Snowshoe hiking: yes, it’s exactly what you think it is — hiking with shoes that allow you to walk in the snow, without burying half your body in it, expending every bit of energy left in you to take each step.

It gets exhausting treading through feet-deep snow — makes you almost want to snuggle at home all day, gaining winter weight like a grizzly in hibernation. And it makes it that much more difficult for you to keep your New Year’s resolution of LOSING the weight.

So, for you folks who find yourself living in a winter wonderland, where snow accumulates and discourages you to go out and have a fun, active workout, try snowshoe hiking. It gets you out in terrain you’d otherwise never go, you’ll discover & explore more of the great outdoors, and you’ll have one intense workout.

For those living in Flagstaff, Ariz., Snowbowl is a great locale for snowshoe hiking. Bundle up, strap on your snowshoes, relearn how to walk, and have a great time working out every major muscle group in your body. You’ll be burning A LOT of calories, so remember to bring water and eat beforehand.

The following are photos from my first time snowshoe hiking in Flagstaff, Ariz. — my second home. I rented my snowshoes for an affordable price of $10 per day at Peace Surplus, and I headed up SnowBowl with a friend and hiked the Arizona Trail…though we ventured off and blazed our own path anyway.

[slickr-flickr tag=”Snowshoe Hiking” items=”18″ type=”galleria” id=”58183795@N05″]

 

Snowshoe Hiking Facts: 

  • You burn 45% more calories snowshoeing than walking or running at the same speed.
  • Snowshoeing is a low-impact, safe form of exercise that combines strength training and muscle endurance.
  • It will improve or maintain cardiovascular fitness…and burn calories.
  • Those who substitute snowshoeing for running during the winter improve their running fitness.
  • You condition your upper body as well; the poles used to help keep you steady conditions your arms, shoulders and back muscles.
  • For adults who weight 130, 155 or 190 lbs, you burn 472, 563 or 690 calories per hour, respectively.