Peabody Smith Realty Winter 2020 magazine

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Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Offer Access to Winter Wonderlands By Meghan McCarthy McPhaul Flume Sentinel Bridge Photo: Meghan McCarthy-McPhaul The Sentinel Bridge at the Flume keeps watch over icy cascades in the winter. Bretton Woods Photo: Omni Mt Washington A snowshoe-er enjoys the trails at Bretton Woods, with the white summit of Mount Washington in the background. Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering outdoor wintertime activities. Near the top of that list, most would likely place skiing, ice skating, and sledding. But those who spend time on the (hiking) trail in the colder months know there are many benefits to hiking in the snowy season. There are no bugs, for one. Snowpack smooths the trail out, which means less scrambling over rocks and around roots. And the scenery is downright winter wonderland-y, with dripping icicles, snowdusted trees, and brilliantly white mountains. Additionally, the trails are typically less crowded during winter, and the silence is can seem surreal. “There are fewer people out on popular trails, so you can get closer to wilderness experiences,” said Rusty Talbot, owner of North Country Climbing Center in Lisbon, and a member of the Pemigewasset Valley Search & Rescue Team. “When it isn’t windy, it’s silent. As much as I love to hear summer sounds of crickets and other wild things, real silence is truly a wonderful experience.” Hitting the trail in winter does require a bit extra preparation, especially if you’ve never ventured far on a snowy path. Whether your aim is a mountain trek or a gentler outing on snowshoe, here’s a primer. Getting Started New Hampshire boasts a plethora of trails for all types of adventure-seekers – from mellow jaunts through the snowy woods to rugged mountain traverses. If you’ve never snowshoed before, it’s probably a good idea to get used to walking on level ground with snowshoes strapped to your feet before trying to ascend a tall mountain. “Definitely start on flat terrain,” says Clare Arentzen, a guide for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). “It can take a while to get used to the slightly wider stride necessary with snowshoes. You might stumble and step on your feet during your first try snowshoeing, and that’s OK!” To help find your balance, Arentzen suggests using hiking poles fitted with snow baskets, which prevent the poles from sinking into deep snow with every step. For those trekkers with well-worn knees, poles can help alleviate the wight of each step on those creaking joints. Arentzen also suggests winter hikers venture forth wearing hiking-specific, insulated, waterproof boots. Your standard bulky winter boots are not a good option, nor are your summer sneakers. When renting or buying snowshoes, be sure to pay attention to the features. Some snowshoes are designed for running on packed out snow, others for flat terrain, and still others are made for more rugged treks. “Not all snowshoes are created equal,” said Arentzen. “It comes down to the shapes and angles of the ‘teeth’ under the snowshoe deck, and how aggressive the under-toe crampon is.” Many summer hikes translate well into winter treks, too. For those just starting out with snowshoeing and winter hiking, the Arethusa Falls and Mount Willard trails in Crawford Notch both provide a lot of scenic 8 Realty Magazine PeabodySmithMagazineWinter.indd 10 2021-02-22 2:15 PM
Lonesome Lake Photo: Meghan McCarthy-McPhaul Across a frozen Lonesome Lake, trekkers will view the mountains of the Franconia Range. Lonesome Lake Trail Photo: Meghan McCarthy-McPhaul The hike to Lonesome Lake in Franconia Notch is about 3 miles roundtrip and offers spectacular views. Bretton Woods Photo: Omni Mt Washington The hotel of the Omni Mount Washington Resort serves as a majestic backdrop for snowshoe-ers. bang for your hiking buck. The Lost Pond Trail in Pinkham Notch is only about a mile long, relatively flat, and leads to a pond where you may find evidence of beavers in residence. Franconia Notch State Park offers a plethora of serene winter hikes. A 3-mile roundtrip trek up the Falling Waters Trail passes by stunning frozen waterfalls. The hike to Lonesome Lake, also 3 miles roundtrip, leads to one of the prettiest views around: of the frozen lake with the craggy peaks of the Franconia Ridge in the background. And the 2-mile Flume Gorge Trail loops along frozen water and spectacular frozen cliffs. Many Nordic ski areas have snowshoe-designated trails as well, and also offer rentals – although you’ll have to purchase a trail pass to explore. “Start small and work up toward more extended hikes,” Arentzen advises. “It’s all about easing into it, and being certain that you have your gear, layers, food, navigation skills, and problem-solving skills dialed in before you venture into higher-stakes situations.” Dressing for Success There’s an oft-repeated saying in these parts that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices. That is perhaps more apt in winter than any other season. While you may be tempted to don ALL of your warm layers as you head out for a winter hike, it’s important to remember that once you start moving, your body will warm up quickly. “When thinking about layers, ‘Be bold, start cold,’” Arenzten says. “The enemy is sweat in the winter, because once you saturate your layers, they won’t dry. Preventing sweat from the start is the way to go.” That means dropping a layer or two right from the start, even if you feel a bit chilly at the trailhead. And if you feel yourself starting to overheat along the trail, it’s a good idea to stop and drop a layer. Likewise, it’s critical to carry extra layers so that you can add and subtract as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature both while hiking and during breaks. Another saying among seasoned hikers is “Cotton kills.” Because cotton doesn’t wick sweat away from your skin and because it takes a long time to dry out, this material is not a good option for outdoor adventuring (in any season). Synthetic materials and wool are both good options. Layers, Arenten says, should include a wicking base layer that sits next to your skin, mid layers such as a fleece jacket and pants, an insulating layer such as a down jacket, and a waterproof layer – top and bottom – to keep you dry from the snow. With the exception of the base layer, these can be added and dropped as needed throughout your snowy outing. Extra gloves – and a waterproof overmitt – and a warm hat are also winter trekking necessities, and Arentzen suggests adding waterproof gaiters to the winter hiking kit to prevent snow from slipping into the tops of your boots. What to Carry Anyone venturing onto the trail in any season should carry with them, at a minimum, the “10 Essentials.” These include a pocket knife, rain jacket and pants, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, headlamp or flashlight (and extra batteries, especially in winter), water and food, warm clothing, a compass (and the know-how to use it), and a map of the area you’re hiking. For winter, that list expands. To ensure everything stays dry, extra layers, food, and other items in your pack should be placed into a trash bag or waterproof stuff sack. (You can find the 10 Essentials list and more helpful tips for every season at: www.HikeSafe.com.) Beyond the 10 Essentials and extra layers for winter, Arentzen suggests adding a closed-cell insulated foam pad to your pack. www.RealtyMagazine.us 9 PeabodySmithMagazineWinter.indd 11 2021-02-22 2:15 PM
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Peabody Smith Realty Winter 2020 magazine

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