Snowshoe Season Will Be Here Soon

Although Summer just ended and the leaves are just beginning to change color - make no mistake - Winter will be here soon.

While many people choose to spend much of their time during the winter months attempting to escape the cold by engaging in indoor activities, there are many who find the snow and cold challenging and invigorating. From people who ski down mountains to people who sit in little huts on the ice hoping for that big catch, winter time brings with it an opportunity to see the same great outdoors experienced throughout other times of the year, in a much different light. One of the ways to enjoy the many scenic spots located right here in Fulton County is to don snowshoes and walk through the many woodlands and trails that are not as easily accessible by cross country skis or snowmobiles.

Snowshoeing is quickly gaining popularity in areas that have a great deal of snow and Fulton County is no exception. People are already beginning to flock to The Havlick Snowshoe Company and other snowshoe dealers, to obtain the equipment needed for a successful snowshoe jaunt. What is needed would comprise a very simple and short list. A pair of snowshoes, a good pair of boots and warm clothes are all that is required for a day trip in the snowy woods.

Janice Havlick says that she has been snowshoeing since she first met her husband, Richard, in 1979. Havlick said she loved it the first time and has been snowshoeing ever since. Often times the entire family would go on little day hikes, finding a spot in the woods where they could build a fire and roast hot dogs. Being out together in the woods provided many fun adventures for the family and Havlick says she would recommend this form of family exercise for just about anyone. “It’s very invigorating. An excellent form of physical fitness for anyone from a 3 year old to a Senior Citizen” Havlick said.

Another plus for Havlick is that you can get to places on snow shoes that you can’t get to on skis. “ Snow shoeing is much like regular walking, the only difference is you have to lift your feet a little higher”, Havlick said. It is not necessary to be on a groomed trail when using snow shoes, which is often the case when skiing or snow mobile riding.

The beauty of the snow covered woods and meadows is, of course, another lure for Havlick and her family. “It’s awesome. It’s like another world – it’s so quiet, you hear every little noise” and “The beauty of some winter scenes is just indiscribable”, were two statements Havlick made with a sense of awe in her voice.

Many people in the area go snow shoeing on the adirondack trails located off of route 30, as well as other trails in Caroga Lake and farther north. Don Williams of Gloversville, the author of “Inside the Blue Line” says that he has been snow shoeing all of his life, right here in the Adirondacks. Williams stated the beauty of the woods in the wintertime is a big attraction for him. Also the common experience of seeing animal tracks in the snow is a delight for Williams. “Often times, the tracks tell stories, such as when a coyote has chased a rabbit”, Williams says. Williams feels it is important to stop and take a look at what is going on around you in the woods and that it is a fairly easy thing to do when out on snow shoes.

Andrew Keefe, of Saratoga Springs, is a licensed snow shoeing guide and works at Lapland Lake giving moonlit tours on snow shoes. He says that snow shoeing is much easier than skiing and that almost anyone can do it. “ The snowshoes of today are lighter and stronger and much easier to manuever than in times past” Keefe said.
Keefe also believes that there can be a great deal of excitement while snow shoeing. He tells of a time when he was out on shoes with 2 other people and they came upon a black bear. From Keefe’s description, he was face to face with this bear and, “I thought it was the end of the world” he said. “We were both very surprised”, Keefe said. The bear stood his ground and Keefe backed away slowly, allowing the bear to take his food. “It’s just like hiking in the summertime, you have to know where you are and what to do” Keefe said.

The bitter cold temperatures may deter some people but both Havlick and Keefe said that once you start walking, you warm up fairly quickly. The key is wearing the proper clothing. Havlick believes it is a good idea to wear layers of clothing. Keefe wears only SP3 clothing, one layer which stays warm even when wet. Keefe also stated that using Dermatone on the face is very important and helpful in eliminating the possibility of chapped skin.

Recreation is not the only use for snowshoes however. “We’ve had people come in to buy snowshoes so they could get to their bird feeders this year” Havlick said. Rescue workers also benefit from snowshoes when helping people who have been stranded while out on their snowmobiles. Havlick recommends people who are out on snowmobiles to have a pair of snowshoes just in case they have a problem. Keefe also feels that people who go cross country skiing in the deep woods should have a pair of snowshoes as well, as there are certain places that people may have trouble with just skis.

Whether it’s for exercise, utility purposes, rescue missions or just plain fun in the snowy sun, snowshoes seem to be the way many people are going these days. As Havlick says, “It’s a great way to stay in shape, and the scenery is beautiful”.