HAVE YOU EVER TRIED SNOWSHOEING?
Snowshoeing is a winter sport and activity that involves walking or hiking on snow using specialized footwear called snowshoes. Snowshoes distribute your weight evenly across a larger surface area, allowing you to walk on top of the snow without sinking.
Snowshoeing has been used for thousands of years as a means of transportation, hunting, and exploration in snowy regions.
The origins of snowshoeing can be traced back to indigenous peoples in North America who used snowshoes for transportation, hunting, and gathering in snowy conditions. The earliest known snowshoe artifacts date back to around 4000 BCE, found in Central Asia.
Indigenous peoples in North America made snowshoes from wood, animal hides, and sinew. They vary in shape and size depending on the region and the intended use. For example, snowshoes used for hunting were larger and had a more pointed shape, while those used for travel were wider and more rounded.
Snowshoeing became more widespread during the 18th and 19th centuries, as European settlers and explorers began to adopt the technology from indigenous peoples. Snowshoes were used by trappers, traders, and military personnel to travel across snowy terrain. They were also used for recreational purposes, with snowshoe clubs and races becoming popular in the late 19th century.
In the 20th century, snowshoeing continued to evolve as materials and technology advanced. Modern snowshoes are made from lightweight materials like aluminum, plastic, and synthetic fabrics. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different terrains and purposes.
Nowadays, snowshoeing has become a popular outdoor recreational activity for people of all ages and fitness levels, and recently is a huge trend in Macedonia. You can rent equipment and do your own trail, or book a tour with a guide.
It's a great way to enjoy the winter scenery and get some exercise while spending time in nature.
The basic technique for snowshoeing is similar to walking, but it requires a wider stance and lifting your feet slightly higher with each step. Snowshoeing can be done on a variety of terrains, from flat and groomed trails to steep and rugged mountains.
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to be active and enjoy the outdoors during the winter months. Here are some of the benefits:
• Full body activation: Hiking with snowshoes is a so-called low-impact activity, which means it slowly increases the heart rate and puts very little pressure on the joints, and strengthens the leg muscles, gluteal muscles, and upper body.
• Burn calories and eliminate toxins: Snowshoeing is an effective way to burn calories and eliminate toxins healthily through sweat. The number of calories burned depends on your weight, the terrain, and the intensity of your snow hiking, therefore regular hydration during the activity is required.
• Low cost: Snowshoeing is a relatively inexpensive winter activity compared to other winter sports. All you need is a pair of waterproof winter boots, warm clothes, and a set of snowshoes with sticks.
• Anyone Can: Snowshoeing is an activity accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It's an activity that can be done at your own pace and adjusted to your fitness level.
• Experiencing nature: Hiking with snowshoes allows you to explore winter landscapes and find yourself in the middle of a snowy fairy tale at +2000 meters above sea level. Just as valuable is breathing clean air, enjoying the peace and quiet, and the level of joy felt after completing the activity.
• Improved balance and coordination: Snowshoeing requires maintaining balance and coordination while navigating the snow. Over time, this activity contributes to developing new psychomotor skills.
• Stress reduction: Like other forms of exercise, snowshoeing can reduce stress and improve your mental well-being. The peaceful surroundings of a mountain and physical activity can help you clear your mind and significantly improve your mood for the period to come.
Try snowshoeing before the snow melts!