Snow has fallen and not far behind it will be the sound of snowshoes falling atop.
The Winnipeg Beach Snowshoe Club is gearing up for their third season of snowshoeing. The group started during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to get active, get fresh air and social-ize safely. Since then, it’s continued on under the leadership of founder Pat Nuspl of Sandy Hook.
Every Sunday during the winter, the snowshoe club gets together. Usually eight to 15 people head out to trudge through the fluff at a time.
Snowshoeing allows people to stay atop the snow instead of sinking into it as they would with boots on. The traditional winter shoes have been around for thousands of years, being common gear for trappers, traders and people living in the north.
The pastime offers an excellent workout — it’s estimated snowshoeing expends 45 per cent more calories than walking or running. And, because it’s a low-impact activity, it is gentle on joints.
Snowshoeing is the perfect way to stay active in the winter. Anyone who knows how to walk will be able to snowshoe, Nuspl said.
To do the activity, participants need winter clothes, snowshoes, and poles (optional). If people want to try snowshoeing with the Winnipeg Beach Snowshoe Club but don’t have a pair of their own, Nuspl has plenty pairs for people aged 12 and up to borrow at no cost.
Once there’s enough snow on the ground, the group will get going. Light, fluffy snow makes for the best experience, as wet, dense, hard snow is heavy and sticks to the snowshoes. The group meets at the boardwalk entrance in Winnipeg Beach at 1 p.m. each Sunday and then works their way through the beautiful park.
The park in Winnipeg Beach offers trails for people of all skill levels, being challenging at some points and easier to navigate at others.
Nuspl said the entire group will split into three smaller groups, the leading group being the most experienced snowshoers, the back group being the beginners. All skill levels are welcome — Nuspl and other group members are happy to help people learn the activity.
Snowshoeing with the Winnipeg Beach Snowshoe Club is a no commitment activity, too. If people show up one week, they don’t have to show up again if they don’t want to, but are al-ways welcome to join.
Along with offering the winter activity, the Winnipeg Beach Snowshoe Club is a welcoming group of people who have fun together. When the group is out on a beautiful winter day, they’ll have campfires and roast bannock on a stick.
For those wanting to try snowshoeing, all they have to do is be at the boardwalk entrance at 1 p.m. on Sundays this winter. To know when the group is starting, follow their Facebook page at Winnipeg Beach Snowshoe Club.
Nuspl said people needing a pair of snowshoes to rent can contact her by messaging the Facebook page or calling (204) 389-2303. She asks anybody who borrows gear to show up 15 minutes early on the Sunday they are heading out.
