ROC Snowshoe Day

Snow Shoeing
Saturday - March 4th

Hello ROC members....Kathleen Richardson – Chair of the Social Committee is organizing a day of snowshoeing for all ROC members on Saturday March 4th...

Here is Kathleen’s message to all of you

We will be carpooling from Chapters in Nanaimo at 7:30am to arrive at the Raven Nordic Lodge on Mt. Washington around 9:00am...The cost per person is $27- and it includes your trail pass, instructor and snowshoe rental...I have arranged that the guide will take us on an intermediate 3hr. tour (this is not a run, it is a hike of the trails we would normally run in the summer)....we should arrive back at the lodge in time for lunch which by the way is NOT included in the cost but I know from personal experience that the food at Raven Lodge is quite superior to that served at the Alpine Lodge!!! Maureen assures me that they can easily feed our group without tooooo much of a hassle so I hope most of you will stick around and enjoy ....

As far as clothing and shoes go, Mt. Washington staff suggests layering and a high top Gortex hiker or boot? I know I don't have any, so does anyone out there that snowshoes have any suggestions? Can we wear our trail runners and wool sox? Also, bring a snack and water...I think that covers it...Please RSVP Kathleen’s email address and let her know if you plan on coming kathleenrichardson@telus.net I hope for a very sunny day and guarantee a good time because it's with the ROC gang !! Thanks all...Kathleen

Dan here,
A few extra comments on clothing and footwear for snowshoeing: In regards to clothing you definitely need to dress in layers. Unless we end up snow shoeing on a day when conditions are real crappy, you will start to warm up as you get into the hike and will want to take items off. I would strongly recommend that each person brings their own Knapsack to put extra items and discarded items of clothing in. You will also want to carry your own water and snacks with you. Having one knapsack between a number of people or even a couple is a real pain in the butt for that one person who ends up being the pack mule. Carry your own water, snack, and extra clothing. You will want all of these items readily available when you need them. As we all know, we all run at different paces and we will all hike at different paces. The group will get strung out once in awhile, just like we do on the trail runs (we will have sweepers so don’t worry). Keep your own food, water and gear with you. The idea is for everyone to have fun

In regards to footwear you need to wear something that you know your foot will be comfortable being in for 3 hours of hiking. I personally wear a hiking shoe with a SmartWool sock. I also wear a pair of gators which helps to keep the snow off of my ankles. I have also snow shoed in my trail runners, again wearing a really good pair of SmartWool socks. The main thing is to try and have comfortable, warm feet. Great BIG snow boots from the Artic, lined with seal fur will really keep you warm, but they will quickly tire you out from having that extra weight. If it matters to you, most of the people racing in the Yeti Snow Shoe races where trail runners.

If you have your own trekking pools or have access to a pair bring them along. They really help. Oh, one other thing, bring along your sunglasses, sunscreen and Chap Stick.

Lastly, Bring along a change of clothes, socks and shoes in your vehicle. If the weather turns sunny you will quickly discover how easily you can build up a sweat while out hiking in the snow.