Winters in northern Ontario can be long and arduous, but a group of outdoor enthusiasts has found a way to turn what can often feel like several long and dreary months into a great chance to get out and play.
Mark Vallee is a longtime member of the Midland Hiking Club, a recreational club that packs away the hiking boots every winter and pulls out snowshoes to go exploring all the beautiful areas Southern Georgian Bay has to offer.
The club has been around since 1991 – membership varies between 30 and 50 members – and while the group spends most of its time hiking area trails, once the snow flies, they quickly change their focus and strap on the snowshoes.
Unlike other popular winter pastimes, snowshoeing is one that can be done pretty much anytime, anywhere, by anyone, Vallee noted.
“You don’t really need trails. As long as you have a good sense of direction, you can find your way back,” he said. “Some people use trails, but most people spread out so you can get the feeling of the snow. If you’re 10 or 15 people in the same place, the snow can get pretty packed and it’s not really any fun.”
Club member Jo Gorthy agreed, and said although the group used to continue to hike during the winter months, the trend seems to be moving toward snowshoeing.
“We live in a beautiful area,” she said, “and there are so many beautiful trails in the area. People have no idea what we have in our own backyards. It’s a great sport and you’re out in the fresh air and the sunshine.”
There’s also the fact that snowshoeing offers one heck of a workout, Vallee acknowledged.
“It’s good exercise,“ he agreed, while touting the many benefits to the sport, including the social appeal of being able get out and enjoy nature with a group of people.
Snowshoeing has come a long way from the days of heavy, wooden, beaver-tail-style snowshoes. The technology has advanced greatly, noted Vallee, with companies creating lightweight aluminum snowshoes.
“We used to cross-country ski, but since the new smaller snowshoes have come around, people have adapted to them and they love them, so we’ve pretty much given up on cross-country,” he admitted. “There are still some of the wooden ones, as well, but they’re more of a bear paw so they’re not long, beaver-tailed style like before and are half the size.”
Gorthy added the new snowshoes are much easier to get on and off, making it easier to go through the woods and over any fallen trees.
“It’s so much easier going up and down hills,” she said.
Although Vallee is still a fan of other winter activities, he said snowshoeing offers him the chance to get out and explore areas he may otherwise not be able to see.
“The conditions vary a lot, so I find snowshoeing is more adaptable to that. Even if the snow is a bit wetter, or if you come from the sun into the shade, the snow changes,” he said. “You can get into a lot tighter spots, going around trees and shrubs more so than with skis, especially when you’re making your own trails.”
For most avid snowshoers, breaking their own trails is half the fun. For those who are just being introduced to the activity, Vallee recommended checking out places like the Wye Marsh, which has pre-made trails and offers rentals.
For the more experienced snowshoer, he suggested exploring County of Simcoe forests.
“There’s a nice tract between Penetang and Midland called Martin’s Valley,” he said.
While the sport does require participants to be in decent shape, Vallee quickly pointed out the majority of the club’s members are seniors, with the average age being about 60. However, he said, people of all ages can learn to love this winter activity.
“The experience can vary depending on the snow conditions because of the powder. You feel like you’re floating because of the powder. You can even run if you want to and bounce along,” he said. “Going where you want to go and not having to depend on a trail is a big appeal.”
For Gorthy, the biggest draw is the tranquility she feels while just wandering through the woods and seeing the sunshine dappled in the woods.
“It’s just as much fun to hike, but once the snow comes, you’re ready for it,” she said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity. You’re getting exercise, you’re enjoying nature and it’s nice and peaceful and I love it.”
Vallee said thanks to ever-improving technology, snowshoeing has been quickly gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
“Most people that cross-country probably go to tracks and trails, and there are fees involved with that. With snowshoeing, if you’ve got any piece of property, you can basically go out,” he said. “A lot of Canadians gripe about the long winter … (but) you’re going to get snow regardless if you live in Canada, so you might as well enjoy it.”
Making tracks
Date: Nov 26, 2009
Snowshoeing is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, say members of the Midland Hiking Club.
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