of seminars, guided tours, and activities for kids. The American Hiking Society sponsors the event and several snowshoe manufacturing reps will be on hand with demos. For additional information call (866) 275-0300 or visit the official website at www.wintertrails.org

BIGFOOT SNOWSHOE RACE • January 25
Part of the U.S. National Snowshoe Championship series. 5 & 10 K runs at the Tubbs Adventure Snowshoe course located at Timber Ridge Campground in Traverse City. For additional info call Running Fit (231) 933-9342 or visit www.runsnow.com

TUBBS ADVENTURE SNOWHOE • January 26
This event is part of the Subaru Madeline Thomas Memorial Women’s Ski Tour. Ladies may choose the snowshoe 3K, 5K or 7K snowshoeing in lieu of the cross-country ski event. For additional information visit www.womensskitour.com or call (231) 947-2770.

VASA FAMILY FUN DAY • February 9
A great opportunity for the whole family to try snowshoes as well as other winter activities. Call (231) 938-4400 for more details or visit the VASA website www.vasa.org

TASTE THE PASSION SNOWSHOE STOMP • February 15
A run or hike through the Leelanau Peninsula Vineyards. Participants may choose from a 4-mile competitive run or a 2-mile fun run or hike through vineyards, woods and orchards overlooking West Bay. For additional info call (231) 938-3247 or visit www.lpwines.com

SNOWSHOE SHUFFLE & CHILI COOKOFF • March 1
A fun hike at Black Star Fams Winery in Suttons Bay that concludes with a chili competition from area restaurants paired with Black Star Wines. For additional info call (231) 271-2884 x 122 or visit www.blackstarfarms.com

SNOWSHOE NIGHT HIKES • Date TBD
McLain’s will again offer their popular “night hike” at the former State Hospital grounds in Traverse City that has attracted 700 snowshoe enthusiasts in the past. The hike by moonlight and candlelit trail will offer free snowshoe rentals and food. The date is still to be determined. For additional info call McLain Cycle (231) 941-8855. Other night hikes are offered throughout Northern Michigan including at the Michigan Snowshoe Center and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in Empire.

Get with it this winter, try a pair of snowshoes; it is easy, fun and affordable. Whether you just want to cross the street to get your mail, hike a trail, or go for a jog, snowshoeing will add to your winter enjoyment.

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