Getting Started
Snowshoeing? Fun? Maybe you're one of those people who still think of snowshoeing as an arduous drudge in giant, clunky contraptions. Which is to say you haven't tried snowshoeing recently. It's one of the fastest growing winter sports, and snowshoe technology has made giant strides (if you'll pardon the pun) in recent years. Plus, it has at least two great advantages: 1) You don't need to sacrifice your life savings to buy equipment; and 2) It's easy. If you're a snowshoeing neophyte, there's no need to bite your nails. Snowshoeing is probably one of the few challenging sports in the world that don't have a steep learning curve. Basically, if you can put one foot in front of the other, you're well on your way to having some fun with snowshoes.

Start by practicing on a level surface before you race into the backcountry. And be prepared: although snowshoes are designed to keep you on top of the snow, they're not magical. You will sink somewhat--generally about 8 inches if you're in waist-deep snow.

Getting Equipment
Most modern snowshoes have the same basic design, but there are some differences in construction, size, materials, etc. To start gauging your preferences, try a couple of "dry run" trips with rented snowshoes (usually only about $10 a day). If you decide you want to jump into snowshoeing for the long haul, you can start shopping for your very own snowshoes. Expect to spend about $100-$300 for a good pair. (You'll probably want to invest in poles, as well; they'll be heaven-sent when you're out on the trails.)

Thanks to lightweight materials and innovative designs, you can walk in snowshoes almost as easily as you walk in your Nikes. The essential parts of the snowshoe are a solid decking which floats you on the snow, some type of lightweight frame, and lots of teeth to give you grip and stability on both ice and snow. The only general rule in picking a snowshoe? Contrary to what you may be thinking, get the smallest you can. This will mean less weight on your feet, and will make it easier for you to walk. If you'll most often be in light and deep snow, go for a larger size. If you spend a lot of time on steep terrain or more compacted snow, opt for a smaller size.

Getting Prepared
Snowshoeing is an aerobic workout, so dress in layers. That way you'll be able to bundle up during your warmup and cool-down times, and shed extra layers once your heart starts thumping. Start with synthetic underwear that will wick moisture (okay, sweat) away from your skin. On top of that, try fleece or wool. For your outer layer, pick a light water-resistant shell. Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to absorb and hold moisture. Bring an insulated bottle of water, extra clothes, food, sunglasses, matches, a flashlight, a knife, a compass and a first aid kit. You might want to also bring along a roll of duct tape (the wonder substance for any kind of repair). Other tips, while perhaps obvious, are important:

• Tell someone where you're going and when you think you'll be back.
• Check your bindings regularly before you start a trip to prevent disaster in the backcountry.
• If you're snowshoeing with other people (always a better idea than going alone), take turns leading. Breaking a trail can be hard work.
• Prevent erosion by staying on trails when you're in the backcountry.
• Make sure you know the area you're traveling in before you start. Maps are your friends.
• Mark your trail. If a snowstorm covers your tracks, this will help you find your way out.
  

Getting on Montana's Trails
One of the great things about snowshoeing in Montana is: you'll never run out of places to do it. Just about anywhere you can hike or mountain bike in summer, you can snowshoe in winter. Nordic trails are another good bet, but be polite. Don't destroy groomed cross-country trails with your snowshoes; stay a few paces away from the groomed tracks and nordic skiers will surely smile as they skate by. Some cross-country resorts in Montana are even getting into the snowshoeing act. Lone Mountain Ranch (near Bozeman), for instance, has established three trails especially for snowshoeing. Visit the cross-country section of this web site to find out more.

Perhaps your biggest gold mine of opportunity is snowmobile trails. These trails are usually well-packed and easy to navigate. Again, yield the right of way to approaching snowmobiles by stepping off the track. Not only is this polite, it's smart; who wants to get run over? Again, feel free to check out the snowmobiling section of this web site for more information.

Montana's two National Parks--Glacier and Yellowstone--are wild and wonderful snowshoeing destinations. In Glacier, you can explore millions of acres of mountains, forests and lakes--and the only ones you'll have to share it with are the wildlife you're likely to see. In Yellowstone, you can snowshoe past bubbling geysers while you admire buffalo and elk (from a distance, please).

Montana's national forests and wilderness areas are other ideal destinations. You may find snowmobiling trails to follow in the national forests, or cross-country tracks in some wilderness areas. But on your snowshoes, you'll have better access; if you get into brushy or steep areas, snowshoes are much more handy than cross-country skis. And, snowmobiles aren't allowed in wilderness areas. If you have a favorite summer hiking trail in Montana, you're free to snowshoe on it in winter.

Check out these Montana outfitters and facilities offering snowshoeing opportunities: