The Essential Snowshoer: A Step-by-Step Guide by Marianne Zwosta (144-page book; Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press) - Take a hike . . . A winter hike. Whether it's a leisurely stroll in your neighbor park or a week-long backcountry trek, snowshoeing is the key to enjoying winter rather than enduring it. And here's the perfect introduction to this refreshingly uncomplicated sport. The Essential Snowshoer offers all the information you need to get started: choosing the right pair of snowshoes from the large number of types available; planning an outing; dressing comfortably--and warmly; bringing the right equipment; plus tips on safety and where to look for clubs and other resources. techniques or complex theories to learn, and requiring only modest physical effort not all that different from walking, snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport--also due in some measure to the development of high-tech, lightweight, maintenance-free snowshoes. The Essential Snowshoer is the perfect introduction to this refreshingly uncomplicated pursuit that Newsweek has said could become the hottest snow sport of the '90s. Rudimentary enough for neophytes, this pithy guide also covers more advanced skills used in snowshoe running, racing, and winter backcountry travel. Using the reader-friendly, highly visual format of other books in the Essential series, professional outdoor teacher and guide Marianne Zwosta explains step by step how to get started and gradually embrace greater challenges. She offers plenty of advice on staying warm, comfortable, and safe--regardless of the conditions.
The Snowshoe Handbook - Author Len McDougall: "'There ain't no fat snowshoers.' That observation was made by one of my snowshoeing companions many years ago, and it's as true now as it was when I ran traplines on snowshoes as a kid. I love snowshoeing because snowshoes are still the only vehicle on which one can negotiate the deepest snows in the most rugged terrain, but snowshoeing is probably the best cardiovascular workout a human can get. Breaking trail in powder burns roughly 1,000 calories per hour, or twice as much energy as either running or biking. For a snowshoer, counting calories means having plenty of high-carbohydrate snacks in the daypack. So if you're concerned about gaining those extra pounds that everyone seems to put on in winter, ask for a pair of snowshoes and a copy of The Snowshoer's Handbook for Christmas this year."
Snowshoeing - Learn to navigate through snow-clad woods, compete in races, and climb to new summits with easily learned techniques in Snowshoeing. This complete update of the late Gene Prater's classic how-to manual has all the latest information on snowshoeing equipment--from various types of snowshoes to bindings to clothing. Expert snowshoer Dave Felkley offers techniques for all types of terrain and snow conditions, including flats, hills, mountains, powder, crust, and ice, plus instructions on conditioning and cross-training and information on snowshoe racing. Also included is information on navigation and route-finding; winter safety; with emphasis on the dangers of avalanches; camping; and gauging snow conditions.