Snowshoe Safety

Adam Chase: Hi! I am Adam Chase. I have been snowshoeing for 15 years and I am the Captain of Team Atlas. So, one of the crucial elements of snowshoeing is knowing your backcountry safety and respecting the elements because cold weather can lead to some danger zones rather quickly. So, first of all, proper attire, knowing your limitations. Second of all, staying hydrated which is not always easy with cold weather. So, you want to make sure that you water has been freezing up. If you have a hydration system, around the tubes will freeze out quickly, so you want to make sure you have insulation or you have the whole system within your clothing. If you have got a bottle and you are carrying it on the outside, one if the tricks is to flip upside down so that the freezing starts at the top and it doesn't freeze your mouthpiece. And then, nutrition, you are burning a lot of calories when you are snowshoeing, especially when it is cold out. So you want to make sure that you are feeling the fire on a regular basis. If you like refined foods, keep in mind that they become rather brittle in the cold. So you want to make sure you have a more organic type of energy food. That is going to still remain chewy in cold weather. And then from there, you want to make sure to follow basic safety techniques of alerting people as to where you are going, going with a buddy, staying with a buddy and then avoiding avalanche danger. Any real steep slopes with fresh snow or old crusty snow can lead to avalanches. So take an avalanche course, go with someone who is experienced and make sure to keep it safe. But first of all get out there and have a good time because snowshoeing is a great sport. It is very basic and it is for everyone. Enjoy.