Snowshoeing With Your Little One!

Mount Seymour

With the snowy weather here and so much for us to do with our little ones... I wanted to share one of my

passions! Over the last few years I have really come to love snowshoeing. As an avid hiker and runner, this is a great sport to take on in the winter and keep fit.

There are a few basics to remember when getting prepared for snowshoeing! I am not a snowshoe instructor, but this is how I prepare my little family for a day on the mountain (based on over 29 years of skiing and a few instructing.)

• For Mom & Dad I would recommend the following clothing to bundle up with:
• Shell Coat (See picture above) The one in the Photo is by Nike and came with a liner fleece vest and breathing vents in the armpits for added cooling when my body temperature gets up there. You can find these at MEC as well. Great buy for all seasons, but be sure to get one with a water resistant coating (water proof tend not to breath)

• Snow Pants - be sure to pick a waterproof or water resistant pair to keep dry. Make sure there is breathability to your pants. 
• You will also need a good pair of Long Johns underneath. You can also do a thicker pair and do some tights underneath. Remember to avoid cotton underneath as if they get wet you will be cold for the rest of the day. Even just sitting in the snow and having the snow sneak down your back can lead to a cold day. 
• On your base layer I would recommend a turtle neck or long-sleeve with a zip that will breath but keep you warm. My favorite base layers on the top have wool as the major component and tend to not carry moisture as long. You can go with a Polyester as well such as this one for a good price. 
• Sox are really important! Make sure you have wool based ski sox or just simple woolen sox. Do not wear Cotton or you will be a cold and grumpy parent with a tot in the snow. I also own these ones and love them!
• Gloves also need to be chosen very carefully as this will keep you free to help your little one and warm enough to make it through an hour or two on the mountain. I have a thinner pair that I wear on warmer days such as these, and on colder days I put on a second shell type mitten as I have poor circulation in my hands. If you are not as picky as me you can do a typical glove... see below with the hand warmers for a colder day!
• And finally if you are looking for snowshoes to buy, I recommend going a few times to see if you really like the sport. My and my hubby bought these MSR's last year and have been completely happy with the traction on icy and powder. We also like the extensions for deep powder and of course the price is the best on the market for all mountain snowshoes. You can go more expensive such as the ones my parents bought last year but this is for those that want to be more competitive with the sport or are looking for specifications. Poles are also a great thing to take along to keep your balance and check the snow depth when out there! (Rentals for snowshoes are available at all mountains listed below. 
• The final important factor is a good pair of hiking boots that are worn in and not brand new, and have been treated with a water resistant spray to stop your feet from getting wet and cold.  This are a personal choice for your use... but I have gone through a few pairs of Salomons and a few Keens that I have now stuck with.  
• Remember a good pair of sunglasses too, as it gets quite bright up there in the snow!
• First on my list for baby was a great carrier & I chose the ERGO carrier. The benefit of this carrier is that you can wear this on your back as well as front. When you have the baby on your back you have a reduced risk for injury if you fall or trip forward. If the trail is a bit more smooth you can take advantage of pulling them in a trailer for a luxury trip for the little one! You can also look at a steel framed back carrier for a larger child over 1 year old. 

• If your baby is a picky baby when it comes to his or her bottles, you may want to pick-up a cooler bag from a local shop. I have found them at the dollar store and zeller for a really good price. I would also recommend picking up some Hand Warmers from your local sports store to keep them room temperature for the little one. This is also a great place to stick a few diapers and wipes for and emergency situation. 
• You can also find snug bottle cases by companies such as Munchkin, that will keep a bottle a bit more warm when carrying them on hand for the trip. 
• Last but not least is the basics, and this includes a hat with a chin stap or ties and mittens to keep those little hands and head warm! And a warm snowsuit that will keep their temperature right. I would recommend a suite that can be unzipped to cool down and one piece to keep the warmth in, with a hood. 

Here are also a few fun things I found online to do with your kids when they are a bit older and you want to take them out for a hike!

1. Go on a nature walk - see how many different animals you can find. Don't forget to 

   

   Grouse Mountain

   bring binoculars!
2. Sugar on snow - scoop up some freshly fallen snow and cover it with sticky maple syrup.
3. Go on a moonlight snowshoe adventure - These are great fun especially with headlamps.
4. Build a campfire for an afternoon lunch or an evening warm up - add s'mores and hot chocolate to enlarge smiles. (make sure this is authorized for the region or you are with a guide that has experience)
5. Be a tracker - bring your animal track card along. Identify their tracks and maybe find out where they live.

Local Mountains for Snowshoeing:

Mount Seymour - This mountain has great look-outs over the city for a fantastic afternoon hike ... this can be a really epic view on a clear day! Dog friendly trails on the lower portion of the mountain. 

Grouse Mountain- Great for taking a trip on the tram with the family and seeing a unique view of the city. These trails can be a bit more difficult than Grouse but are definitely worth checking out. Not a dog friendly mountain. 

Mount Seymour Look-Out

Cypress Mountain - fantastic mountain that offers free trails as well as unique tours that include fondue and so much more. This mountain has a dog friendly portion on the lower half. 

Whistler / Blackcomb - This is a day trip but always worth the effort. You will have world class views, trails, and food to enjoy!

Hemlock Valley Resort - 1 hour away from Coquitlam

Manning Park Resort - 2 Hours away from Coquitlam

Coquitlam Mommy Page Snowshoe Events in January 

January 6th - Baby and Me at Seymour

January 13th - Baby and Me at Seymour

Check out Coquitlam Mommy Page on Facebook for more events and discussions or our Coquitlam Mommy Blog

Further Reading:
http://www.snowshoemag.com/first.cfm

Cheap Deals online for Outdoor Gear (Skiing/Snow/Biking)

For these sites, the product changes when the time period is up so it is just a gamble of what is being sold off at the moment. 

All Gear: 
www.backcountry.com

Skiing / Snowboarding:
www.tramdock.com
www.whiskeymilitia.com
www.steepandcheap.com