snowshoeing Snowshoeing A Walk over the Snow-Covered Land Text: Carmen Leban photographS: Andrej Križ Snowshoeing has become one of the most popular winter recreational activities, as it is equally beneficial for the cardio-vascular system when compared to cross-country skiing. All you need for this one-of-the-kind sport is a pair of snowshoes and SNOWY NATURE, which Slovenia has an abundance of. You get the impression of swimming in the deepest snow clouds, enjoying breath-taking views of the Julian Alps, and you feel as if in you’re in paradise. Snowshoeing, which is becoming ever more popular among nature lovers and hiking fans, is actually no novelty. Snowshoes were used by our ancestors a long time ago to walk over snow more easily. Traditional ancient snowshoes are made of a hardwood frame with webbing and attached canvas; they are a unique handicraft product, but they would not be successful in these days. The manufacturing alone is too costly and maintenance would be even more expensive. Owing to their large surface, snowshoes prevent sinking into soft powdery snow and enable a person to move more easily and quickly. The most popular today are sport snowshoes made of aluminium, rubber and other high-tech materials. They are lighter, more durable and less demanding to maintain. Comfortable, warm clothes and shoes The selection of shoes is important when we go snowshoeing. The most suitable are light hiking shoes, as they are light and comfortable, but the most important thing of all is that they are warm. The heavier the shoes, the more weight you will feel in your back when you go snowshoeing. Socks are left to personal choice, but the most recommended are skiing or hiking socks made of wool or a mixture of materials. If possible, avoid using cotton socks as they absorb moisture, are a poor insulator and may cause calluses. We recommend gore-tex gaiters that cover the legs between the shoes and the knees. All you need now is comfortable and warm clothes and do not forget about the sunscreen with an appropriate UV filter. The first experience should be easy If you are a complete beginner, a novice to snowshoeing, the first snowshoeing experience should be short, easy and well-organised. It is important that each person feels well on snowshoes, so that he or she becomes and remains a fan of snowshoeing. The backpack that you take with you for snowshoeing should include spare clothes as well as a bottle of water and a snack, a lamp, a first aid kit and matches. Nature is unpredictable, and we always have to be well prepared. In snowshoeing too, safety comes first "Snowshoeing is not a dangerous sport, but safety and well-being still come first," explained Matija Koren from KOREN SPORTS, the agency that was among the first in Slovenia to revive snowshoeing – to make winter activities more interesting. This sport is nevertheless connected with speed and diverse conditions that require caution: pay special attention to setting off avalanches. Snowshoeing is most enjoyable on fresh powdery snow, when the danger of avalanches is the greatest. Immediately after snowfall, you should rather opt for flatter courses and avoid steep terrain and snow slabs. Slovenia – a snowshoeing paradise Our country on the sunny side of the Alps offers terrains that snowshoers dream of. The vast plains of the Pokljuka plateau, the surroundings of Kranjska Gora, Vršič, the area of the Triglav Lakes, Komen, Pohorje and Rogla. In pleasant company and led by experienced guides, we took off for the Tamar valley, which offers a view of magnificent, thickly snowed mountains in all directions. A light walk through a snow-covered forest is perfect for the first unsure steps; the snowy trees, among which the most numerous are lush spruce trees, and the silence of a winter's day give an indescribable sense of relaxation and the desire to experience such genuine contact with nature again. Connoisseurs say that snowshoeing is addictive, since once you start you can never quit. You impatiently wait for new snow to fall, for the soft fluffy snow to take you to the magical world of the loveliest winter fairy tale. 100
snowshoeing 101