Experience the Thrill of Snowshoeing in Escanaba
R.R. Bransrom Daily Press
Outside the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center in Escanaba on Tuesday, Recreation Director Kimberly Peterson holds up a pair of snowshoes as the winter weather picks up. Snowshoes are available to rent for free from the center, which is located at 225 N. 21st St.
Snowshoeing: A Winter Adventure Made Easy
ESCANABA — Snowshoeing, the winter sport known for providing a strenuous workout and giving pedestrians access to places that are otherwise difficult to reach in the winter, has a relatively simple learning curve. Through the Delta County Snow Trek program, anyone over the age of 18 with a state ID may rent showshoes for free from the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center in Escanaba.
Snowshoe Rental Program at Catherine Bonifas Civic Center
The Civic Center, located at 225 N. 21st St., is operated by the City of Escanaba Recreation Department. Thanks to a grant issued to Department of Public Health for Delta and Menominee Counties, snowshoes and trekking poles have been available for public use for over 10 years. Some were given to the Civic Center while some were held at Public Health, Delta County. Last year, Public Health gave all of their sets to Civic Center, which is now the only location to check out the gear.
How Snowshoes Work
Snowshoes, which enable the wearer to walk on top of deep snow without sinking, work by dispersing weight across the area of two platforms strapped to the feet. Unlike with skis, no special footwear is required, so regular shoes or boots may be worn — but it is always wise to dress to keep out the cold and wet. Even if the plan is to stay above the snow, tall, waterproof boots or gaiters are a good measure.
The Importance of Poles
Poles often accompany snowshoes; they help with balance and are a way to get the whole body moving, which is a plus if exercise is the goal. Recreation Director Kimberly Peterson said that many people who check out shoes from the civic center opt to leave the poles behind, which she finds surprising. However, forgoing the poles may be a smart move for groups with children; Peterson said that if you give a bunch of kids long stick-like objects, “they’ll just hit each other with them.”
Choosing the Right Size
Since the concept of snowshoeing involves weight distribution, sizing is calculated accordingly. Rather than being designed to fit a particular shoe size, all showshoes are adjustable. The snowshoe an individual requires to navigate wintry terrain properly will be determined by the weight they intend to carry, so before renting a pair, a person would do best to know the combined weight of their body and gear.
The sixteen pairs in the arsenal at the Civic Center range in size from 22 to 36 inches. 22 is ideal for carrying 100 pounds; 36 is best for up to about 280.
Safety and Precautions
While snowshoeing is an activity that can be light and easy, exhaustion can set in unexpectedly — which is especially dangerous in cold weather. Regardless of skill level, all snowshoers should take precautions and be prepared.
Because of the extra effort exerted — through wide strides and high leg lifts — experienced snowshoers recommend planning for a hike about half as long as one would make on a summer day. Water and food help prevent dehydration and keep energy levels up and should be carried along in a pack on the trail, not left in a vehicle. Whether showshoers are going solo or in a group, they should inform another reliable party on the trip’s location and expected conclusion time.
Where to Go Snowshoeing
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says that snowshoeing is permitted on any state land open to the public. When using trails groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoers are to walk next to the groomed tracks. Downhill skiers always have the right of way.
The Civic Center has maps of trails in Delta County, including Escanaba’s West Side Recreation Area and Days River Pathway. As the rentals are allowed out for 48 hours, though, destinations farther away may be explored.
Rental Information
The Civic Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 12 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.