Snowshoeing gaining in popularity

Explaining the growing popularity of snowshoeing, Mark Beattie of Mountain Gear retail store in Spokane says it all comes down to a 10-step program for learning the sport. “All you have to do is strap on modern snowshoes and by the time you walk 10 steps you’re pretty much an expert,” said Beattie, who’s been selling snowshoes for 24 years. While he still treasures a classic pair of five-foot long cedar-rawhide models, the smaller, ultralight, no-maintenance models being sold today get the credit for the giving the sport its traction for growth. Perhaps the biggest snowshoeing misconception is that a lot of extra gear is required, he said. Teamed with gaiters, the waterproof shoes or boots one uses for hiking will work just fine for most snowshoe day hikes. “And newcomers to the sport tend to overdress and get too hot,” he said/ Rich Landers , Outdoors. More here .