Snow Shoeing the Shore
Methadone for Riders
Words by Cam McRae.
Date: 2009-01-08
It’s pushing a month now since I’ve been on my bike. Everyone on the south coast of B.C. and the Pacific Northwest was wondering when winter would arrive. Well into December we were blessed with some sunny days, mild temps and even the occasional dry plunder on the trails. We figured that despite climate change winter would arrive eventually, but we were unprepared for its speed and enthusiasm. 
When we left Dempsey and Braemar the snow was already deep - and more was on the way.
When the snow came in earnest on Dec. 14th it wasn’t your garden-variety slushy Vancouver dump; it came down for days, soft and fluffy with no sign of stopping. Eventually we got some time above the freezing mark but then it got chilly again so we were left with hard snowbanks and nothing to do but wait until a real thaw. Instead we got more snow and now it looks like it could be spring before the trails are open again. We had 89 cm of snow in December - just two cms short of the record.
If you need more challenge try it with a 60 lb dog walking on the back of your snow shoes.
Not saddling up can leave a big hole in a guy’s recreational day-planner. You could fill that time up with work or beers or hockey games, but I am pretty happy when I find something that gets me out in the woods and conjures some of the same feelings I get from riding a mountain bike. Obviously skiing and snowboarding – particularly if you do some backcountry – are the perfect tonic. Sadly these days it’s pretty tough for me to bugger off for the weekend in the off-season. Finding a local option is key to keeping me sane.
Gordie Moreside of Dizzy Cycles getting extreme on Expresso.
I got some snowshoes for Xmas in 2007 and I thought they would be a good way to stay fit during the winter. I didn’t expect them to be so much fun. Strapping on and heading up and then down some of our favourite trails has become something I look forward to. With the snow as deep as it’s been lately you don’t even need to follow trails – you can just straightline through the trees and see where you end up – or follow old skidder trails or creeks – although they can be sketchy.
Being in the woods in the winter when the snow is coming down feels like a great adventure and everything looks scrubbed and pretty. Every once in awhile a snow-laden cedar or fir will release its load creating a whoosh of snow and air that brews up a mini white out. Game tracks are easy to see and the silence is enough to make a guy write poetry. To keep it from getting too romantic we often pack a beer or a flask for the top - maybe some Bailey's and hot chocolate even – but we always make sure everything stays safe.
We got our bearings at the top of Expresso and then headed towards Upper Oilcan.
Seymour is probably the most popular spot to trudge and you can head up along the well-marked trail at the top by the ski area. The first two peaks are a great walk but I’ve heard the third peak can be a little gnarly in winter. My favourite spot is Fromme, starting out from the Kiosk or anywhere in the Dempsey Braemar zone. The Baden Powell has been well traveled so once we get there we traverse along and then start heading north towards the fire road once we see a good line – trying to take a different route each time. Shoeing on Fromme a is a beauty and, because you are pretty close to town, you don’t need to be quite as prepared as you would for the top of Seymour or Cypress. The cabin area on Cypress is a nice walk as well and you can stop in the hut for some hot chocolate.
People in the know tell me this trail is actually called Expresso - as in the fast way - rather than Espresso, a short italian coffee.
On the way down you can really motor if conditions are good – taking 15-foot steps where it’s steep, running down the mountain and jumping off whatever you can. When I try to go downhill with some speed it’s an even bigger effort than the climb – but much more fun. I usually take a few diggers when my shoes skate under me and then have to struggle clumsily out of some hole. Everybody else seems to keep their shoes under them somehow.
Some riders with more of an XC bent like to run on groomed trails with racing snow shoes but that takes the fun out of it for me. You can get your heart pumping just fine in untracked snow and still have some adventure without getting too serious about it. I'm fine with it if that's what you're into, but I'd prefer not to spot any lycra while I'm out on the snow. 
There was a rut on the fire road where we intersected it but it had about a foot of snow in it when we got there - first tracks of the day.
Not that our adventures aren't a great way to hang on to some fitness. The way up can be a little like riding in a pace line. If the snow is deep and heavy the lead trudger bears much of the burden while those behind can use his or her tracks as stairs. It feels a little like doing intervals. Unless you are smart enough to vary your activities your body might be a little worked from mountain biking. Riders tend to have tight hips, shoulders and hamstrings which means snow shoeing is a great alternative.
It snowed the entire time we were out on our last mission and when we emerged from the woods this car was completely buried and the roads were a mess.
Discovering snow shoeing has been a pleasant surprise. Now instead of waiting impatiently for the snow to melt I can get my fix and keep some of those winter pounds off. Let it snow…but not for too long. Snow shoeing is a little like methadone for riding addicts - it'll keep you from going into withdrawal for awhile but it's not quite the same thing.
Do you like to walk in the woods on snow rackets? Any tips for newbies or favourite routes? Step to the plate here...
Some tips from an inexperienced shoer:
Here on the North Shore Different Bikes in West Van carries Atlas snow shoes (the same kind I have) - and they match the prices at M.E.C and Coast Mountain Sports. They also carry XC skis at the WV location.
Unless it’s really cold, dress lighter than you would to ski or snowboard – and layers are a great idea. You are going to work up a sweat.
Make sure you have an idea of where you are going or you are with someone who does – and leave a route plan with someone at home.
If you are going into the alpine have a look at the avalanche conditions first – and stay in an area you know to be safe if the hazard is up.
Snowshoeing is the most fun on new snow but as long as it’s soft you’ll be fine. If there is a really thick crust on the snow go home and get your bike.
You don’t need much light to snowshoe after dark so night missions are sweet. I use a little Petzl LED and it puts out more than enough lumens.
Snow shoes can put some serious torque on your knees, ankles and hips – especially on the descent – so take it easy if you are inexperienced like me.
If it’s really cold you may be tempted to wear felt pack boots like Sorels but hiking boots are a much better choice for most conditions. A gator of some sort is a good idea if the snow is deep and soft.
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