Snowshoeing in Red River

The saying, “If you can walk, you can snowshoe” is true! Though you can certainly learn techniques that will make it more efficient, snowshoeing is accessible to all ages and abilities. Plus, all you need are snowshoes, appropriate footwear and clothing and perhaps a pair of poles. Snowshoeing is a low-impact sport that is ideal for heading into the trees where skis can’t go. Snowshoeing is also versatile:  You can stroll along watching for wildlife or you can train to race.

Where to go for snowshoeing

Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, a full-service facility located 3.5 miles east of Red River just below the summit of Bobcat Pass on Highway 38, has over 18 kilometers of marked snowshoe trails and 30 kilometers of ski trails through 1,400 acres offering views of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Gold Hill, the Moreno Valley, Touch-Me-Not and Baldy Peaks, and trails that meander through large aspen groves, wide-open meadows, old-growth forests. The area sports a full-rental shop with boots, snowshoes and poles as well as performance snowshoes for running. Backpacks and tow-sled rentals are also available

It is possible to rent a pair of snowshoes (Bighorn Sports & Sitzmark Sports offer rentals) and head to any area in the Carson National Forest surrounding Red River (the Nature Trail and Pioneer Canyon are good short treks). You can snowshoe anywhere you like to hike in the summer as long as you avoid steep slopes that can pose an avalanche hazard. Always bring a map, as trails can be harder to follow in deep snow.

Keep your feet warm. Generally insulated, waterproof boots are the best choice for snowshoeing but hiking boots or waterproof running shoes (with gaiters) will work depending on your workout goals. If running is your speed, match waterproof running shoes with lightweight running snowshoes (best on packed terrain).

What to wear, a layering primer

Even though the thermostat reads 15 degrees and you can see your breath, if you’re snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, you can expect to heat up fast and perspire. To keep the body warm during high-energy activities, start with lightweight “wicking” clothing that transports moisture away from the skin as an inner layer.

Your next layer should be a lightweight stretchy insulator such as a breathable fleece sweater or vest followed by a lightweight water-resistant shell jacket, preferably one with ventilating features like underarm zippers, venting pockets and back flaps.

Your bottom layer can be a lightweight wicking layer followed by stretch fleece pants or lightweight shell pants with side zips.

Finally, ALWAYS bring a hat and gloves

— Information provided by National Ski Patrol and Professional Ski Instructors of America web sites