Gaining Fans One Step At A Time Light, Indestructible Snowshoe Equipment Has Left Wood-And-Rawhide Models Behind

Imagine your favorite hiking trail on a warm, summer day: the rustling of leaves … the faint hum of insects … the sound of other hikers.

Now, imagine the same trail today: without the leaves, without the insects - and, most of all, without other hikers.

Welcome to the silent, uncrowded world of snowshoeing, an ancient mode of transportation that modern technology and inventiveness have transformed into a wonderfully accessible new recreation.

How accessible?

“The joke in snowshoeing,” says Mike Aho of the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, “is that when you put the snowshoes on for the first time, you’re a beginner. Five minutes later, you’re an intermediate.”

Aho moved beyond beginner status more than 25 years ago, when, as a teenager, he and friends fashioned 40 pairs of traditional trapper-style snowshoes out of plastic pipe and neoprene rope, and sold them to relatives for $50 a pair.

Aho and his buddies didn’t get rich - “If you’ve ever tried to hand-weave snowshoes, you know how time-consuming it can be,” he says. But they did help introduce others to the world of winter hiking.

And he’s still doing that every year through the park and rec department’s outdoor adventure programs. A range of inexpensive snowshoe classes and outings, including overnighters, are tailored to adults, seniors (55 and older), families, teens and women-only groups.

The current interest in snowshoeing can be traced back about 20 years to the invention of what has become known as the Western-style snowshoe. Its aircraft-grade aluminum frame and synthetic decking make the shoe lighter and more flotatious than the old wood-and-rawhide models. Improvements in bindings make the shoes easier - and less tiring - to control.

And they never wear out.

Twenty years ago, says Aho, the city bought 20 pairs of snowshoes, “and that’s the same 20 pairs we’re using today.” Many top brands come with lifetime guarantees.

Enthusiasm for winter hiking has boomed in recent years, as realization spread that snowshoes aren’t just for Jack London characters anymore.

Where five years ago finding an outdoor shop that even carried shoes was a challenge, today shoppers encounter a broad range of sizes, shapes, features and prices.

Mountain Gear assistant manager Rob Noort helps customers navigate the flurry of brands and designs, which go from $60 kid-size knock-abouts to $300 expedition-quality snowshoes.

Fortunately, many models comfortably accommodate a variety of users and applications. For instance, Tubbs’ 25-inch-long Katahdis shoe (around $200) is rated for people weighing 75 to 180 pounds, and is appropriate for anything from a casual walk in the park to an expedition in steep, difficult terrain.

(An exception to the one-snowshoe-for-every-occasion rule is the short, light “aerobic” shoes Tubbs and several other manufacturers offer for those eager to burn calories jogging on packed trails.)

But novices needn’t lay out $200 just to see if snowshoeing is for them. Parks and rec classes start at $9, including snowshoes and transportation to Mount Spokane. Mountain Gear rents snowshoes for $10 a day, $14 for three days; REI charges $12 the first day, $6 each additional day; and Fitness Fanatics’ shoes go for $12/day, $22 per weekend.

Those interested in more adventurous outings can hook up with professional guides like Rusty Wells of Whitefish, Mont.-based Glacier Park Ski Tours (800-646-6043, ext. 3724 or 406-862-2790), who takes up to 14 clients at a time into the park.

Rates range from $100 a day for one client to $40 a day per person for groups of five or more. Multiday igloo tours also are available.

“Snowshoeing in Glacier Park is especially great for years like this, when there’s low snowpack or no base to it,” says Wells. “What’s really cool is that we can go into some steeper areas and into the trees where we can’t take skiers.”

The late Gene Prater, whom Aho credits with fathering the new generation of snowshoes, wrote the 1974 how-to classic on the subject titled simply “Snowshoeing” (Mountaineers, $16.95).

The fourth edition, updated by author and winter guide Dave Felkley, just hit bookstores. The 190-page primer covers everything beginners need, from how to select the right equipment to safety and maintenance tips, check lists and winter navigation advice.

Good reading … but probably more than you need to explore that favorite summer trail now that it’s blanketed in snow.

Even the ski poles so many brightly clad snowshoe models are photographed with are unnecessary, says Aho.

All you need, he says, are reliable (read name-brand) snowshoes, comfortable boots, several layers of clothing that can be easily shed - “You warm up pretty fast when you’re snowshoeing,” Aho notes - and a fanny pack containing water, a snack, sunblock and sunglasses, plus a windproof-waterproof shell, in case the weather changes suddenly.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color Photos

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Classes Spokane Parks & Recreation Department snowshoeing classes are offered throughout the season. Call 625-6200 to register. Those scheduled for next month include: Introduction to Snowshoeing (all ages): two days, Feb. 4, 7-8 p.m., and Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; $25 with snowshoe rental, $20 without rental. Family Snowshoe Hike: Feb. 16, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $30 per family or $10 for parent and child; includes snowshoe rental and guide. Seniors Learn to Snowshoe: two days, Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m., and Feb. 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; $25 with snowshoe rental, $20 without rental. Teen Snowshoe Hike (ages 12-18): Jan. 31, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $9, including snowshoes, guide and transportation to Mount Spokane. Women Only (ages 18 and older): two days, Feb. 18, 7-8 p.m. and Feb. 21, 1-3:30 p.m.; $25 with snowshoe rental, $20 without rental. Moonlight Snowshoe Hike: Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m.; $14, including snowshoes and guide. Women Only Moonlight Snowshoe Hike: Feb. 22, 6:30-9 p.m.; $14, including snowshoes and guide. Backcountry Overnight Ski or Snowshoe (ages 16 and older): Feb. 21 and 22; $239, including over-snow transportation, avalanche gear, tents and meals. Scottish Lake Winter Trip: Feb. 27-March 1; $214, including snow-cat to base camp, two nights lodging, snowshoe (or ski) rental, instruction, and round-trip transportation from Spokane.