If you haven't, then it's about time you hit the mountain trails with some snowshoes on your feet.



Here are a few pointers to make your first snowshoeing trip go as smoothly as possible:

1. Try to get snowshoes that are correspondent for your weight. There is nothing worse than trekking out into the white powder and sinking in it up to your thigh, because you didn't buy some snowshoes that fit you properly. Shoes can vary from weight ratings of as little as 30 pounds, up to over 300 pounds. Make sure you find the right size and fit for your own liking.

2. Choose snowshoes that are lightweight. This is probably the most important factor to consider while selecting snowshoes. These mean shoes can range from super light, not more than a pound a piece, to weighing several pounds for each shoe. Imagine lugging around a brick on the bottom of your foot for a couple of miles - is this any fun? Always try to choose the lightest snowshoe that seems to size your taste.

3. Make sure there's plenty of water and snack food while you snowshoe. While providing excellent protein and other natural goodness, pine needles won't taste very good to you or your kids as a snack. A healthy trail mix, some granola bars, and a large bottle of water should be enough for a short trip. Remember to keep yourself hydrated, especially when the conditions are nice and sunny.

4. Although this is a sport your whole family can enjoy, you definitely do not want to be snowshoeing with your child on some difficult hills. So, start off by hiking on some easier trails and work your way up to more advanced trails as your skills and comfort level improve.

5. The most important thing is to wear layers of clothing that you can take off and put back on as you wish. A lightweight, waterproof shell is very important. Do not wear only a heavy, cold weather coat, unless you know or feel it is absolutely freezing. Why? You will sweat buckets and you will begin to experience mild heat exhaustion symptoms quickly.

The power of your body to stay warm must not be underestimated, while you are snowshoeing. While you are exercising in the snow, if it isn't raining or actually snowing, your body temperature is going to skyrocket.

Your next clothing priority should be waterproof boots. Your feet will get wet with all of the snow bouncing around during snowshoeing. So do wear waterproof boots.

6. Finally, rest if you need to. Stop as often as necessary and give your body the time to regenerate. Don't go so far that you can't turn around and make it back to where you left from. Always be aware of matching your energy and skills to the weather conditions and terrain. Keep yourself and your family safe.

Stay on the right track and enjoy the experience of snowshoeing!