Related Sponsors

Safety

Although snowshoeing is a fairly safe sport, there are several things to consider when you are out on the mountain.

• Avalanches- Avalanches most frequently occur on slopes where the temperature ranges from 20 to 60 degrees. It’s wise to wait a day after a snowfall before venturing out to snowshoe. Avoid areas where snow has accumulated, where there are deep, snow-filled gullies, and where there are snow-covered convex slopes. The heat of the sun on the snow can cause avalanches, so you should also avoid areas that have been recently been exposed to the sun.
• Frostbite- Frostbite is a major hazard to all winter sports. There are several ways to avoid frostbite. Avoid tight clothing since it reduces circulation and never continue to wear clothing that has gotten wet. Wrinkle your face and exercise your hands to stop stiff patches from forming. Never touch metal with your bare hands and avoid spilling gasoline on your bare flesh. Watch for patches of waxy, red, or blackened skin.
• Hypothermia- Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot produce enough heat to balance out the heat that it has lost. Hypothermia can be brought on by exhaustion, inadequate clothing, inadequate shelter, inadequate food intake, and of course, exposure to wind and rain.

References
http://www.backpacking.net/winter.html#snowshoeing
http://www.rockandpaddle.com/winter_sports.htm

Next Page: Skiing in New England

Related Snowshoeing Articles