I think it is safe to say that the claim of "the greatest snow on Earth" definitely merits the greatest play on Earth. Winter in Utah is heaven ...or can be if you only try. Aside from the chill of wet socks and frosty car windows, it's a shining season of recreation for the Beehive state. These photos are from the first snowshoe outing of the year with my very own brand new pair of snowshoes. I ventured to REI after researching several brands, features and general information from various websites to help pick a winning pair. Ta da! MSR Evos made in the U.S. of A.



Snowshoeing? Why in the world... I am a newbie at the adventure but love it. I am a skier first off but lift tickets and passes are pricey, especially when tuition payments claim their prize at the first of every month. Ski days also tend to pull more hours and effort out of the day i.e. the driving, parking, gear rental, lift rides, etc. Snowshoeing is hiking, abominable snowman style on a favorite summertime trail turned frosty. It is flexible in so many ways. There are day rentals for available at REI for $9 if you are member. Another steal of a deal is to rent through the local university's campus recreation program. It pays to be a student (both ways). There are so many services and types of equipment rentals available for all seasonable play that won't break that "saving-for-a-rainy-day" money jar.

For any locals here in Utah...

Pricing for Utah State - $6 for students, $8 for public

http://www.usu.edu/camprec/htm/orp/gearrentals/winter

Pricing for Weber State - $6 for students, $9 for public
http://www.weber.edu/outdoor/Winter_Rentals.html

Ps. Abominable snowman style apparel is NOT necessary. By the middle of the ascent, my insulated wind stopping jacket came off and got tucked into my North Face pack (free from the Outdoor Nation Youth Summit this past summer... yeah, really cool!). The snow pant leg vents came unzipped and stayed that way the rest of the walking.


Also, I prepared myself with a little education before strapping on my shoes and grabbing my poles. I attended a Backcountry Awareness presentation organized by the Davis County Hiking group found on Meetup.com, at the local library which also included a smorgasbord showcase of gear. Representatives from Recreation Outlet presented packs, socks, boots, etc. and also offered a 10% discount off a purchase by mentioning the presentation which was all too tempting paired the giddiness of seeing all that gear. If ever I lusted after anything, it would be outdoor stuff of every sort. I may never need half of the items on the market but there is something magical in bright headlamps and new tents that is hard to resist.

Back to the presentations...

The biggest points emphasized:
1. Be smart. Be prepared. Check the conditions before going out into that winter wonderland. The avalanche reports are updated daily at www.avalanche.org. The best thing to do in an avalanche is avoid it in the first place.

2. Wear layers. No cotton. Snowshoeing is one of the most active sports and warms your body up real fast despite the white stuff all around.


3. Have fun. (Self explanatory)

One last snidbit of greatness to part on shared by the avalanche presenter with a few added words. The great thing about being in the mountains is that they do not discriminate against anyone. It does not matter if you are the pope, the paparazzi or a pauper, it is just the same.

That's all. Time to get out and snowshoe before it all melts :)